I have a qustion.
Nov 16, 2014 17:24:48 #
I seriously do not know the answer to this, apart from Ian Gillan, (who had the most amazing voice), why do rock bands have a lead singer? They don't do anything that the rest of the band can't do.
Nov 16, 2014 17:31:07 #
Wellhiem wrote:
I seriously do not know the answer to this, apart from Ian Gillan, (who had the most amazing voice), why do rock bands have a lead singer? They don't do anything that the rest of the band can't do.
I think the lead singer is the one with the biggest ego.....usually! :XD: :roll: 8-)
Nov 16, 2014 17:39:21 #
There are probably several (or more) answers to your question, Wellhiem. Some instrumentalists, while they have the ability to sing well, do not possess the somewhat larger than average ego required to be a "lead singer". Compare Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, both remarkable guitarists. Clapton left the Yardbirds for a stellar career that included singing along with his guitar playing, while Beck was stuck in the shadows along with other "non-singers". It is clear the general musical audience demands singers hold the top spots in the fame corridor. Few instrumentals every reach the #1 spot in the popular charts.
In my humble opinion, it's largely a matter of ego. I, for example do not possess the ego, even if I had the voice (which I don't!).
In my humble opinion, it's largely a matter of ego. I, for example do not possess the ego, even if I had the voice (which I don't!).
Nov 16, 2014 18:06:20 #
While it's true most members of a band can sing i.e. carry a tune, the 'lead singer' usally has a unique and exceptional voice.Having said that ,who was the lead singer of the Grateful Dead,Crosby-Stills & Nash, The Beatles ect.?Do you think Led Zepplin would been as good with the band singing and no Robert Plant or The Who without Daltry?
Nov 16, 2014 19:52:40 #
Wellhiem wrote:
I seriously do not know the answer to this, apart from Ian Gillan, (who had the most amazing voice), why do rock bands have a lead singer? They don't do anything that the rest of the band can't do.
In many instances the lead singer is also the song writer. In today's music the song writer is the money-maker, the musicians get laid. The circus goes from city to city and the money flows. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll! Music is so soothing.
Nov 16, 2014 22:36:52 #
bigb wrote:
While it's true most members of a band can sing i.e. carry a tune, the 'lead singer' usally has a unique and exceptional voice.Having said that ,who was the lead singer of the Grateful Dead,Crosby-Stills & Nash, The Beatles ect.?Do you think Led Zepplin would been as good with the band singing and no Robert Plant or The Who without Daltry?
Or the Doors without Jim Morrison, Queen without Freddy Mercury, Big Brother and the Holding Company without Janis Joplin, The Animals without Eric Burdon, the Rolling Stones without Mick Jagger, Pearl Jam without Eddie Vedder.
Nov 17, 2014 00:31:14 #
bigb wrote:
While it's true most members of a band can sing i.e. carry a tune, the 'lead singer' usally has a unique and exceptional voice.Having said that ,who was the lead singer of the Grateful Dead,Crosby-Stills & Nash, The Beatles ect.?Do you think Led Zepplin would been as good with the band singing and no Robert Plant or The Who without Daltry?
To be honest with you, it was an old TV recording of The Who that was shown that made me ask this question. What was Roger Daltrey for. I understand Alice Cooper, he was the show. As you say the beatles didn't have a "lead singer". Did The stones really need Mick Jagger? Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of rock music.
Nov 17, 2014 00:37:27 #
Wellhiem wrote:
To be honest with you, it was an old TV recording of The Who that was shown that made me ask this question. What was Roger Daltrey for. I understand Alice Cooper, he was the show. As you say the beatles didn't have a "lead singer". Did The stones really need Mick Jagger? Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of rock music.
Did the Stones need Mick Jagger? They let Keith Richards sing a couple songs, and I hardly think they would have made it big with him singing.
Nov 17, 2014 07:56:33 #
The obvious response is that many musicians can't sing and play at the same time. I am affected by this particular problem myself. I have been in several bands and find it hard to do more than occasional back-up vocals while playing bass.
Nov 17, 2014 10:49:15 #
RichieC
Loc: Adirondacks
Wellhiem wrote:
I seriously do not know the answer to this, apart from Ian Gillan, (who had the most amazing voice), why do rock bands have a lead singer? They don't do anything that the rest of the band can't do.
I suppose your answer lies in your point of view. Why do lead singers have bands?
If your instrument is your voice, and you use it like Christina Aguilera or Andrea Bocelli.... Or it lends itself to a unique sound like Jon Anderson did with Yes... or Elvis, or Michael Jackson, or any of a hundred other bands with distinctive lead singers.
Drums sounds like drums, a Les Paul sounds more or less like a Les Paul.... Name a person in Christina's band, or any of the singers names I have mentioned. ...
Nov 17, 2014 10:52:03 #
Nov 17, 2014 11:05:26 #
I think that lead singer of a group is the one who sings most of the songs. That is what I have always thought.
Just my opinion.
Just my opinion.
Nov 17, 2014 11:08:13 #
LRH wrote:
In my humble opinion in a rock band no one can sing including the lead singer.
Kind of an arrogant opinion to me. There are types of music I don't particularly like, but I wouldn't dream of saying that none of the singers of those types of music can sing.
Nov 17, 2014 11:19:57 #
swimbob wrote:
The obvious response is that many musicians can't sing and play at the same time. I am affected by this particular problem myself. I have been in several bands and find it hard to do more than occasional back-up vocals while playing bass.
Just to put a finer point on it. Most musos I've met can sing and play at the same time. It's just that the playing can only be very basic accompaniment while singing.
Cher, bless her heart, once said.... " You don't need a great voice for this music, just a believable one."
Very true in my observations and experience.
Nov 17, 2014 12:55:53 #
bigb wrote:
While it's true most members of a band can sing i.e. carry a tune, the 'lead singer' usally has a unique and exceptional voice.Having said that ,who was the lead singer of the Grateful Dead,Crosby-Stills & Nash, The Beatles ect.?Do you think Led Zepplin would been as good with the band singing and no Robert Plant or The Who without Daltry?
Or The Doors without Jim Morrison...... Perfect example of how important, to some bands, the lead actually is.
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