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.