10 Most Iconic British Frontmen In Rock Music History
7. Thom Yorke - Radiohead
Admittedly Thom Yorke is the left field candidate on this list of frontman, he doesn't have the sex appeal, bad-boy image, or even the level of showmanship that tends to dictate a great frontman in the eyes of most. But, this is an article about musicians after all, and musical talent should count for something...
Radiohead, somewhat ironically, rocketed into the worlds consciousness in 1992 with their debut single Creep. Grunge was still very much at the centre stage of rock, and Radiohead's early musical style played on the American grunge scene, with distorted guitars, and mix of slow verses & fast choruses that lent itself to the genre, but you can hear the British bastardisation of it in their first record. Thom Yorke's vocals helped the band gain popularity, sharing similarities with his contemporary, the late Jeff Buckley.
Although, Radiohead weren't swept into the brit-pop scene, the music they made throughout this period remained popular, despite everyone else trying to be the next Blur or Oasis.
Yorke's legacy is everywhere, It's easy to draw comparisons with lead singer of Muse, Matt Bellamy's vocal style, for example, and early Coldplay records have Radiohead influences all over them.
Yorke has not limited himself to the realm of rock though, particularly with later works, there was far more experimentation with electronic sounds, and an emphasis on cinematic ambience.
Yorke gets the credit he deserves in terms of musical talent but it's time to start recognising him amongst the greats of British frontmen.