Top 10 Goth Icons

Lots of gothic rock icons have captured the emotions and imaginations of music fans across the globe, but the legacy of Peter Murphy and Bauhaus might have had the most commercial impact of them all. Indeed, Murphy’s rich baritone vocals and striking physical presence have resonated with both fans and others artists worldwide. With his unique style and flair, the “Godfather of Goth” has influenced bands from both the gothic rock genre and beyond. The world of goth may have its fair share of iconic frontmen and performers, but there’s only one Peter Murphy.

All hail this blood sucking, trance-inducing, soul seducing goth icon. Hungary-born actor Bela Lugosi played a multitude of characters over the course of his illustrious acting career, but it’s his portrayal of Bram Stoker’s legendary Count Dracula that cemented his legacy as one of the founding fathers of cinematic horror. It’s difficult even now for many horror fans to describe any old school vampire archetype without almost immediately going into an imitation of Lugosi’s rich, distinct accent as Dracula, and with good reason: the actor simply disappeared into the role.

This England-born magician and occultist earned a reputation as “The Most Wicked Man in the World.” Aleister Crowley was famed for pursuing occult study during the late 1800s into the early twentieth century, and established the religious philosophy known as Thelema. Crowley also joined the ranks of other magick circles, including the Ordo Templi Orientis, and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Calling himself “The Great Beast,” Crowley, his character and his works left an impact on rockers like David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. Page would even go on to purchase Crowley’s former home and featured the residence in the Zeppelin film “The Song Remains the Same.”

Cassandra Peterson serves as the brains and body behind the woman we know as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Peterson dabbled in all forms of show biz before creating what ultimately became her career defining role, a character that first took shape while she was a member of The Groundlings improv troupe. For Elvira, Peterson mixed a wise-cracking, Valley Girl attitude with sexy, gothic chic - a combination that was tailor-made for her cult TV series, “Elvira’s Movie Macabre”. After that, Elvira’s status as a gothic and horror icon was quickly cemented and even led to a feature length movie of her own in 1988.

Elvira may have brought gothic beauty to the mainstream, but it was this gothic rock legend that started the fire. Siouxsie Sioux fronted Siouxsie and the Banshees starting in the mid-’70s, drawing immediate attention thanks in part not only to the band’s dissonant, atmospheric sound, but also for Sioux’s striking visual appearance. Whether she was sporting severe makeup, wild hair or simply calling out to fans with her impossibly captivating eyes, Siouxsie Sioux’s impact as a global icon of gothic fashion proved almost immediate, as she connected and resonated with fans as a figurehead of the movement. Not surprising as she’s been named one of Britain’s most influential singers of the rock era.

“The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Pit and the Pendulum” are just two of the classic, morbidly macabre stories torn from the dark and brilliant mind of author Edgar Allan Poe, serving as some of the most important slices of gothic horror fiction put to paper. And of course, we can’t forget to mention “The Raven.” Romantic, tragic and melancholic, the works of Poe have gone on to heavily influence many aspects of goth culture, from their mannerisms to their preoccupation with the darker sides of life. Although Poe himself possessed a troubled soul, the themes and ideas behind his work continue to inspire artists from music, literature and film and have ensured that Edgar Allan Poe’s spirit will live on forever.

Ozzy Osbourne may lurk in the darkness, but there’s only one Godfather of shock rock, and his name is Alice Cooper. No one has mastered the art of making macabre, theatrical hard rock quite like the man once known as Vincent Furnier, thanks to his vicious yet charismatic stage persona, Alice. Once just the vocalist in the band Alice Cooper before he literally took the name as his own, Cooper grew from playing hard edged psychedelic rock to creating full-blown rock operas with stage shows that incorporated bloody, visceral theatrics, including hangings, a guillotine, and even a giant Frankenstein’s monster! It’s this commitment to scaring us and shocking us that has earned Alice Cooper an unchallenged icon status.

#3: Marilyn Manson

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There are very few rock musicians out there that can be the visual focal point of attention, no matter where they are, but Marilyn Manson is one of those few. Born Brian Hugh Warner in Canton, Ohio, Manson grew up idolizing shock rockers like Alice Cooper before he eventually moved on to influence others with his confrontational yet theatrical combination of gothic visual atmosphere, industrial menace and riff-heavy metal. His extremely intelligent personality and unique lyrics set him apart from the metal pack, however, and made Marilyn Manson a one-of-a-kind entity all its own.

#2: Tim Burton

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If one were to distill classic goth extravagance into just one style of cinema, it’s very likely that director Tim Burton might be at the top of a very short list of options. There’s just something immediate, opulent, and just kind of... “off” about Burton’s rich artistic vision. The filmmaker has carved a career out of imagining incredibly detailed worlds and characters and bringing them to life, while at the same time endearing himself to millions of movie fans in the process. Burton, together with his frequent collaborators Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, have a style all their own; often imitated, never duplicated and very, very cool. Before we reveal our top goth icon, here are a few morbidly honorable mentions! Amy Lee Rob Zombie Ian Curtis Trent Reznor

#1: Robert Smith

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What can we say about this undeniable figurehead of the gothic rock scene? Although much has been said about how Robert Smith has influenced nearly every facet of gothic rock with his visual flair and tormented vocal style, go back and listen to such killers as The Cure’s “A Forest,” or “One Hundred Years” and you’ll hear dark, yet incredibly inventive guitar playing. Meanwhile, Smith’s commercial appeal as an incredibly talented songwriter and arranger have been equally well documented on such hits as “Lullaby”, “Lovesong” and “Pictures of You,” which have made this goth icon a man of both style AND skill. Do you agree with our list? Which goth icons deserve to be recognized for their contributions? For more fabulous top ten lists, published every day, please subscribe to WatchMojo.com!