Music’s Worst Frontmen









There are many keys to being a good frontman, but perhaps nothing is as imporatant as the ego. In fact, one could argue its as as necessary a requirement as a good voice, or a jaw-dropping look. After all, what would the Sex Pistols be without the rottenness of Johnny Rotten? Bon Jovi without the adored-by-women, envied-by-men appeal of Jon Bon Jovi? Nirvana without the don't-talk-to-me angst of Kurt Cobain? Attitude and cockiness have long been crucial elements to success in music – they add validity and intensity, and when done right, enable the artist to take their song to that next level, the one that drives fans to the venues and which has them busting out their lighters cellphones, or waving their hands in the air at seconds notice – dependent on what is required by the artist at hand.

Yet at the same time, this ego and this cockiness can have disastrous effects. Too much confidence can turn people off, and make bands that once were celebrated with much acclaim into laughingstocks. After watching the Killers' latest music video last week, the question of which of today's artists exude a bit too much ego, or more simply, are the worst frontmen currently, popped into my head. These are the answers I came up with:

5. Brandon Flowers – The best modern-day example of a frontman letting the success go to his head. Note the ridiculous outfits (he typically dresses like a bird), his over-the-top, cringe-worthy demeanor, and comments like the ones he made to the Daily Star last month, saying, "I don't mean it in a bad way but I think Kurt Cobain and grunge took the fun out of rock and roll." And all this is without even mentioning the whole Hunter S. Thompson fiasco.
4. Scott Weiland – By no means is Scott Weiland untalented. You just wouldn't know it these days thanks to years of drug abuse that have destroyed two sensational bands (Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver). Nowadays, Weiland just goes through the motions, trying to make as much money as possible before the remaining few people still attending the STP reunion concerts finally realize the price isn't worth admission.

3. The Gallagher Brothers – Every time I read the latest tabloid-approved war of words between Noel and Liam Gallagher, I find myself asking how their band has managed to last so long. Money obviously has something to do with, as does the fact that there is a contingent of Oasis fans out that there that remain convinced this band is the second coming of the Beatles. But anyone with a shred of sense can recognize the fact that these brothers have evolved into nothing more than media whores constantly attempting to one-up themselves for most number of headlines. Sure, they still pump out catchy music, but anyone can do that with loads of money and some super producers. It's the heart that counts, and that's been missing from Oasis for nearly a decade.

 
Axl 2. Scott Stapp – Earlier this year, Scott Stapp reunited the same band he destroyed five years earlier. Then there's the part about the multiple arrests, drug addiction, a well-publicized fight with 311, and disastrous solo career. If anyone views Stapp with even the slightest amount of credibility, well, you might be just as crazy as the Creed frontman himself.

1. Axl Rose – The Gun N' Roses figurehead only alienated what was perhaps the greatest lineup of any band ever, and took 15 years and multi-millions of dollars to deliver a sub-par album. If that doesn't earn you "Worst Frontman Ever," I'm not sure what does.
Honorable Mentions: Pete Doherty, Ian Brown, Chris Martin, Sammy Hagar, and Fred Durst.

Am I missing anyone? Drop us a comment with your choices below!

9 Comments Below

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louboutin
April 7, 2010 8:24 pm

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neverfull
July 17, 2010 2:05 am

this is a feeling that we have known all the insecurity and fear, good blog is the subject goes a long way.

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August 3, 2010 6:19 pm

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August 11, 2010 7:29 am

To be a frontman you need be true about your personality, and should have an ego difficult to overcome, Axel is clear example of what a frontman is.

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October 24, 2010 7:58 pm

You may remenber the four proverbs:
Nothing dries sooner than a tear.
Nothing is to be got without pains but poverty.
Nothing is difficult to the man who will try.
Nothing in the world is difficult for one who sets his mind to it.

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October 24, 2010 7:58 pm

You may remenber the four proverbs:
Nothing dries sooner than a tear.
Nothing is to be got without pains but poverty.
Nothing is difficult to the man who will try.
Nothing in the world is difficult for one who sets his mind to it.

Kamagra
November 17, 2010 12:09 pm

Even though Axel Rose is a little arrogant, and even a smart ass, he mustn’t be on this list, because he is a member of one of the greatest band of all time. No matter his negative qualities, he is simply the best.

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March 5, 2011 5:27 pm

Great post and you’re right … some times those artists in front of a band are the most difficult to deal wirth.. Even for their own safetyness and future carrer’s success!
Axl Rose is the perfect example of it as you say!!

j
February 18, 2012 9:10 pm

Ok all and I do mean ALL music is individual taste and as such is subject to OPINION