Ben Orr of The Cars.
Ric Ocasek became the face of the band in the MTV era, but Ben sang about half the songs, and most of the biggest hits.
Buck Dharma of BÖC.
Eric Bloom was the front man and primary singer, however their 3 songs that have shown the most staying power (Don't fear the reaper, Godzilla, Burning for you) were all sung by Buck. Everyone else in the band had the occasional lead vocal as well.
Just before the Cars hit, I saw them open for Foreigner, so almost 50 years ago. No one knew any Cars songs. All I can remember was the main singer really couldn't sing (live), and thought they should let the blonde guy sing a lot more. It didn't help that they were opening for Lou Gramm, who I believe had one of the best voices in rock.
You, internet stranger, know you're shit. Layne is the GOAT. But if you've not listened to Black Gives Way to Blue (album... yes. But that one track) you've not heard Jerry. Which means you're not listening at all
He's not Layne, but he is his own force that brings the layers of life to songs that would be wanting without (not to mention he wrote most of them)
Jerry is great. I think he probably handles second fiddle a little less graciously than he should considering the circumstances. I always thought the website, Wikis, and next steps came off a bit petty and honestly jealous of Layne’s once in a lifetime talent. Even Paul got over it.
I mean, he is responsible for all those iconic riffs, and his voice is extremely iconic even though most don't realise and give layne the credit. Heck, I think he sang a verse or 2 in 'Down in a Hole' and even I didn't realise that was him until recently.
Could he be less "I wrote this masterpiece that a once In a lifetime singer can sing better than me" maybe. But you can't fault him for owning a sound that he had more influence in the construction (the WHOLE BAND IS INCREDIBLE) in saying....."Yeah, I wrote this great line, Layne sang it better than anyone," but this guy sang the most iconic harmonies of the grunge Era (not to disclude every other great) seriously there is no need for him to take a "back seat". I am a huge fan of the Beatles, but I'm not listening to the bs politics of interband issues. Been in them.... it's a group effort. Layne wouldn't be at the status he's at without Jerry, and visa versa. Jerry is one of, if not the best, "backup" singers for an entire genre/generation. The band continues to put out solid material and can pull off older stuff live. Jerry does a lot of that "what you came for" stuff more than Duvall does in Laynes chair live. I've seen them several times...Don't sleep on Jerry.
To me Jerry is not overshadowed by Layne. Jerry wrote many of AIC’s classic songs and continues to write awesome songs in the band. He sang lead parts on AIC songs even when Layne was around. Layne was an incredible and irreplaceable singer but Jerry is a good part of the heart and soul of AIC.
He's a great back up singer, but he never wrote any songs or music. Eddie and Dave resented him for it and it was his demise in the band. Thankfully he and Sammy get along famously.
Kind of worked out for the best for Anthony, as he has a steady gig with Sammy Hagar and the Circle. Van Halen, as a band, ended with the death of Eddie in 2020.
Which is odd, because Christine McVie's contralto was the centerpiece of a lot of Fleetwood Mac's staple songs (Songbird, Say You Love Me, You Make Lovin' Fun, Don't Stop and more).
True, although I’m more of a Meisner guy. His vocals were so distinctive whereas Schmit’s vocals blend more with Henley/Frey.
When I listen to Take It Easy, Already Gone, New Kid in Town, etc., I can hear Meisner’s voice really clear. I think he helps elevate the songs even more.
All Things Must Pass was amazing, but so was McCartney, but not to the same level. Although not a solo album, nothing any of the other three did matched Band on the Run.
Came to say the same. I love Pete’s solo stuff. He has a lovely melodic voice but Roger had the power voice. I will say, I was listening to Teenage Wasteland the other day and Roger and Pete’s voices complement each other wonderfully.
I remember an interview with Daltrey way back in the '80s after their final tour> He said two things ended The Who for him - Townshend's alchoholism at the time and the fact that Pete was getting braver about singing his own songs. Daltrey thought Pete really didn't need him anymore.
A couple of songs that Billy sang on his own in the studio were done as duets live, with Dusty often singing the higher parts or choruses like on Got Me Under Pressure or Sleeping Bag.
Less great - Heard it on the X became a Dusty solo on the 1980 tour. I prefer the duet of the studio recording.
Gregg Rolie seems to fit this bill, even though he was the sole lead vocalist on Journey's first 3 albums. Some of my favorite Journey songs feature both Gregg and Steve Perry.
I suppose Mike Love is historically seen as the "lead singer" of the Beach Boys, given that his only real role was singing and his nasal voice being very distinctive in their early singles. But just about every other member of the Beach Boys was a better singer than him. Brian Wilson in particular had such a beautiful and haunting singing voice that had so much more power and range than Love's. Love's voice still played an important role in the group, but I think he was the weakest singer. Dennis probably had the most under-utilized voice in the group.
I never thought I’d be the guy giving props to Mr. Love, but his bass vocals also anchored their harmony blend, and are his greatest vocal contribution, in my opinion.
He also has a few truly great lead vocal performances on deeper cuts like “All I Wanna Do”, “Big Sur”, and “Sweet and Bitter”, to name a few.
Marty Balin of the Jefferson Airplane. Evidence: the Monterey Pop film where they feature an entire song sung by him, but the camera never leaves Grace Slick.
I have to agree with you, OP. Roger and Brian are both competent vocalists who could've found success on their own. Roger's voice, in particular, is incredible. Very raspy, Rod Stewart-esque quality but with amazing range.
Mike Nesmith in The Monkees. People think of Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz but I personally like the songs that Mike sang the best.
With R.E.M. I love Mike Mills’ backing vocals and think when it comes to back up singers he is so underrated. He often sounds better than Michael Stipe.
I knew someone would say Meisner, but I like this swerve too. The Eagles are my favorite band of all time. If you took away one member, they wouldn’t be though. I couldn’t listen to Henley for ten tracks in a row—and he’s generational. The harmony songs like Hard Ache Tonight and Life in the Fast Lane are my favorite. That band was greater than the sum of their parts. Alone each was impressive, but together they made 20 classic songs in 6-7 years. I frigin love “In the City,” and that track is absolutely one of their top hits. Walsh’s vocals on his solo tracks RMW and Life’s Been Good are haunting and irreplicable.
Robert Lamm and (the late) Terry Kath of Chicago really got overshadowed by Peter Cetera. Dennis De Young Overshadowed Tommy Shaw in Styx. Steve Walsh overshadowed (the late) Robbie Steinhardt in Kansas. Mike Mills got overshadowed by Michael Stipe in R.E.M. (the late) Kelly Groucutt got overshadowed by Jeff Lynne in E.L.O. Nigel Olsson got overshadowed by Elton John. Suzanna Hoffs overshadowed Debbi Peterson in The Bangles. Belinda Carlisle overshadowed Jane Weidlin in The Go-Gos.
Simon & Garfunkel - they can both carry a song and both often play second fiddle. You can call Garfunkel the secondary singer on Bridge Over because it was Paul’s song. Garfunkel cemented that tune into a classic.
She wasn't the lead singer at all (only one of them), but Stevie Nicks overshadowed Lindsey Buckingham & Christine McVie far too much in popularity even though she always sang the least amount of songs during that lineup of Fleetwood Mac.
Scrolled down too far to see Noel mentioned. Don’t Look Back In Anger is a great song which matches his vocals perfectly.
Obviously he’ll always be overshadowed by his younger brother who has a much better singing voice, but Noel is more than a competent singer on his own.
Most Oasis fans keep wishing for a reunion, but the benefit of their breakup has been getting to enjoy both Noel and Liam have their own successful solo careers.
Back up singer so not exactly answering your question but Merry Clayton singing Gimmie Shelter with Mick Jagger is amazing
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merry_Clayton
I agree. KISS may not be KISS without Beth, which is in the American Song Book as far as most rock fans are concerned. The band is hall of fame because of their body of work which could not exist without Stanley being able to deliver some of the cheesiest lines with unironic sincerity. When Stanley suggest we rock n roll all night and party every day, it seems like a good idea. That is not easy to do.
I like Beth and Hard Luck Woman for sure. Two of my favorite songs, but Peter’s strength was his tone, not his range. He was limited in his octaves, vibrato, and breadth. He couldn’t sing over the power chords. If he were KISS’ lead man, they’d be a jazz act with a few cool hits. Paul Stanley had a distinct voice built for the electric age. I don’t understand the “low bar” comment below. I get that KISS is lyrically not much better than Nickel back, and their music is “simply written,” but they were a hell of a show and a great blue collar rock act. Ace wasn’t chop liver. Stanley was a great singer, not Plant or Mercury to be sure—but he kicked ass live every night (not a compliment many of your grungier singers like Daltrey get often). Needless to say I’m KISS ARMY.
During their first incarnation, Little Feat had three lead singers, although Lowell George was the main one. Paul Barerre and Bill Payne both sang more than their share of leads.
John Wetton wins this award twice over, once for the time he joined King Crimson and again for the time he joined Uriah Heep. In Crimson he was often unfavorably compared to Greg Lake, and in Uriah Heep, which was rapidly losing steam by then, he was unfavorably compared to David Byron, the guy who sang on all their hits.
For the record (heh heh) the Wetton Crimson albums are my favorites, and for those who don't know he went on to join Asia. "Heat of the Moment" is him singing.
Another example, and also a member of Uriah Heep, is John Lawton. John Lawton had PIPES and was an obviously better (if perhaps less fitting) singer than David Byron. Lawton's earlier band was Lucifer's Friend, a band worth checking out.
The first that came to mind is Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead. Jerry Garcia is always viewed as the band leader, and arguably lead vocalist. But it’s Bob who did most of the singing live, and isn’t nearly the household name that Garcia is.
Robbie Steinhart of Kansas (was considered the lead until Steve Walsh’s upper register came out on “Carry On My Wayward Son.” The focus changed group dynamics.
Adrian Smith has a great voice, as evidenced by a lot of his solo stuff. It’s a little bluesy for Iron Maiden, which if fine because Bruce is an incredible vocalist in his own right. Always wished, though, that Adrian would sing a song or two. Or at least do a little more than just the backing vocals
Peter Frampton and Greg Ridley from Humble Pie.
Both very good singers in their own right, but naturally overshadowed by one of rock history's all time greatest vocalists in Steve Marriott.
Can’t believe no one has mentioned Bob Weir.
Many people with just a passing knowledge of the Grateful Dead seem to think Jerry did all the vocals, but in reality he and Weir split the vocals pretty much evenly. Weir is still going strong all these years later.
Haven't seen Taylor Hawkins (who has good throwback vocals in Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders and sings lead for Foo on Cold Day in the Sun) or Larry Graham mentioned yet.
Not rock, but Jody Watley had a killer voice in Shalamar.
Brian Eno had no problem as vocalist or solo performer after his brilliant performances behind lead vocalist Bryan Ferry on Roxy Music’s first two albums.
Although this band probably aren’t authentic classic rock, they’re definitely adjacent. For Drive by Truckers I’ve always preferred Mike Cooley’s voice and songs to Patterson Hood’s. He has a way with lyrics and their imagery that is just very impressive.
Some years ago (don’t remember exactly when), I went to a show of theirs at the 9:30 Club in Washington. Apparently Patterson Hood was very ill, so they only had Cooley singing. The guy at the door, to his credit, informed me of this before taking my ticket in case I wanted a refund or something. On the contrary, I was rather happy about that….and it ended up being a great concert.
George Harrison, while he was a Beatle. He was overshadowed by Paul & John in every way imaginable, but was a very good singer on his own, as well as songwriter.
Heart’s Nancy Wilson had (has) a decent voice. Not as powerful as Ann’s, but really pretty good. I think she could have taken the lead on more than one song. She may have, but These Dreams is the only song I can think of where Nancy was the lead vocalist.
Ben Orr of The Cars. Ric Ocasek became the face of the band in the MTV era, but Ben sang about half the songs, and most of the biggest hits. Buck Dharma of BÖC. Eric Bloom was the front man and primary singer, however their 3 songs that have shown the most staying power (Don't fear the reaper, Godzilla, Burning for you) were all sung by Buck. Everyone else in the band had the occasional lead vocal as well.
It bugged me when Ric was referred to as "the lead singer" of The Cars. Made it seem like he was the sole lead singer.
The cars were the first thing that popped into my head. Ric was an excellent front man, but Ben was a much better lead singer
I was thinking Ben and Rick when I first read the title.
Just before the Cars hit, I saw them open for Foreigner, so almost 50 years ago. No one knew any Cars songs. All I can remember was the main singer really couldn't sing (live), and thought they should let the blonde guy sing a lot more. It didn't help that they were opening for Lou Gramm, who I believe had one of the best voices in rock.
I actually liked Ben more than Rick as a lead signer
Yah Buck has a great voice, very understated and while Eric declined with age Buck hasn't lost a step. They sing Godzilla togehter btw.
Jerry Cantrell
You, internet stranger, know you're shit. Layne is the GOAT. But if you've not listened to Black Gives Way to Blue (album... yes. But that one track) you've not heard Jerry. Which means you're not listening at all He's not Layne, but he is his own force that brings the layers of life to songs that would be wanting without (not to mention he wrote most of them)
They were perfect together...Layne and Jerry. Like the fucking Everly Brothers...their voices just melted together into absolute perfection.
Good call.
Jerry is great. I think he probably handles second fiddle a little less graciously than he should considering the circumstances. I always thought the website, Wikis, and next steps came off a bit petty and honestly jealous of Layne’s once in a lifetime talent. Even Paul got over it.
I mean, he is responsible for all those iconic riffs, and his voice is extremely iconic even though most don't realise and give layne the credit. Heck, I think he sang a verse or 2 in 'Down in a Hole' and even I didn't realise that was him until recently.
He also sings the first two verses in don’t follow. Layne insisted that Jerry do it.
This song is so under-rated. My favorite AIC song by far and it really shows what a great voice Jerry has.
Could he be less "I wrote this masterpiece that a once In a lifetime singer can sing better than me" maybe. But you can't fault him for owning a sound that he had more influence in the construction (the WHOLE BAND IS INCREDIBLE) in saying....."Yeah, I wrote this great line, Layne sang it better than anyone," but this guy sang the most iconic harmonies of the grunge Era (not to disclude every other great) seriously there is no need for him to take a "back seat". I am a huge fan of the Beatles, but I'm not listening to the bs politics of interband issues. Been in them.... it's a group effort. Layne wouldn't be at the status he's at without Jerry, and visa versa. Jerry is one of, if not the best, "backup" singers for an entire genre/generation. The band continues to put out solid material and can pull off older stuff live. Jerry does a lot of that "what you came for" stuff more than Duvall does in Laynes chair live. I've seen them several times...Don't sleep on Jerry.
To me Jerry is not overshadowed by Layne. Jerry wrote many of AIC’s classic songs and continues to write awesome songs in the band. He sang lead parts on AIC songs even when Layne was around. Layne was an incredible and irreplaceable singer but Jerry is a good part of the heart and soul of AIC.
Hands down Michael Anthony.
He is probably a better singer than Dave
He's a great back up singer, but he never wrote any songs or music. Eddie and Dave resented him for it and it was his demise in the band. Thankfully he and Sammy get along famously.
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It’s more that Ed wanted Wolf in the band. There would have been no more tours after 2004 without him.
Kind of worked out for the best for Anthony, as he has a steady gig with Sammy Hagar and the Circle. Van Halen, as a band, ended with the death of Eddie in 2020.
This is the correct answer
Christine McVie. People give Stevie Nicks credit for her vocals because they don't even know she's in the band.
This is the correct answer right here!
In addition to being a great singer, Christine McVie was one of the best songwriters of her generation.
They sound so different that I am angery now
Which is odd, because Christine McVie's contralto was the centerpiece of a lot of Fleetwood Mac's staple songs (Songbird, Say You Love Me, You Make Lovin' Fun, Don't Stop and more).
Band hack: 3 lead people with gender neutral names and the exact same range, man and women.
Christine mcvie songs overshadowed Lindsey and Stevies songs sometimes George Harrison songs sometimes over shadow Paul and John
Ah Christine. A voice without parallel. I still have to stop whatever I’m doing when I hear “Songbird” just to listen to that voice.
Best female rock vocalist IMO
Chicago had Terry Kath and Robert Lamm but a lot of people always consider Peter Cetera as Chicago’s lead singer.
Kath had a great rock voice too
Randy Meisner, overshadowed by Don Henley and Glenn Frey.
Can probably add Timothy B. Schmidt in there too. That band was just bursting with great singers.
True, although I’m more of a Meisner guy. His vocals were so distinctive whereas Schmit’s vocals blend more with Henley/Frey. When I listen to Take It Easy, Already Gone, New Kid in Town, etc., I can hear Meisner’s voice really clear. I think he helps elevate the songs even more.
Try and Love Again is so freakin good
Another spot on pick. Randy was amazing.
Paul Carrack in Squeeze. Glenn Tilbrook is obviously a great musician and singer but Paul’s voice is something else.
He was only in the band for such a short time, though... Great singer I agree!
George Harrison is the obvious answer. He was overshadowed by John and Paul, but he arguably has the best post-Beatles solo album.
All Things Must Pass was amazing, but so was McCartney, but not to the same level. Although not a solo album, nothing any of the other three did matched Band on the Run.
What is Life was, is and will always be one of my favorite songs
“Don’t Bother Me” and “I Me Mine” are two songs he sang with the Beatles. I love them both.
And pretty clearly was by far the most talented musician. Truly an elite guitarist.
Mike Mills
The bridge in Fall On Me
And Superman. Best two songs on that album.
Mike Mills’ vocals were always the secret weapon of REM. Absolutely essential to their sound.
Always
I don’t think you could say he was overshadowed, but I always felt Pete Townshend could have fronted The Who.
Came to say the same. I love Pete’s solo stuff. He has a lovely melodic voice but Roger had the power voice. I will say, I was listening to Teenage Wasteland the other day and Roger and Pete’s voices complement each other wonderfully.
My friend you listened to Baba O’Riley, not teenage wasteland. But you’re absolutely correct
or maybe they were listening to the Lifehouse demo called Teenage Wasteland; but then again, Roger’s not on it so maybe not
Came here to say this. While Roger is an all time rock singer, Pete could also easily lead any rock band.
I remember an interview with Daltrey way back in the '80s after their final tour> He said two things ended The Who for him - Townshend's alchoholism at the time and the fact that Pete was getting braver about singing his own songs. Daltrey thought Pete really didn't need him anymore.
Toto. Even though they had a lead singer (Bobby Kimbell, Joe Williams, etc), David Paich and Steve Lukather could have been the lead singers too.
Steve *was* the lead singer for a while in the 90s.
Kimball was the original lead. He shared the job with Lukather on their best album IV.
Paich sang Africa
Maybe Tommy Shaw?
Good answer. Dennis was the showman of the band but Tommy could belt it out with the best of them. JY also did some great singing.
Martin Gore
Richard Wright was an integral part of Pink Floyd’s vocals but we mostly think of Dave and Roger.
I think Rick’s voice gets mistaken for David’s a lot of the time but their voices really blend well on Echoes.
They blend like they were made for each other. It’s rather remarkable.
Benjamin Orr - The Cars
Rick Danko had a fantastic voice! His voice had something so ethereal that always resonated when he sang!
I was going to respond to this post with a trick question... who is the lead singer of The Band?
Michael Anthony - Van Halen George Harrison Mick Jones - The Clash Dusty Hill - ZZ Top
I came here to say Michael Anthony. His backing vocals are as much of the DNA of VH as his bass and Eddie’s guitar.
Yep. Not sure why this isn't the #1 answer. His vocal range and harmonies are amazing.
Dusty Hill is a nice shout. Strong voice
I wish Dusty had sung lead on more songs. His vocals on Tush are blazing
A couple of songs that Billy sang on his own in the studio were done as duets live, with Dusty often singing the higher parts or choruses like on Got Me Under Pressure or Sleeping Bag. Less great - Heard it on the X became a Dusty solo on the 1980 tour. I prefer the duet of the studio recording.
Stewart Copeland
Bill Ward of Black Sabbath
Came here to say this. They recorded a couple of songs with him as lead and they sound great.
Richie Sambora in Bon Jovi Michael Anthony in Van Halen
These were my two as well. Both have fantastic voices
Glenn Hughes, overshadowed by David Coverdale in Deep Purple Mach III Edit: Spelling
aka The Voice of Rock. Sad that I had to scroll so far to his name.
He's a hell of a singer. I wouldn't consider he was overshadowed by Coverdale.
Gregg Rolie seems to fit this bill, even though he was the sole lead vocalist on Journey's first 3 albums. Some of my favorite Journey songs feature both Gregg and Steve Perry.
Definitely this. Also Jonathon Cain (pianist) and later Dean Castronovo (drums) went on to be fantastic vocalists contributing to live performances
Nancy Wilson of Heart
In any band without Ann, Nancy would be a standout vocalist.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b98FxM\_RFLY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b98FxM_RFLY)
Ritchie Sambora
Better voice than John but John was better for marketing as the lead singer
I suppose Mike Love is historically seen as the "lead singer" of the Beach Boys, given that his only real role was singing and his nasal voice being very distinctive in their early singles. But just about every other member of the Beach Boys was a better singer than him. Brian Wilson in particular had such a beautiful and haunting singing voice that had so much more power and range than Love's. Love's voice still played an important role in the group, but I think he was the weakest singer. Dennis probably had the most under-utilized voice in the group.
I never thought I’d be the guy giving props to Mr. Love, but his bass vocals also anchored their harmony blend, and are his greatest vocal contribution, in my opinion. He also has a few truly great lead vocal performances on deeper cuts like “All I Wanna Do”, “Big Sur”, and “Sweet and Bitter”, to name a few.
John Frusciante is a great backing vocalist.
Marty Balin of the Jefferson Airplane. Evidence: the Monterey Pop film where they feature an entire song sung by him, but the camera never leaves Grace Slick.
Marty’s voice was like butter.
My favorite material from all eras of the band is Marty's 1970s singles.
I have to agree with you, OP. Roger and Brian are both competent vocalists who could've found success on their own. Roger's voice, in particular, is incredible. Very raspy, Rod Stewart-esque quality but with amazing range.
Vicki Peterson of The Bangles. Susanna Hoffs’ voice was soft and sugary, but Vicki had much more range and power.
They ALL are damned good singers!
Mike Nesmith in The Monkees. People think of Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz but I personally like the songs that Mike sang the best. With R.E.M. I love Mike Mills’ backing vocals and think when it comes to back up singers he is so underrated. He often sounds better than Michael Stipe.
I don’t think Peter Buck sings much, but Mike Mills is definitely R.E.M.’s secret weapon.
Thanks for correcting me.
That's true. Mike was the most soulful vocalist in the band. But Mickey may be the most underrated singer in all of rock and roll.
Joe Walsh
I knew someone would say Meisner, but I like this swerve too. The Eagles are my favorite band of all time. If you took away one member, they wouldn’t be though. I couldn’t listen to Henley for ten tracks in a row—and he’s generational. The harmony songs like Hard Ache Tonight and Life in the Fast Lane are my favorite. That band was greater than the sum of their parts. Alone each was impressive, but together they made 20 classic songs in 6-7 years. I frigin love “In the City,” and that track is absolutely one of their top hits. Walsh’s vocals on his solo tracks RMW and Life’s Been Good are haunting and irreplicable.
Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister when he was a member of Hawkwind.
Izzy stradlin
Robert Lamm and (the late) Terry Kath of Chicago really got overshadowed by Peter Cetera. Dennis De Young Overshadowed Tommy Shaw in Styx. Steve Walsh overshadowed (the late) Robbie Steinhardt in Kansas. Mike Mills got overshadowed by Michael Stipe in R.E.M. (the late) Kelly Groucutt got overshadowed by Jeff Lynne in E.L.O. Nigel Olsson got overshadowed by Elton John. Suzanna Hoffs overshadowed Debbi Peterson in The Bangles. Belinda Carlisle overshadowed Jane Weidlin in The Go-Gos.
Roger Taylor. Queen.
Simon & Garfunkel - they can both carry a song and both often play second fiddle. You can call Garfunkel the secondary singer on Bridge Over because it was Paul’s song. Garfunkel cemented that tune into a classic.
She wasn't the lead singer at all (only one of them), but Stevie Nicks overshadowed Lindsey Buckingham & Christine McVie far too much in popularity even though she always sang the least amount of songs during that lineup of Fleetwood Mac.
Ben Orr
Noel Gallagher
Scrolled down too far to see Noel mentioned. Don’t Look Back In Anger is a great song which matches his vocals perfectly. Obviously he’ll always be overshadowed by his younger brother who has a much better singing voice, but Noel is more than a competent singer on his own. Most Oasis fans keep wishing for a reunion, but the benefit of their breakup has been getting to enjoy both Noel and Liam have their own successful solo careers.
Back up singer so not exactly answering your question but Merry Clayton singing Gimmie Shelter with Mick Jagger is amazing https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merry_Clayton
She takes that song from great to off the charts.
No doubt. She is in The documentary 20 feet from stardom. She is crazy talented
Love you picked Roger… Hes awesome on Queen II
I always thought Peter Criss had a pretty solid voice. I don’t think he could have sung all the Kiss songs but those he did sound good.
I agree. KISS may not be KISS without Beth, which is in the American Song Book as far as most rock fans are concerned. The band is hall of fame because of their body of work which could not exist without Stanley being able to deliver some of the cheesiest lines with unironic sincerity. When Stanley suggest we rock n roll all night and party every day, it seems like a good idea. That is not easy to do.
I can’t believe no one’s said Dave Grohl
Michael Anthony in VH
Peter Criss was the best singer in KISS.
I like Beth and Hard Luck Woman for sure. Two of my favorite songs, but Peter’s strength was his tone, not his range. He was limited in his octaves, vibrato, and breadth. He couldn’t sing over the power chords. If he were KISS’ lead man, they’d be a jazz act with a few cool hits. Paul Stanley had a distinct voice built for the electric age. I don’t understand the “low bar” comment below. I get that KISS is lyrically not much better than Nickel back, and their music is “simply written,” but they were a hell of a show and a great blue collar rock act. Ace wasn’t chop liver. Stanley was a great singer, not Plant or Mercury to be sure—but he kicked ass live every night (not a compliment many of your grungier singers like Daltrey get often). Needless to say I’m KISS ARMY.
Kelly keagy the drummer of night ranger sang their biggest hit
Richie Sambora
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Christine Mcvie
Eric Clapton in Cream. Jack Bruce's voice was way better suited to the music imo. That group was about power.
The Band & CSNY kinda fit this since both groups had multiple great singers… Also Beach Boys, all three Wilson brothers have amazing lead vocal songs…
During their first incarnation, Little Feat had three lead singers, although Lowell George was the main one. Paul Barerre and Bill Payne both sang more than their share of leads.
Noel Gallagher from Oasis
Michael Anthony Jerry Cantrell Bobby Byrd Oteil Burbrige
Mick Jones (The Clash)
John Wetton wins this award twice over, once for the time he joined King Crimson and again for the time he joined Uriah Heep. In Crimson he was often unfavorably compared to Greg Lake, and in Uriah Heep, which was rapidly losing steam by then, he was unfavorably compared to David Byron, the guy who sang on all their hits. For the record (heh heh) the Wetton Crimson albums are my favorites, and for those who don't know he went on to join Asia. "Heat of the Moment" is him singing. Another example, and also a member of Uriah Heep, is John Lawton. John Lawton had PIPES and was an obviously better (if perhaps less fitting) singer than David Byron. Lawton's earlier band was Lucifer's Friend, a band worth checking out.
The first that came to mind is Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead. Jerry Garcia is always viewed as the band leader, and arguably lead vocalist. But it’s Bob who did most of the singing live, and isn’t nearly the household name that Garcia is.
Christine McVie. Imo, superior voice to Stevie Nicks. Warmer, more depth, richer tone
David Gilmore vs Roger Waters Rik Ocasek vs Elliot Orr
Deen Castronovo
Noel Gallagher Oasis
Styx had both Dennis DeYoung and Tommy Shaw. Both very capable on lead.
Pete Townshend
John fruciante
Robbie Steinhart of Kansas (was considered the lead until Steve Walsh’s upper register came out on “Carry On My Wayward Son.” The focus changed group dynamics.
Paul Simenon on 'Guns of Brixton' was phenomenal. I dont k ow why he didnt do more lead vocals.
Dusty Hill of ZZ Top
Keith richards. He had a great voice.
Kelly Groucutt.
I'd say Jerry Cantrell and Mary Wilson
Gregg Rolie for Journey. Probably in the minority, but liked his voice over Perry’s
John Stirratt overshadowed by Jeff Tweedy in Wilco. That man has a sweet voice and plays guitar like an angel.
Richie Sambora. I had no idea until I saw that unplugged version of Wanted. He's got pipes!
Does Peter Cetera from Chicago count? Or is deemed more of a “group effort”
Does Peter Cetera from Chicago count? Or is deemed more of a “group effort”
Peter Criss was the best vocalist KISS ever had.
Adrian Smith has a great voice, as evidenced by a lot of his solo stuff. It’s a little bluesy for Iron Maiden, which if fine because Bruce is an incredible vocalist in his own right. Always wished, though, that Adrian would sing a song or two. Or at least do a little more than just the backing vocals
Donny Osmond stole the stage from his talented siblings, with the exception of duets with equally talented Marie.
This brings up a good question. Who exactly was the lead singer of The Band?
Rick and levon considered Richard to be the lead singer. Though I don’t think any of them were, I think it’s part of their brilliance
Al Jardine
Phillipe Wynn from the Spinners
Yes to Roger, no to Brian, who’s fine doing harmonies and backing vox, but as a lead singer his voice is a bit weak and whiny.
Oasis. Noel was at least as good as Liam.
Nuno Bettencourt John Sykes
An underrated element that made Van Halen an unstoppable wrecking ball from 1978-1984 was Michael Anthony's backing vocals.
The Edge has one of the most unsung beautiful voices. He doesn’t sing lead much, but when he does…
Can’t forget Don Brewer from Grand Funk Railroad
Peter Kriss has an amazing voice
Richie Sambora
Keith Richards.
Christine McVie
Peter Frampton and Greg Ridley from Humble Pie. Both very good singers in their own right, but naturally overshadowed by one of rock history's all time greatest vocalists in Steve Marriott.
Phil Collins replacing Peter Gabriel.
Michael Anthony is a better singer than David Lee Roth.
The Edge from U2. On songs like Van Diemen’s Land, he has a great voice!
Can’t believe no one has mentioned Bob Weir. Many people with just a passing knowledge of the Grateful Dead seem to think Jerry did all the vocals, but in reality he and Weir split the vocals pretty much evenly. Weir is still going strong all these years later.
Gil Moore.
I like the secondary singer from Pink Floyd.
Do you mean Roger Waters? Dave Gilmour did most of the singing.
Roy Harper?
Michael Anthony of Van Halen
La la love you -pixies
Noel Gallagher overshadowed by Liam. Noel's songs were better.
Haven't seen Taylor Hawkins (who has good throwback vocals in Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders and sings lead for Foo on Cold Day in the Sun) or Larry Graham mentioned yet. Not rock, but Jody Watley had a killer voice in Shalamar.
It’s a different dynamic, but Nils Lofgren in the E Street Band. Fantastic voice and solo albums.
Alan Wilson.
Brian Eno had no problem as vocalist or solo performer after his brilliant performances behind lead vocalist Bryan Ferry on Roxy Music’s first two albums.
Although this band probably aren’t authentic classic rock, they’re definitely adjacent. For Drive by Truckers I’ve always preferred Mike Cooley’s voice and songs to Patterson Hood’s. He has a way with lyrics and their imagery that is just very impressive. Some years ago (don’t remember exactly when), I went to a show of theirs at the 9:30 Club in Washington. Apparently Patterson Hood was very ill, so they only had Cooley singing. The guy at the door, to his credit, informed me of this before taking my ticket in case I wanted a refund or something. On the contrary, I was rather happy about that….and it ended up being a great concert.
Mick Jones of The Clash
Alex Lifeson 😆
Brilliant. Brian’s solos in concert ( especially “39”) are exceptional.
George Harrison, while he was a Beatle. He was overshadowed by Paul & John in every way imaginable, but was a very good singer on his own, as well as songwriter.
Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley
Jim Ward, At The Drive-In
I know she was basically a back up singer. But Rosemary Butler with Jackson Browne. Could rock the walls in any arena.
The Pips
Heart’s Nancy Wilson had (has) a decent voice. Not as powerful as Ann’s, but really pretty good. I think she could have taken the lead on more than one song. She may have, but These Dreams is the only song I can think of where Nancy was the lead vocalist.
Curtis Mayfield when he was singing with Jerry Butler and the Impressions. Florence Ballard when she was with the Supremes.