Greatest living rock artist?

[Bernd]

For me it has to be "Mike Scott". He can lead a band, can pull it off solo, writes outstanding music and lyrics, plays blistering guitar and great piano, sings with a great voice and on top of that is a genuine nice guy. But most of all he loves making music and he follows his believes.

Peace

Bernd

[bobsticks]

I tend to agree with good sir nobody's take on things. Proper rock music, be it based in blues or goth or heavy metal or rap, is defined by a certain level of angst. Certainly all mentioned ( Stones, Bowie, Bono, et al.) have achieved a certain iconic world status. That said, I think we see them because they have become tradition--the norm. From the standpoint of emotional content few remain relevant. Where's Axl? It's hard to write about squalor and despair when you're sitting in the lap of luxury. There is a certain difficulty in scribing the next Welcome to the Jungle and have it come off when your entourage is plying you full of mai- tais. Most of the big acts have become lapdogs for the record labels.

[PAT.P]

Although not on this earth Freddie Mercury "Lives" none so far could replace him and probably never! The man ,the voice ,the entertainer, the greatest!

[musicman1999]

How about Van Morrison,Carlos Santana,and David Gilmour.

bill

[BradH]

I measure "great" by how much influence an artist had. Why talk about Bono when Bo Diddley is still alive (isn't he?). Or Chuck Berry. Or Little Richard. Even people like Brian Eno and David Bowie and Lou Reed had enormous influence on the course of rock music. Ever see Eno fill up a stadium? Look what McCartney did or Ray Davies or Eric Burden or Eric Clapton. All these guys are still living but not in their prime.

If you want to go with those in their prime then nobody's pick of Jack White is a major contender. I don't hear anyone else form that generation with his range of songwriting styles. Has anyone considered the possibility that the rock industry is not drawing the heavy artistic talent it used to? Like, maybe a lot of creative types are making video games or something. I'm not sure but it's just a thought.

[newtrix1]

Even people like Brian Eno and David Bowie and Lou Reed had enormous influence on the course of rock music.

For a guy who's got a reputaion as being so influential, Bowie sure does ride the wave of whatever style is popular at the time. Maybe his earlier stuff was innovative, but since the 80's & on he just seems to latch onto the current trend of music and put his own twist on it. He usually does it well, and I still like his stuff, but to be honest, you can't label the guy as "innovative" any longer. He strikes me more like a chameleon than a trendsetter.

[BradH]

...but to be honest, you can't label the guy as "innovative" any longer.

I didn't label any of them as being innovative any longer. I said he HAD enormous influence. Everyone I mentioned is past their prime (except Jack White). But they're living. That was the question: who's the Greatest Living Rock Artist? Not "Who's Doing The Greatest Stuff Today".

Jay, I think you're right about putting "butts in seats" but I don't see any stadium fillers with one whit of innovation about them and I think innovation is highly central to "greatness".

[Troy]

For a guy who's got a reputaion as being so influential, Bowie sure does ride the wave of whatever style is popular at the time. Maybe his earlier stuff was innovative, but since the 80's & on he just seems to latch onto the current trend of music and put his own twist on it. He usually does it well, and I still like his stuff, but to be honest, you can't label the guy as "innovative" any longer. He strikes me more like a chameleon than a trendsetter.

See, I disagree. The thing about Bowie is that he is always there, finger on the pulse of where rock music is right now and where it's going to go next year. Besides, I don't remember seeing "Innovative" in your original question . . .

Jack White . . . he's been making albums for what, 5 years? To be considered "Greatest living" you have to have a long and storied career.

Eno? Eh, no.

Jagger/Richard? Crapton? Much as I dislike these corporate pricks, their hats need to be in the ring.

Townshend? As far as "Rocking" goes, he can eat Dylan for breakfast. Dark Horse at best.

McCartney. *shudder*

I'm really in a "kill rock stars" headspace these days.