David Gilmour replaced the increasingly erratic Syd Barrett in Pink Floyd in early 1968. His soulful guitar style evokes raw emotion while suggesting colours, textures and nuances aurally. While band mate Roger Waters dominated late 70s post-Dark Side of the Moon releases, Gilmour soldiered on both as a solo artist and under then the Pink banner into the 90s. During the period he more than ably carried the Pink Floyd torch,releasing two albums, the excellent, A Momentary Lapse of Reason and the somewhat less well-known, Division Bell.
7. Dave Mustaine (12)
I have to admit to being fascinated by Dave Mustaine from very early on - since his early ousting from Metallica, his creation of Megadeth and his confession to being bad drinker whos been redeemed. I am amongst those that suggest that Mustaine has surpassed his former brothers in arms artistically if not in sales. Megadeth released some of the best 80s thrash ever recorded with a trio of albums between 86 and 90: Peace Sells but Whos Buying?, So Far, So Good So What? and Rust In Peace. With their 13th studio album dropping this year Megadeth continues to tear it up behind the spider-chording off its front-man.