Top 10 Frontmen of All Time (REDUX)

He’s not only a co-founder, but also the main songwriter, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of one of heavy metal’s most successful bands. By helping to craft Metallica’s early fast-paced and aggressive complex compositions, Hetfield positioned the band as one of thrash metal’s big four. With his recognizable roar and their technically astounding performances, he led Metallica to mainstream success and turned them into leaders of the genre.

Since Alice Cooper is technically the name of the artist and the band he fronts, we’re putting “The Godfather of shock rock” on our list. Inspired by horror imagery, he crafted elaborate stage shows laden with execution devices, fake blood and reptiles. He then upped the shock factor by dressing up to match! His heavy metal sound and showmanship have also set the stage for many shock rockers thereafter.

Bruce Dickinson wowed with a range that reached practically operatic proportions. He didn’t only seamlessly meld his showmanship with Iron Maiden’s theatrical live shows but also helped give the band their first UK chart-topper with The Number of the Beast. While he’d have been ranked higher if he had a bigger songwriting role, it can’t be denied he helped Iron Maiden spearhead the New Wave of British Metal.

With a scream as iconic and powerful as any sound in rock, Daltrey had the energy and presence of multiple frontmen. Able to adjust his voice to emote with any change in mood or characterization that The Who’s songwriter, Pete Townshend, presented him, Daltrey was a live performer through and through – and one who helped pioneer the rock opera alongside his equally talented bandmates. With standout rock moves and confidence galore, Daltrey was undoubtedly a voice of his generation. And what a voice it was.

You might think he’s pretentious, but you gotta give Bono credit for making U2 one of the world’s biggest bands. The singer and lyricist’s ego isn’t so big that he doesn’t appreciate his fans: besides his humanitarian work, Bono gives back through crowd interaction during shows. With his theatrical performances and diverse vocal range, he also brings U2’s songs to life and sells millions of records worldwide.

With Black Sabbath, the Prince of Darkness set the blueprint for heavy metal and countless subgenres. Alongside Tony Iommi’s big bad riffs, Ozzy’s signature vocals made for an original, dark and heavy blues-rock sound. But it was after leaving that the “Godfather of heavy metal” took his stage antics to the next level, as his shocking theatrics kept him the center of attention and increased his appeal and success.

The Lizard King, Mr. Mojo Risin’ and a counterculture icon, Morrison was more than your average frontman: his unmistakable voice, poetic lyrics, and wild antics onstage and off made him one of rock music’s most engaging and influential lead singers. Both a crooner and a swaggering rock star who could perform a ballad as easily as he could an unhinged scream-fest, Morrison oozed sex and rock and roll, and made everyone take notice – for better or worse.

The Rolling Stones’ explosive combination of rock ‘n’ roll wouldn’t be the same without Mick Jagger’s expressive vocals and uninhibited showmanship. Pair him with Keith Richards’ unforgettable guitar riffs, and you’ve got a songwriting partnership that’s brought us decades of hits. With Mick’s raw voice and incessant on-stage energy, it’s no surprise The Stones are often cited as one of rock’s must-see live bands – there’s just no one with the “moves like Jagger.”

This rock god was as famous for his onstage moans and screams as for his wild offstage rep. Plant enhanced Led Zeppelin’s repertoire with his lyrical contributions, but it was his emotional and bluesy vocal range that was simply unrivalled – and, when combined with Jimmy Page’s incomparable guitar solos, it was a match made in hard rock heaven. With his energy, dance moves, and sex appeal, Plant truly came alive in concert and showed a “whole lotta love” to the crowd.

Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Dave Grohl; Foo Fighters
- Axl Rose; Guns N’ Roses
- David Lee Roth; Van Halen
- Steven Tyler; Aerosmith
- Ronnie James Dio; Dio / Black Sabbath / Rainbow
- Bruce Springsteen; The E Street band / Solo

When it comes to being a frontman, Freddie Mercury was the whole package: he had a lively stage presence, theatrical vocals that reached four octaves, and a knack for writing some of the greatest rock melodies ever. His big personality was perfect for Queen’s anthemic tunes. Alongside Brian May’s virtuoso guitar abilities, Mercury poured his heart and soul into his performances and helped the band sell out stadiums worldwide.

Do you agree with our list? Who is your favorite frontman of all time? Don’t forget to check out our videos on the Top 10 Frontmen in Rock and the Top 10 Frontmen in Heavy Metal and Hard Rock for more of your favorite leading men, and be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com for more top 10s published every day.