Best Bass Frontman?

[electracoyote]

Maybe not the best bassist or even the best band leader but this discussion would not be complete without mention of Phil Lynott. Sadly no longer with us.

Phil Lynott taught me that not only can a bass player be a singer/songwriter/frontman, but also a badass rocker with attitude (not words I would use for Geddy and Paul).

Yet he never came across arrogant. Always the Irish gentleman.

 

[bamofo88]

Lemmy
Phil lynott
Tom araya

 

[Bassdude15]

If we're talking best bass player who also sings, for me then it's definitely John Entwistle.
If we're talking bass player with the best singing voice, Paul McCartney gets my vote.
Best frontman who plays bass on the side??-Robert Plant, duh.
… But if we're talking bass player with best overall frontman qualities(a voice AND entertainment personality) then Roger Waters takes the prize, no contest (IMHO of course).

 

[oddeotek]

I'd have to say Paul McCartney but I'll also include Kip Winger. Kip's a tragically underrated singer, composer, bass player and guitar player. As for his stage presence, pull up one of his videos on YouTube and show it to your wife or girlfriend and ask her...

 

[Stick_Player]

Gonna have to go with Drooper.

 

[john_g]

It should be whos your favorite bass frontman but I digress....

Geddy

 

[sound of bass]

All good choices, many of my favs. But no one mentioned Paul Rodgers of Bad Comapany, he certainly puts out the energy. Also, I cant believe John Enthwhistle was only mentioned once.

 

[rolandm]

… front man includes women. In that case, I say Fanny's Jean Millington.

Plus, she was easy on the eyes, and still rocks the bass.

And now with her sister June:

Badge - live version from their 1970 release Fanny. Apparently recorded with the mic in someone's shoe.

Badge - Studio version

Full disclosure - distant relative.

 

[Kmonk]

Peter Steele
Invalid Link Removed
I like him the best. Even if you don't, you'll have to admit he is one of the biggest...

Never heard of him so I looked him up based on your post. Sorry, he does nothing for me. Neither does Type O Negative for that matter.

 

[Lee Moses]

All good choices, many of my favs. But no one mentioned Paul Rodgers of Bad Comapany, he certainly puts out the energy. Also, I cant believe John Enthwhistle was only mentioned once.

Put the two of them together, and I agree you would have a winner for best bass frontman. But by themselves, neither one of them meets the requirements--as far as I know, Paul Rodgers never played bass, and John Entwhistle was the farthest thing from a frontman that ever stood on a stage.

 

[tbz]

Have to second (so to speak):

Sir Paul
John Wetton
Felix Pappalardi
John Entwistle

 

[Maleikbassist]

If we're talking best bass player who also sings, for me then it's definitely John Entwistle.
If we're talking bass player with the best singing voice, Paul McCartney gets my vote.
Best frontman who plays bass on the side??-Robert Plant, duh.
… But if we're talking bass player with best overall frontman qualities(a voice AND entertainment personality) then Roger Waters takes the prize, no contest (IMHO of course).

I wouldn't quote you on McCartney. But I agree with the others. I think Roger is highly underated. He uses such a fundamental playing style and lays down some wonderful vocals over the top of it.

I also have to say that I thought Greg Lake would've gotten more love around here. He had a great voice too, plus he kicked some ass on the bass!

 

[sound of bass]

Put the two of them together, and I agree you would have a winner for best bass frontman. But by themselves, neither one of them meets the requirements--as far as I know, Paul Rodgers never played bass, and John Entwhistle was the farthest thing from a frontman that ever stood on a stage.

OOPS! You're right. Entwistle was never a front man. But I was sure Paul Rodgers played bass. Hmm, guess Im mistaken.

 

[Feral Feline]

Jay Semko, Northern Pikes

Rob Wright, NoMeansNo

 

[Turock]

It should be whos your favorite bass frontman but I digress....

Geddy

It's not even that. When one names several bass frontmen, how can they all be "the favorite", much less "the best".
I think we have covered them all. So much so that we are now adding the likes of Paul Rodgers as bass and John Entwistle as frontman.

 

[Feral Feline]

I don't get how anybody can have a favourite singular ANYTHING.

I like more than one type of music.
I like more than one type of Icecream.
I like more than one type of beer.
I like more than one type of motorcycle.
I like more than one type of bass.
I like more than one type of
I like more than one type of airplane.
I like more than one type of MTB.
I like more than one type of Chili Oil/Hot Sauce.
I like more than one type of ...
I like more than one type ...
I like more than one ...
I like more than ...
I like more ...
I like ...
etc ...

I like many of the bass frontmen/frontwomen listed here. No apologies.


Never heard of Steele before this thread...

 

[Afc70]

Geddy lee undoubtedly

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Aimee Mann!! (although she doesn't play as much bass lately, but still!)

 

[pjmuck]

My top three would be:
Sting
Geddy
Sir Paul

That would be my too 3 as well. I'll throw a few more out there just because they haven't been mentioned yet (though not necessarily frontmen or the "best"):

Colin Moulding (XTC)
Gerry Casale (Devo)
Brian Wilson (Beach Boys)
Kenny Rogers
Nick Lowe
Sheryl Crow
Peter Cetera (Chicago)
Kim Deal (Pixies, The Breeders)

 

[pjmuck]

Oops, forgot one. This chick is simply bad ass:

Janice-Marie Johnson - Taste of Honey