Is Bono the greatest rock frontman ever?

[U2OnceAgain]

I think Bono is the greatest rock 'frontman' ever, based on his pre-Vertigo tour performances.

He had more gravitas than Jagger or Mercury and was a more playful and creative entertainer, with his onstage personas.

To go from "f*** the Revolution" to MacPhisto's decadence was very impressive and yet, in a curious way, it didn't come off as insincere.

Reading through this thread, I had been trying unsuccessfully to articulate what I thought made him better than those two, and you put it perfectly.   He has this sheer force of passion in his performances which they don't quite measure up to.

Freddie did it all just being Freddie, he didn't need characters, also he did it long before Bono.

[@lmighty DS]

I think Bono is the greatest rock 'frontman' ever, based on his pre-Vertigo tour performances.

He had more gravitas than Jagger or Mercury and was a more playful and creative entertainer, with his onstage personas.

To go from "f*** the Revolution" to MacPhisto's decadence was very impressive and yet, in a curious way, it didn't come off as insincere.

Reading through this thread, I had been trying unsuccessfully to articulate what I thought made him better than those two, and you put it perfectly.   He has this sheer force of passion in his performances which they don't quite measure up to.

Freddie did it all just being Freddie, he didn't need characters, also he did it long before Bono.

true! good point

[TongueInMyEar]

For me it's between Bono, Robert Plant and Freddie Mercury. Bono probably edges it for me.

miami: Agree completely on Jarvis Cocker, witty, intelligent, unique voice and knows how to hold a crowd's attention. I was lucky enough to see Pulp last year at Hyde Park, I've always been a huge Pulp fan but my girlfriend never really liked them, but she thought they were incredible live, especially Jarvis. I'd love to see them again.

[jackofhearts]

JAMES BROWN. 

[mdmomof7]

Between Mick and Bono

[@lmighty DS]

JAMES BROWN.

or Prince. yes.

[Tumbling Dice]

Technically speaking, a 'frontman' is a member of a band, not a solo artist.

[MLP Midnight]

Technically speaking, a 'frontman' is a member of a band, not a solo artist.

In that sense, Stevie Wonder, Prince, and James Brown aren't really frontman then?

[Tumbling Dice]

Technically speaking, a 'frontman' is a member of a band, not a solo artist.

In that sense, Stevie Wonder, Prince, and James Brown aren't really frontman then?

Not in my view.

[MLP Midnight]

Technically speaking, a 'frontman' is a member of a band, not a solo artist.

In that sense, Stevie Wonder, Prince, and James Brown aren't really frontman then?

Not in my view.

I can understand what you're saying.

I would probably say either Mercury or Bono then.

[Tumbling Dice]

Technically speaking, a 'frontman' is a member of a band, not a solo artist.

In that sense, Stevie Wonder, Prince, and James Brown aren't really frontman then?

Not in my view.

I can understand what you're saying.

I would probably say either Mercury or Bono then.

Michael Hutchence was also a great frontman, and I had the good fortune to see an INXS show at their peak.  Charismatic, sexy and a great singer.

[MLP Midnight]

Technically speaking, a 'frontman' is a member of a band, not a solo artist.

In that sense, Stevie Wonder, Prince, and James Brown aren't really frontman then?

Not in my view.

I can understand what you're saying.

I would probably say either Mercury or Bono then.

Michael Hutchence was also a great frontman, and I had the good fortune to see an INXS show at their peak.  Charismatic, sexy and a great singer.

Actually I forgot about him.

Yeah that's what my dad says too. He went to see them with a girlfriend of his a long time back I believe.

[mattressjedi]

Technically speaking, a 'frontman' is a member of a band, not a solo artist.

I agree. In order to be a frontman, you have to be in front of something that's part of a larger whole: like a group. You can't just be in front of a backing band.

Most artists have backing bands but Prince is a solo artist who isn't a part of a group. Same with James Brown, Springsteen etc. etc.

[xy]

Liam Gallagher ? That's, uh, an interesting choice.

I think it's hard to rank this because so many people automatically vote for the 60's greats : Jagger, Plant, Daltrey (has he been named yet in this thread?), Morrison and the 70's heir Mercury*. Then the next generation came with Bono/Stipe etc as for 90's and onwards...I guess Vedder is on top ?

*he's made solo albums too but they say Springsteen is up there with the best frontmen live.

[mattressjedi]

Liam Gallagher ? That's, uh, an interesting choice.

I think it's hard to rank this because so many people automatically vote for the 60's greats : Jagger, Plant, Daltrey (has he been named yet in this thread?), Morrison and the 70's heir Mercury*. Then the next generation came with Bono/Stipe etc as for 90's and onwards...I guess Vedder is on top ?

*he's made solo albums too but they say Springsteen is up there with the best frontmen live.

I don't consider Springsteen to be a frontman.  The E Street Band, for all of its charm, is just one of his backing bands. He writes, arranges, and produces the material and they play his stuff.
Basically, you cannot count anyone who use their name followed by "and the [insert band name here]   as a front man.
Bruce is, and always has been, at least since the early '70's, a solo artist.