from  Classic Rock (cover:  Bon Scott)

   July 2004

"THE 100 Greatest Frontmen"

#69  Ian Astbury  of  The Cult  /  The Doors 21st Century

A musical chameleon who has gone through punk, goth, mystic and rock star phases -- Astbury has proved convincing in all of them.  One of the most vicarious frontmen ever, living through the images and deeds of his own heroes.  Ironically he's arguably also one of the most influential singers of the past 20 years.  At his most heroic on The Cult's 'She Sells Sanctuary.'

X-Factor:  3 of 5       Voice:  4 of 5       Image:  3 of 5       Gimmick:  Funky native American dress

#11  Jim Morrison  of  The Doors

Poet, fool or bum?  Since Mr Mojo Risin made his electrifying debut with The Doors back in 1967, opinion about the singer has consistently been split.  But there's no denying his status as one of the major icons of 60s rock, his image still as powerful today as it was some 37 years ago.  A vibrant performer, a brilliant lyricist, blessed with a rich baritone voice, Morrison had the looks and style to carry off the leather-clad Byron-esque Lothario image, at least until his devotion to drink and drugs took sway and he made a bit of a knob of himself.  So, poet, fool or bum?  Probably a bit of all three.  There have been many Morrison imitators over the years, but none has managed to match his brooding presence.

X-Factor:  5 of 5          Voice:  4 of 5          Image:  5 of 5          Gimmick:  Indecent exposure, profanity

By the way, the magazine's Top Five choices were:  #5 - Steven Tyler of Aerosmith;  #4 - David Lee Roth of Van Halen;   #3  Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin;   #2:  Freddie Mercury of Queen;   and #1:  Bon Scott of AC/DC

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