I have to give it to Freddie Mercury of Queen because he exuded so much charisma, and was such a showman that you couldn't help but watch him. Scott Weiland of the Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver was also phenomenal. He could slither across the stage like no other and had a stage presence that commanded attention. Who would you say is the best frontman or frontwoman of all time? Do any current bands fit the bill?
Rusty Messages: 1156 Registered: May 2018 Location: Kansas City Missouri
Illuminati (3rd Degree)
Back in my clubbin' days I'd look forward to seeing a band that made the circuit in my parts a couple times a year. Little Charlie & The Nightcats, a jump blues band. The front man Rick Estrin, (we'd call him Rick Estrogen). Anyway, he had a stage persona that seemed straight out of old Tex Avery cartoons wolf character.
Cool cat and a good harmonica player. Charlie Baty the guitarist was deadly.
He was an excellent harmonica player too. Sadly, I think Baty passed away a few months ago.
Jim Morrison gets my vote. As for modern guys, well I can't think of any. I think Imagine Dragons is an excellent band with genuine talent, but the lead singer doesn't stand out more than anyone else. I often watch their bassist, Ben McKee, instead because he really gets into it. Axl Rose was no more noticeable than Slash. The Nickelback guys all kind of blend together.
I think Paramore's lead singer, Hayley Williams, is the best modern frontwoman. Tastes change and the makings of a great frontman or frontwoman isn't the same thing we fawned over years ago.
Leot55 wrote on Sat, 28 November 2020 16:32
I often watch their bassist, Ben McKee, instead because he really gets into it.
I seek him out too because he makes the funniest faces.
I think what makes a good frontman/frontwoman is different depending on genre. Someone fronting a folk band has to put out a different kind of energy than someone who leads a death metal band.
But, overall, does the frontman/frontwoman have charisma? Do they seem relatable to the audience as a person? Do they hold the group together? I think these elements all go into making a good frontman/frontwoman.
Rusty Messages: 1156 Registered: May 2018 Location: Kansas City Missouri
Illuminati (3rd Degree)
My personal vote for all time most historically significant and dynamic frontman would be James Brown, hands down. Saw him once as an older performer but still able to swivel those feet of his to a blur. And, charisma? Off the charts. Get down. Uuuuuuuhhh!