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By Luke Lewis

Posted on 24/09/08 at 01:44:23 pm

We've just launched an online poll to determine the greatest frontperson of all time.

iggy

What makes a great frontman or woman? Clearly, it's not just about vocal ability. Iggy Pop "sings" like a lobotomised donkey yet he's utterly magnetic onstage.

At the same time, if can't just be a question of flamboyant 'showmanship'. If it were, uninhibited berks like Justin Hawkins would dominate the field.

muse

Evidently, the quality we're looking for is a little harder to define – an alchemical mix of looks, charisma, virtuosity and sexuality. Just let's not call it the 'X factor', shall we?

Click here to start voting.

In the mean time, here's the shortlist in full (and in no order whatsoever). Who have we overlooked? Moreover, who deserves to win? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

continued...

Debbie Harry
James Dean Bradfield
Iggy Pop
Robert Smith
Ian Curtis
Jeff Buckley
Jimi Hendrix
Liam Gallagher
Matt Bellamy
James Hetfield
Axl Rose
Zack De La Rocha
Pete Doherty
Karen O
Courtney Love
Kurt Cobain
Frank Black
Bruce Dickinson
Robert Plant
David Lee Roth
Freddie Mercury
Jim Morrisson
Steven Tyler
Mick Jagger
Billie Joe Armstrong
Bono
Morrissey
Gerard Way
Chuck D
Joe Strummer
Trent Reznor
Thom Yorke
Bobby Gillespie
Jack White
Marilyn Manson
Henry Rollins
Jarvis Cocker
Damon Albarn
Dave Grohl
Vince Neil
Lemmy
Siouxsie Sioux
Bon Scott
Billy Corgan
Alex Kapranos
Ricky Wilson
Brandon Flowers
Johnny Borrell
Brody Armstrong
Richard Ashcroft
Alice Glass
Eddie Vedder
Kim Deal
Mike Skinner
Kele Okereke
Anthony Kiedis
Jenny Lewis
Hayley Williams
Frank Carter
Simon Neil
James Allan
Andrew Vanwyngarden
Caleb Followill
Alex Turner
Josh Homme
Pink Eyes
Ian Brown
Jello Biafra
Tom Clarke
Tom Meighan
Ian MacKaye
Win Butler
Ray Davies
Chris Martin
Lovefoxxx
Ryan Jarman
Carl Barat
Paul Banks
Paul Weller
Luke Pritchard
Paul Smith
Brendon Urie
Keith Flint
John Lydon
Michael Stipe
Julian Casablancas
Jason Pierce
Katie White
Ezra Koenig
Brett Anderson
Shaun Ryder
Marc Bolan
Roger Daltrey
James Skelly
Lee Mavers
Yannis Philippakis
Lou Reed
Corey Taylor
Perry Farrell

1067 comments

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Steve [Visitor] //October 19 2008 at 16:23
How could Springsteen not be on the list. Was a great fan of the Clash, but to sayStrummer was better on stage is a joke. Bono is a great frontman but same applies. Springsteen in the 70's was undoubtedly the greatest. In the 80's 90's and now he is still up there with the best o them.
Rob Kingsford (liverpool) [Visitor] //October 2 2008 at 12:58
Ladyhawke. Most important female singer of the last 25 years
Bop [Visitor] //October 2 2008 at 04:18
How come they missed Mike Patton?
iknowR&R [Visitor] //October 2 2008 at 02:43
Robert Plant, Perry Farrel and Lemmy
Tim [Visitor] //October 17 2008 at 07:54
Michael Hutchence (INXS)
Renee [Visitor] //October 2 2008 at 01:56
Bono, hands down. If you've ever been to a U2 show, there's no way you could vote for anyone else...
haydn tinker [Visitor] //October 2 2008 at 00:51
too hard - iggy pop, bob dylan, bob marley, chris martin, most likely Thom Yorke or Zack De La Roche
Anya [Visitor] //October 15 2008 at 09:43
Matt Bellamy kicks dirt in the face of all other frontmen. It's so painfully obvious that he doesn't even need to win. Sexy as fuck, insanely talented, out-of-this-world charasmatic and compelling. What's this bollocks I read above about him not qualifying 'cos he never talks to the crowd?! When you play and sing like he does, you don't sodding well need to. That man can stoke an audience into a frenzy with the raising of one arm, for Christ's sake. And some of these candidates were just added as joke, right?! Johnny Borrell?! That tool from the Kooks?! Must be having a damn good laugh back at the NME office.
yeahhhhh [Visitor] //October 15 2008 at 14:49
TIM BURGESS :D
babyface chile andrea vega [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 23:35
bono is very sexy excelent men is delicious elegant and sensual is hurricane of love
LEEDS SPAIN [Visitor] //October 14 2008 at 12:18
MATT BELLAMY !! (WITH THE PERMISSION OF FREDDIE MERCURY)
[Visitor] //October 2 2008 at 00:13
Liam Gallagher, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison
[Visitor] //October 2 2008 at 00:19
Bono without a doubt!!!!
babyface chile andrea vega [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 23:35
bono is very sexy excelent men is delicious , beautiful elegant and sensual is hurricane of love
kenny [Visitor] //October 2 2008 at 13:33
ian brown n liam gallagher r the greatest frontmen ever! no doubt
babyface chile [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 23:33
bono is very sexy excelent men is delicious , beautiful elegant and sensual is hurricane of love
marcy [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 22:48
BONO...who else!!!! HE HAS IT ALL AND THEN SOME...
me. [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 23:06
Jarvis Cocker. There are no words.
[Visitor] //October 14 2008 at 16:57
MARC BOLAN
Myke [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 22:16
U2 singer Bono Vox...no question!
Vivian Hawkins [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 21:57
John Lydon is by far the greatest most entertaining front man ever. Iggy Pop, Deb Harry and JOe Strummer werent bad either.. .Rotten deff put shcok value to awesome use
sammy [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 21:59
Morrisey, John Lydon, and David Johansen
Vivian Hawkins [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 21:57
John Lydon is by far the greatest most entertaining front man ever. Iggy Pop, Deb Harry and JOe Strummer werent bad either.. .Rotten deff put shcok value to awesome use
paul fox [Visitor] //October 2 2008 at 12:56
jim morrison
jason [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 21:46
id have to give it to james hetfield as the best frontman of all time
Abbas Panjwani [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 21:05
Alice Glass. She's like a religion onstage.
James F [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 20:43
Brett Lewis Anderson! Sexy, mesmerising and hilarious. There's not enough compliments i can give this man
[Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 20:38
Frank Carter plz
[Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 20:35
Bono!
phill [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 20:26
dave grohl can fuck off he is by far the worst. If i had to sit in wembley stadium and watch him play everlong solo while looking like a lego man since he's so far away, i'd throw him back on the drumstool and teach him his fucking paradiddles!!!
imi [Visitor] //October 2 2008 at 10:24
A GREAT front man, guys! That is and always will be... the one and only.... Buddy Holly.
[Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 19:37
alice glass
Skip Stone [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 19:38
Seeing that a solo act isn't exactly a frontman for a band since it involves the name of the person, you can eliminate a lot of these people. So I'd have to say, historically, Mick Jagger is probably the most recognised and greatest frontperson in a band ever.
tomethy [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 19:49
Faris Rotter has been overlooked clearly
The Man [Visitor] //October 14 2008 at 14:09
Bono is a douchebag. Matt Bellamy should win. Zack De La Rocha, Jeff Buckley, Thom Yorke should be high up. Liam whats-his-face from Oasis should be in the minuses.
NME Out of Time? [Visitor] //October 14 2008 at 14:01
And on the eighth day, God created Springsteen...says it all
Oscar [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 19:20
Mathew Bellamy, I think Bono is amazing, but the energy and execution of Bellamy is just crazy!!
Jordan-Lee Johnstone [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 19:23
Bono... Always Bono
Mox [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 19:25
Freddie Mercury then Dave Gahan
randall [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 19:21
Axl Rose- ok so he's an egotistical dick.... but so was elvis, lennon and hitler
Callaby [Visitor] //October 14 2008 at 14:03
I would say either Axl Rose, Jim Morrison or Jimi Hendrix. I dont think you should have included some of the recent acts in the list, i wouldn't even consider bands like glasvegas in any kind of list like this. alot of the bands at the moment are mediocre, will never play to as many people as the greats or sell a fraction of the amount of records.
Oscar [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 19:19
Mathew Bellamy
Andrea [Visitor] //October 14 2008 at 19:31
I voted Morrissey, for I find him very charming. He's got everything a frontperson need. He's very talented.
icha [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 17:51
bonoooooo
martin [Visitor] //October 14 2008 at 21:28
robert smith on the first positions? are you kidding me?? what kind of frontman is that? he is totally weird and freak, dont do nothing on the stage, dont talk to people, dont entertain, just freaking borring with his gothic band! Was IN in 80s someone should tell him its over!
Pidge [Visitor] //October 19 2008 at 20:20
Where's Matt Bowman on that list?! frikkin' awesome! Him & Ricky Wilson - SOO much energy!
Yanis [Visitor] //October 15 2008 at 13:06
you sexy mother fucker - Price
Agent Black [Visitor] //October 19 2008 at 20:16
You're all a bunch of fucking slaves
The Black Acid [Visitor] //October 19 2008 at 20:19
Frank Zappa - blatantly
Anna [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 14:50
Bille Joe Armstrong, Kurt Cobain or Matt Bellamy? Yes, and there is Alex Turner, too! Difficult choice. Well - let's say: Billie Joe Armstrong.
Jonny Roe [Visitor] //October 17 2008 at 10:40
Liam Gallagher without a doubt. And Mick Jagger. The rest do nothing like idiots
Mikey [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 17:27
There's bound to be a age thing here. For one thing, a lot of today's so called front people do not have the charisma or energy of days gone by. With that in mind - you have to look at John Lydon and Iggy Pop - both different, but both mesmerising - and both have stood the test of time! Probably a lot of younger people will not relate to that - but look back and think what these guys went through to get themselves heard. Very often, being in a band today does not come with the extra baggage these guys had to contend with.
bubcakes [Visitor] //October 14 2008 at 16:08
morrissey morrissey morrissey!
SJT [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 17:11
RICKY WILSON
[Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 14:26
VEDDER. awesome pipes, incredible energy, his emotion when singing creates an empathy with the crowd thats one of contemporary rock's greatest experiences
will [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 16:59
james allan - glasvegas.
EvilJim667 [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 16:46
David Yow - terrifying and electrifying, sang like a hostage at gunpoint, but was captivating when crowdurfing naked!
sparkes [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 15:52
bloody hell no Miles Hunt!
gill [Visitor] //September 25 2008 at 10:16
i liked alex turner until he formed that awful band: last shadow puppets, writing the name of the band makes me ill in itself. Alex; what have done?? i used to respect, bring out the new monkeys album asap, you have a chance to prove yourself once again. oh yeh Doherty is a twat but a good muscian x much love x
Beautiful [Visitor] //September 25 2008 at 10:13
Erm i think your forgettin david bryn .. talking heads seriously..
Jackson Pollard [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 14:54
Dave Grohl is the all time ultimate frontman
Suz [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 13:50
Brian Molko!!
Billy [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 14:34
Axl Rose. Do you know where you are? you're in the jungle baby!
hmm [Visitor] //October 14 2008 at 21:13
Among the missing: Natacha Le Jeune from A.S. Dragon and Valérie Leulliot from Autour de Lucie, you insular sods. And Shane MacGowan. Mike Scott.
coco [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 22:46
john lydon is the best put him in your top selection and he will win, or are you afraid of the truth! the truth is out there!
Fiona [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 07:42
Bono!!! Bono!!! Bono!!!
Cathrine [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 07:47
Julian Casablancas, Alex Turner or Brandon Flowers...
cuthbert_mf [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 07:39
it seems a majority of people are just picking their favourite band's frontmen. A good frontman is the most charasmatic and best shoman. most of the bands mentioned on this list are faves of mine, but i bet you that if you were to ask the current crop of bands, they would be telling you about those who inspired them - Mercury, Morrisey, Hendrix and more from these eras. These are the people that deserve this title (not Borrell, Bellamy or Barat - no matter how good they are)
Duuuude [Visitor] //September 25 2008 at 08:30
Matthew Bellamy for his energy on stage
miss y [Visitor] //October 19 2008 at 19:48
Robert Plant! no contest.
Yuri [Visitor] //September 25 2008 at 05:30
Morrissey, Robert Smith or Ian Curtis, please.
Mark [Visitor] //October 15 2008 at 18:20
Richard Ashcroft
Ash Barratt [Visitor] //October 19 2008 at 12:59
Micheal Head - Shack!
neil chorley [Visitor] //October 14 2008 at 20:49
awl rose greastest frontman off all time !!! end of
David LO [Visitor] //October 16 2008 at 20:27
What about Dave Gaham and Michael Hutchence, COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David LO [Visitor] //October 16 2008 at 20:27
What about Dave Gaham and Michael Hutchence, COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 05:56
BOB MARLEY!!
yusyusyus [Visitor] //September 25 2008 at 07:53
joe strummer is the best frontman of all time. no one else comes close. he interacts with the audience and makes you feel as ONE with him. full of passion and life. he is 4real. even richey manic knows that.
Rebecca [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 03:09
Bono -no question!
J Harris [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 03:15
Hi, I know they're old but can you really leave out Elvis Presley and John Lennon? Maybe we need a definition of frontperson.
Nabo [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 00:27
Brandon FLowers
Seto [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 23:40
No one ever could be the half of Freddie Mercury. Take a look to Live Aid DVD.
Lryical Terrorist [Visitor] //October 19 2008 at 12:27
Has to be Lydon of course. As Sid says in the Filth and the Fury, he was the total anti-star. He was really snidey, danced robotically and generally took the piss out of everyone. And the crowd loved him for it. Unfortunatley people look at him today and they let that cloud their opion of him, they forget how utterly important he was and is to British music. Without the sex pistols and frontman Rotten, how many of todays bands would we have. When they played Manchester (x2) look how many bands they spawned... Buzzcocks (and derivatives) Joy Division (New Order), The Smiths, The Fall, and who can forget Mick Hucknell (Simply Red). 'I wanna be Anarchist, Get Pissed, Destroy!' indeed...
gisela [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 23:33
i love you BONO
Propaganda Member Sick of Remasters & Africa [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 22:55
I'd vote for Bono but his eye is off the ball. (Hurry on and make some new music you property-developing number-crunching plank!) So it goes to Mick Jagger imho, he has the swagger, the style, the voice, the trail of women and the lines on his face to take the prize...
Lowri [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 22:42
DEBBIE HARRY. no one else comes close.
kristen [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 22:40
the current standings are bull! how is Robert Smith beating Morrissey?! all Smith does is sit and look melancholy Morrissey does to but he has odd movement that makes him different and eccentric, and fans run up just to touch him also Kurt Cobain sucks i dont know why he is # 4!??? oh yeah and take some of those nobody people like the lead singer of that band Crystal Castles out and put some real talent in!!!!!!!! i do not see PETER GABRIEL in GENSIS but you have the nerve to put someone with so little talent like dare i say it Pink Eyes up there!!! very disappointing to see your choices , well at least you had Ian Brown up there but ROBERT SMITH should not beat MORRISSEY! thats all i have to say :l
Lord Wack [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 22:35
How about... Freddie Mercury Kurt Cobain Gordon Downie Syd Barrett
kristen [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 22:40
the current standings are bull! how is Robert Smith beating Morrissey?! all Smith does is sit and look melancholy Morrissey does to but he has odd movement that makes him different and eccentric, and fans run up just to touch him also Kurt Cobain sucks i dont know why he is # 4!??? oh yeah and take some of those nobody people like the lead singer of that band Crystal Castles out and put some real talent in!!!!!!!! i do not see PETER GABRIEL in GENSIS but you have the nerve to put someone with so little talent like dare i say it Pink Eyes up there!!! very disappointing to see your choices , well at least you had Ian Brown up there but ROBERT SMITH should not beat MORRISSEY! thats all i have to say :l
Milyncia [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 22:34
Answer to winner=sexy + voice + love = Bono
Callum [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 22:29
B-O-B M-A-R-L-E-Y-!
Stuart [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 22:22
Bono and Dave Gahan - both have energy and total stage presence.
Michelle [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 22:19
JIM MORRISON!!!!
Sidney Vicious [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 12:48
John Lydon is the hands down winner but given a run for his money by Marc Bolan
[Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 22:11
Bono
Lyz [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 22:14
BonoVox of course!!
Boris [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 22:12
I would say Bono for his stage presence and ego. Some of these modern guys are great musicians and performers but just not annoying enough to be an amazing frontline. These guys are not opinionated enough. The only modern guy I can think of that comes close is Borrell.
Dotty [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 21:53
What a silly question. Of course it's Bono. He's kept the band together over the years & is still married to his one & only wife & he's not frightened to shout it from the roof tops that he still adores her. No need for him to hang a different woman on his arm every few years like some I could mention, (Rod, are you listening?) There are a lot of people who say they dont like U2 but as soon as their tour hits town everyone wants a ticket! And he is the SEXIEST man alive.
bono [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 21:30
es el mejor x lejos
Mm [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 21:39
It's f***ing Freddie!!! Mm
u2 [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 21:20
BONO
Diogo [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 20:57
Morrissey, Bobby G, and Cedric Bixler-Zavala, which you've forgotten. But I guess it's the nme, innit?
will [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 20:56
julian casablancas or carl barat
14yellow14 [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 20:42
U2 is the best live band ever (remember the Live Aid, the ZOO TV, the halftime show of the superbowl...) and Bono is... simply is Bono!!!
Dan [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 20:02
Kurt johnny borrell is a twat
Ben [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 19:51
Morrissey, Freddie Mercury, Bono, Thom Yorke, Kurt Cobain
tim kero [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 19:35
pete doherty!!!! or brett anderson
Joe Watson [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 19:34
Andrew Vanwyngarden all the way at the moment! he doesnt do much but when he does its amasing. I saw MGMT at reading and it felt like i was at a hendrix gig. I think Joe Strummer and Billy Joe are also pretty powerful
Bruce B [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 18:53
Chris Martin would LOVE me to vote for him, but sorry fella, it's gotta be BONO!!
MONKEY [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 18:44
JOHN FUCKING LYDON
Elise [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 18:22
I can't believe you overlooked Michael Hutchence!!! I say one of the following: Freddie Mercury, Jim Morrison, Mark Bolan, Bono, Eddie Vedder or Jeff Buckley!!!
diegocendra [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 17:38
damon albarn
thomas [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 17:36
absolut,freddie mercury this was the best frontman ever
[Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 17:34
Bono - enough said.
Mark C [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 17:35
Gill is a pube. The Last Shadow Puppets are the bollocks. Liam Ian Brown Lydon
chuff monkey [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 17:30
liam gallaghhaaaaaa
Oz [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 17:24
Let's be serious more than half of these people don't deserve to be on this list. 3 Greatest frontmen live and ever were obviously: 3. Iggy Pop 2.Jimi Hendrix 1. JIM FUCKING MORRISON I mean how the hell can you compare these 3 with mediocre shite like Johnny Borrell, Brandon Flowers, Ricky Wilson, Chris martin, Bono e.t.c. There's no way they'd have the balls to attempt the things Iggers,Jimi and Morrison used to do effortlessly.
ugh! [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 17:27
clearly it's bono, but a more pressing issue is how Lennon is up for this. The Beatles had a front man? If they did, I think Ol' Mac at least deserves a shot at it.
Astrid [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 16:52
1. Freddy Mercury 2. Bono 3. Mick Jagger
James [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 14:26
Eddie Vedder or Matt Bellamy for me...
Judy [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 16:04
Billie Joe Armstrong,...hands down!
Hannah [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 15:55
Alex Turner, for me :)
Patricia [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 15:55
Matt Bellamy, hands down.
Jack Keenan [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 15:45
Bono.....period...end of sentence
In one ear and out your mother [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 15:38
Steve Perry for sheer ripping vocal ability. For dress sense...tight 80s jeans and tux coat with tails...not so much.
Robinbrevard [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 15:34
Now, do we *really* want Bono to lose this vote, and have to see him conduct a press conference -- vowing to remain on his knees, fasting, until the public grants him the title of "Greatest Frontperson Ever"? I think not. Let's save ourselves the agony, already, and just give it to him!! 8 - }
colinbass [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 15:31
Sting or Bono. There should be a requirement to this contest excluding anyone who hasn't been around for at LEAST 20 years, maybe 25, and still ALIVE. Oh, and someone whom people have actually HEARD OF. If we're talking "Best Frontperson Ever", isn't that a little akin to induction into the Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame? Young upstarts don't get in, no matter how good they may be. People, quit being stupid and voting for...oh my god, like totally...your favorite band RIGHT NOW! And spit out that nasty, sugary bubble gum.
Damiancito [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 15:28
I should vote for the one & only MARK ARM
Andy [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 15:26
JAMES DEAN BRADFIELD!! The guy is a legend.
Massimo from Padova (italy) [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 15:21
in the world only Bono - frontman the History
Tom Smith [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 13:57
Pete Doherty
@urelio, Venice, Italy [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 13:26
Bono Vox from O'Connel Street.
Me [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 13:43
Freddie Mercury. No doubt. Songwriters knob; voice and showman. (hands down)
radders [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 13:59
Bono!!!! the best ever!!!
Britney S. [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 12:29
Me, Me, Me!
ange [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 13:02
robert smith, why include the others?
Jacques Brel [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 12:27
Myself
CHAZ [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 12:30
Where's Dave Mustaine?? Slung out of Metallica and rather than sulking just made a better thrash band! He has kept Megadeth goin for over two decades even though I'm sure he is a pain to work with. If anyone is the face of a band, it's Mustaine!
phoenix [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 12:19
Bono with out a doubt!!!!!
Declan [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 11:44
It's Mick Jagger, obviously.
Declan [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 11:44
It's Mick Jagger, obviously.
Magsieboy [Visitor] //September 30 2008 at 11:55
Has to be Bono,hes been kicking it for 30 years and going strong ,see the band live to see what i mean,then Liam G just for attitude !
michael tee [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 14:20
marc bolan
youngb [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 13:28
Reznor of NIN
2 [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 13:14
mike patton <3
Karl-1100 [Visitor] //October 19 2008 at 11:51
The greatest frontmen were Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin and Jimi Hendrix.
Tom E [Visitor] //October 19 2008 at 08:43
Bono, Bono, Bono and Bono again all over. I have seen pretty much every group I'd want to see live. There are many many great frontmen/women. But Bono is MAGNETIC, ENCHANTING, POETIC and UPLIFTING
Jim Morrison [Visitor] //October 19 2008 at 02:13
Myself, Jim Morrison... I've been shacked up in Venice Beach all these years and everyone thinks I'm dead...
[Visitor] //October 19 2008 at 04:28
no one writes a song like Robert Plant ... and the Great Marc Bolan is still20 years ahead of his time,pure genius.
RMP [Visitor] //September 25 2008 at 02:14
No Lennon!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Visitor] //September 25 2008 at 04:17
Jarvis Cocker of course! the way he snakes around on stage.....
Sammm [Visitor] //September 25 2008 at 04:48
Pffft watch HAARP and u see that there is only one option and that is Matthew Bellamy. Hes guitar spins, epic solos on piano and guitar are going to go far meanwhile he is head of the best live band around. Bono deserves a mention to
Dawn [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 12:23
James Dean Bradfield has to be the best frontman as after seeing the manics so many times, he just nails it every time whether it be as a guitar player or singer!!!
c'MON [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 12:11
Ian Curtis,Kurt Cobain,Richard Ashcroft,Brett Anderson
james [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 12:09
bernard fanning (powdefinger)
Carol [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 11:19
Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode) I a proper grown up (some may say old) and have been very fortunate to have seen seen many bands. In my humble opinion he is the best.
Lee [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 11:16
Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan are possibly the 2 greatest frontmen of any band in the world. Springsteen is utterly explosive on stage, especially at 59
chrissyh [Visitor] //September 25 2008 at 01:11
i'm sorry, but matt belamy doesn't deserve a mention. period. morrissey must be so close for songwriting and the emotion he puts into it, and doherty, it must be said, runs him close for charisma for a contemporary, but strummer might nick it for what he acheived in a scene that was dying. count Iggy in there, too!!
robertstorm [Visitor] //October 19 2008 at 00:33
ever, freddy mercury, nowadays...alex turner, he is a fucking genius, and also peter doherty!!
Stv! [Visitor] //October 1 2008 at 23:55
It has to be Bono.
Jonathan [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 23:20
Matthew Bellamy, he gonna be even bigger then hendrix and thoose guys in the history books
legolegs [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 23:34
annnd there all men - so no - patti smith - debbie harry - pj harvey - nico - joni mitchell - bjork - chrissie hynde - on and on and on ---instead we have oasis and the arctic mokeys - again - are you serious? nme sort it out
Dean. [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 22:23
Pete Doherty? and Alex Turner? there good but c'mon Freddie Mercury...!
Jock [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 22:18
Its so clear that its Iggy Pop its almost painful. Stage Diving and crowd walking weren't around before him, and the guy was willing to spill actual blood for what he loves. Just to add, The Stooges tore things up in a way thats still yet to be matched, and Iggy is still the finest at the age of 60. Can only be one. That said, the fanboism of Muse and Doherty fans will win the day.
Shaunyeah [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 22:16
ian curtis or jim morrison, maybe morrisey. Why does everyone on this website have an obsession with muse? alex turner? grow up please!
kieran morgan [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 21:55
matt bellamy is the best ever- no-one can beat his skill and talent- vocals, guitar or piano- hes the best!
Jimmy Brasco [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 21:09
Robert Smith... easily.
WahWah [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 21:05
From what I've seen and heard Matt Bellamy is a bit of a wizard. Can't think of anyone who comes close.
Poppy [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 20:56
Freddie Mercury!... Brandon Flowers :)
Louise Tromans [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 20:36
James Dean Bradfield, you might as well give the award to him now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1977 [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 20:16
Alex Turner has his head so far up his arse.....
meets [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 20:13
Duh. Old Matt Bellamy, I'm talking about their Showbiz/Origin of Symmetry era. Amazing frontman, he's toned down a bit now, but still excellent!
sam [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 19:59
For me it has to be Alex Turner
[Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 20:04
can you please remove Tom Clarke's picture from the voting page-its making me feel sick every time I see it!
Sammy [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 19:48
every1 here is insane. seriously. matt bellamy, muse biggest band today? hmm... of course they are. kol, oasis, radiohead etc. alex turner, bellamy, doherty, brandon????? there all terrible, lifeless idiots, pick someone classic, robert plant or jim morrison ftw, their stature and influence is unheard of, there'll be no-one copying matt bellamy.
JAKE [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 19:33
Alex Turner-no contest!
Mikey [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 19:22
It's got to be Zach De La Rocha. Anyone who saw Rage at Reading will agree with me, he wins hands down.
dave [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 19:17
Liam Gallagher...might not do much but hes got the charisma a rocknroll star needs frank carter is good too if you ever see gallows live
Alex *_* [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 18:22
matt bellamy, thom yorke, dave grohl and kurt cobain. BUT why doesnt any one mention JEFF BUCKLEY !
ellii [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 18:14
peter doherty
Jason [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 18:10
Bellamy's shit? Are you mad? I've seen a fair few bands in my time and none have his energy on stage! He has everything and doesn't just stand there banging a tambourine like most mediocre frontmen eg. Liam Gallagher. The guy is a fucking genius as well as being in the biggest band around today!
MEMEME [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 18:01
Matt Bellamy
Stubbsy [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 18:08
I just dont get the consistently blatant snubbing of Springsteen in every NME poll going. The fact he is not on this list renders it useless. Very few of the above can hold a candle. He is the greatest live performer and frontman there has ever been.
cat [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 18:00
Brandon Flowers by miles!!! Best looked and the frontman to one of the best bands ever!!!!
super ed [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 17:45
alex turner is a douchebag, jello all the way
uhuhuh [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 17:23
bellamys shit aswell, the middle class arsehole.
michael nicolai [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 16:46
JIMI HENDRIX no doubt about it!!:D
Callum [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 16:36
is every1 fuckin mental? especially that kid above me. alex turner? hes got the charisma of a wet tissue. the best frontman, in terms of everything, is jim morrison, BY FAR. any frontman around today has something to do with morrison and his legend is HUGE. jack white winning the poll atm? shows the amount of absoloute idiots in the world.
Toronto [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 16:25
Pete Doherty
Erin [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 16:21
Julian Casablancas, Brandon Flowers. Matt Bellamy or Jimi Hendrix
Kid B [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 16:16
I'd have voted for Juanita Stein, if she were on the list. But seeing as she's not, I'll go with Thom Yorke.
chi [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 16:15
MATTHEW BELLAMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pete donoghue [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 16:08
where is dave gahan!!!
Jessica C [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 16:05
Gotta be Matt Bellamy. Sexiest guy EVER, uber-talented, has a crazy dress sense, so much energy and he's one of the funniest guys in rock! Oh and he's frontman of the greatest live band of our generation.
king monkey [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 15:46
Zach de la Rocha. His energy and passion is insane.
Dean [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 16:03
Pete Doherty
Tinted Memories [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 15:08
Matthew Bellamy any day :D
maYa [Visitor] //September 24 2008 at 14:26
ALEX TURNER of course!
lotox [Visitor] //October 17 2008 at 02:55
Put anyone on stage with James Brown have them stand next to him and see who is the man. Pick anyone i dare you . You all got served.
Amybob [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 07:41
Kele Okereke
Funk [Visitor] //October 11 2008 at 07:32
Syd Barrett. Just to reitterate, even when he wasn't there (20~40 year period and counting...) his influence is only less that of legendary.