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Icons
In music, just as many forms of popular media you need icons. Those people with longevity or pure artistic merit. Those artists that appeal to many even if they are not a fan or those that are a perfect summation of the genre they perform in. You have to offer up someone with at least a few written lines as to why you think they are an icon and their effect on you and/or Music in general. When there is enough then I will start polls to create an MB icon gallery.
This is not a band thing, it is individuals who affect you and stay with you. |
One of the few True Rock N Roll rebels to still be alive and kicking, ready to drink, smoke, inhale, intake and fuck us mere mortals under the table with room to spare. The heartbeat of one of the finest Rock bands to ever grace our planet. The guy still lives his life to the fullest despite being in his sixties. He looks like a man half his age and has the attitude to boot. Lemmy is THE modern day Rock n Roll icon. There is no way that he would show his chicken carcass on TV advertising Insurance (ahem Iggy Pop). |
well MTV and other channels have did ICONS
Metallica The CUre Black Sabbath ZZ top Alice n chains AC/DC i think these bands have reached ICON status The beach boys Michael Jackson Bob dylan Frank Zappa |
Billy Corgan http://www.yoshigish.com/images/myspace/billy110.jpg Billy Corgan was the biggest frontman of the 90's (yes, bigger than Cobain). He was founder, leader, and ultimately, destroyer of the last great American rock band. Billy Corgan electrified audiences throughout the 90's with his dizzying riffs, incredibly unique voice, heartfelt lyrics, and incredible guitar playing. One of the most underrated guitarists in history, Corgan did things with the instrument that some would call nothing but noise at times, but never failing to add more to the song and constantly captivate his worldwide audience. Billy Corgan is one of those few true inspirations I have had in music. Someone I can relate to on just about everything. I know I am not alone in thinking this, millions agree. That's what make Billy Corgan a true icon. |
I'd consider Ian MacKaye a huge icon in the world of DIY music.
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The godfather of jazz and the single greatest musician of the 20th century, period. His influence on the role of a musician as a performer and the use and articulation of melody is immeasurable. Armstrong was single-handedly responsible for taking the paradigm of a music ensemble from one of collective improvisation and shifting it toward single solo melodic performance, thus bringing the musician as an individual and as a performer into the spotlight. Known mainly today for his distinctive gravelly singing voice, his true gift was as a trumpet player. To this day no one, not even Miles Davis, has been able to imitate his level of expressiveness on the intstrument. Armstrong was capable of doing more with one strategically placed and articulated note than most performers of his time could do with a thousand. And when he did let loose it was a celebration (bitches). On top of all this, the sheer exuberance and Jeux de vivre that he seemed to exude at all times, which was his calling card made him one of the most endearing personalities of all time, and was a reflection of his greatness. |
Madonna Being listed as the most successful female recording artist of all time by the guiness book of world records and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame cements her status as an Icon. Over the years she has the ability to reinvent herself and stay relevant enough to have sold out concerts. She has paved the way for many artists that have come out after her and is listed as their musical influence. |
Not a King Crimson fan? Doesn't matter, considering all the different musicians he's collaborated with, chances are good he's appeared on at least one of your favorite albums. With King Crimson he redefined the idea of what a bandleader could be, he never took the spotlight, he's known for a laid back stage presence, always in the background, sitting on a stool, letting his playing do all the work. It's his guitar playing, which ranged from the subtle to the outrageous that has been the driving force behind the band as it's lineup changed constantly throughout the decades. He also helped bring to the spotlight many extraordinary musical talents, including Adrian Belew and Tony Levin. Many former members of KC would go on to start their own popular bands, such as ELP, Greenslade, Bad Company, Foreigner and Asia (ok maybe those last three shouldn't be boasted about). Fripp combined elements of classical music, free jazz, medieval folk, psychedelia, avant garde atonality, ambient soundscapes and the intricate arpeggio oriented sounds of African music and Indonesian gamelan music. All these eclectic influences blended together to create a sound that makes Fripp incomparable to any other guitarist on this planet. He has been sought after by many great music artists, having played on a variety of albums. Most notably his work with Brian Eno (with whom he developed the innovative Frippertronics tape looping system), but also David Bowie's Heroes and Scary Monsters and Peter Gabriel's first two solo albums. He's also worked with Peter and Michael Giles, Andy Summers, Jazz pianist Keith Tippett, Japan frontman David Sylvian, Talking Heads (on Fear of Music), Blondie, Van Der Graaf Generator, The Orb, Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree, The Roches, Daryl Hall, California Guitar Trio, G3 (with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani), his wife Toyah Wilcox and a side project called League of Gentlemen which included members of XTC, Gang of Four and Squeeze. Fripp once described himself as "not a blues guitarist in style, but a blues guitarist in energy and spirit", which is a pretty good description, his influence reaches beyond just prog rock, his use of heavy, distorted riffs and repetition has made it's mark in heavy metal music, and his experimental use of timbres, polyrhythms and alternate tunings has made it's mark on alternative rock and ambient music as well. |
Willie Nelson One of the most talented, experimental, eccentric, and charismatic musicans to ever hit the country music scene. Whether he was recording controversial jazz albums, writing fifteen minute country songs, or dueting with musicians like Julio Iglasias or Al Green, he was constantly crossing lines and breaking boundries. Not conforming to Nashville standards and performing his music the way he wanted to perform it, offically made him an outlaw in the world of country music, with much success. Not only does his trademark voice and unique guitar playing make him stand out from the rest, but also his iconic braids, bandana, and amazing accompaniment from his band, which he still has to this day. A true icon and pioneer in the world of music. |
His tourbus is legendary.
I've heard that on his bus there is no oxygen, only pot smoke. |
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David Byrne "The better a singer's voice, the harder it is to believe what they're saying" http://www.designbrooklyn.com/content/davidbyrne2.jpg Iconic in his striking looks, unusual voice, and minimalistic songwriting, David Byrne was the posterboy of the New Wave movement in the late seventies and early eighties. As the main songwriter and vocalist for the legendary band Talking Heads, Byrne was instrumental in the introduction of African polyrhythms, alternative uses of mainstream instruments, and thought provoking lyrics probing simple topics such as "Air", "Paper", and "Animals", to western music. After Talking Heads disbanded officially, Byrne sought to create solo albums and collaborate with many artists, including legendary musician and producer Brian Eno, with whom he had previously worked (most notably on the classic Talking Heads album "More Songs About Buildings and Food"). Eno and Byrne collaborated for two albums, most recently on "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today" in 2008, with notable critical success. Byrne continues to make great music. That's all that matters. |
Heh, I was just watching Stop Making Sense the other day.
He really gives it his all when he performs, he's a weird looking guy, which gives him a special stage presence. But still, as great a songwriter and frontman as he is, credit shouldn't be taken away from the other Talking Heads. Tina Weymouth/Chris Frantz is one of the most underappreciated rhythm sections in rock music. Anyway, just for the lulz. |
He's a handsome fellow, but in a strange way.
I love the part when he asks, "Do you experiment with drugs?" and responds "I'll tell you later."' And Weymouth is as underrated a bassist as they get. Just listen to the line in Born Under Punches and tell me she's not top 30 all time material. Also, http://www.fleen.com/thumbs/1361.thumb.png |
Johnny Marr http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/...arr_guitar.jpg One of the most influential guitar players on the indie scene his distinct ‘jangly’ sound set the standards for indie guitar players everywhere. I remember the first time I heard The Smiths, the song was William It Was Really Nothing and I thought “how the hell is the guitar player playing like that” I’d never heard someone play like that before and to be honest I haven’t since. He’s the reason I started playing guitar I remember hearing the opening riff to What Difference Does It Make? and thinking "that’s it, that’s what I wanna do". Johnny Marr rose to fame in the 80’s as the guitarist and songwriter of The Smiths. Together he and singer & lyricist Morrissey formed the most important songwriting partnership of the 80’s. The Smiths throughout their career released a slew of successful and memorable singles such as Panic, There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, William It Was Really Nothing, This Charming Man, and How Soon is Now along with 4 very successful studio albums three of them reaching the top 5 in the UK albums charts and one reaching #1. After the breakup of The Smiths in 1987 Marr went on to be a brief member of The Pretenders then forming a supergroup with New Order’s Bernard Sumner where they received critical and commercial success. Marr also fronted his own band Johnny Marr and The Healers who released their debut album Boomslang in 2003 to mixed reviews. In 2006 he joined indie band Modest Mouse as lead guitarist and in 2008 also joined The Cribs. Marr is often imitated but never matched. Noel Gallagher of Oasis cites him as a major inspiration for his guitar playing, Ed O'Brien of Radiohead and John Squire of The Stone Roses do as well along with countless other guitarists. |
I readily admit that every time I think of The Smiths my mind instantly pulls up Stop Me if You Think That You've Heard This One Before (at least i think that's the name of the song). You're post hast made me second guess my preconceived notions of the band, and I think I'll be doing some exploring.
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Joe Strummer
I'm clever enough to know how stupid i am http://www.channel4.com/film/media/i...02--film-B.jpg Musically the guy was one of the most forward thinking of his peers, turning The Clash from already being one of the best punk bands at the time into a driving force music as a whole, with an ear for music from all over the globe. On stage he looked like a beast, his distinctive guitar-stabbing beign constantly pictured in my mind whenever listening to the first 2 albums, i bet that's the same with a load of punk frontmen. Stylish motherfucker too, whether he was a 50's rocker or a Godfather style Al Pacino lookalike. He showed that punk bands could be outspoken and show some brains which is carried on through to today. Cool as hell too, and very missed. |
Lol, I was considering posting Byrne at the exact same time that Rickenbacker actually did.
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Damn, I was going to do a Peter Buck one, but I guess Mr. Johnny Marr covers the jangly guitar bits.
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Van Morrison
George Ivan Morrison There is nothing like it for me, the music rooted in the sounds the 1950's and 1960's the birth of Rock & Roll Soul, from the Rhythm & Blues roots of Southern Gospel and Soul music. Direct nods to Fats, Ledbelly, Jackie Wilson, Wilson Pickett and sound reminiscent of them that resonated with me from the very first note. It's the music of my childhood changing right along with me into teen years, bachelor years and through family life into the present day. I love the music, the lyrics. the presentation. I love the way he mumbles, growls and snarls through his lyrics at times and the way he belts out poignant and powerful notes to finish a chorus or bridge. I love the acoustic guitar complimented by the flute or the violin, the horn sections he loved so much. I love the transition into Jazz-Rock. County-Rock, Adult Contemporary, none as much as his 1960's and 70's prime, but nonetheless I never lost interest for what's now nearly 40 years. |
Bob Dylan How many roads must a man walk down, before you can call him a man? Lyrical genius, musical chameleon, larger-than-life icon... these are only a few of the words used to describe Bob Dylan, the greatest songwriter of all time. With his poignant social commentary expressed through his songs, Dylan was the sixties... and nobody since has actually managed to be so iconic. Perhaps just as impressive is how Dylan managed to continue to create five-star albums throughout the seventies, to a lesser extent the eighties, through the nineties and even to this day. And still, Dylan retains his iconic image, even in old age. Need anything else be said? edit: Somebody do one on Ringo, it will make my life. |
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Notice that he's playing both parts, that is, the interviewer and the interviewee.
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We've seen David Byrne in drag, now our lives are complete.
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Bump for more icons. Post them up, I like this thread.
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Aside from fronting three of the biggest punk bands in musical history (Minor Threat, Embrace & Fugazi), Ian MacKaye set an achievement of personal integrity that few entrepreneurial musicians have even come close to touching. While other musicians elect to just focus on their job in the studio, MacKaye's intensely self-righteous business ethic extended to pretty much every aspect of his touring act as well: No self promotion. No merch. No roadies, no drivers, no managers, no hotel rooms. $5 shows. From the early '80s onwards, MacKaye's D.C. label, Dischord Records, was a proprietary force in the burgeoning post-hardcore scene; plenty of the roster have gone onto punk immortality: Nation of Ulysses, Rites of Spring, Dag Nasty, Lungfish among others. None of their LPs were ever offered for over $10. |
I paid $12 for 13 songs from dischord :D. Great pick though and I am eternally grateful for seeing Fugazi live in '89. Just a pity I was too young to really take it all in.
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yeah but you didn't buy it directly from the label (like most people who bought punk albums in the '80s), did you?
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Yes I did :thumb: I had to buy a postal order and convert the money over. Those were the days...
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i didn't even know Dischord had a European distributor. :/
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From the back of my copy of 13 songs:
This CD is $12.00 post paid from: Dischord Records. 3819 Beecher St NW Wahington D.C 20007 Made In England. Oh the delicious irony of that last statement! |
http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/50...damon694bw.jpg Damon Albarn From helping create a musical movement in the 90’s to creating some of the most memorable music of this decade Damon Albarn is one of the most influential people to come out of the 90’s. Damon first came into the public spotlight when he and childhood friend Graham Coxon along with Alex James and Dave Rowntree formed Blur. The band are seen as the leaders of the Britpop movement of the UK and helped create the movement itself with albums such as Parklife and Modern Life is Rubbish. Throughout the 90’s the band released 6 successful (a few some even being iconic) albums during the decade with a small army of hit singles that are just as memorable as they are good with such as Girls & Boys, Tender, Country House, Song 2. With Alban as lead singer and lyricist along with Coxon on guitar and songwriting they became like Morrissey and Jonny Marr before them the most important songwriting partnership of that era. When Britpop had to began to come to it’s demise in the late 90’s the bands were able to change their sound all together and evolve. When Coxon left the band at the beginning of the millennium the band managed to solider on with the release Think Tank in 2001 and saw all the tracks entirely composed by Albarn. In the same year Albarn released an album called Gorillaz. The project was created by Damon and graphic artist Jamie Hewlett in the late 90’s as a virtual band. The band itself was a collaborative effort mixing Albarn with different musicians from a wide variety of genres. While the bands image and look was to Jamie’s credit, the music itself was to Albarn‘s. The first album Gorillaz was critically and commercially successful and the follow up Demon Days released in 2005 managed to top its predecessor . In 2006 Damon embarked on another collaborative project (which saw him as leader again) The Good, The Band, & The Queen. The band was a super group consisting of Damon himself, Paul Simonon of the Clash, Simon Tong of the Verve (who had worked with Damon on the Gorillaz) and composer Tony Allen. The band released it’s self titled album the following year which was hailed by critics and sold well. In 2007 Damon and Jamie Hewlett did the unexpected and released a Chinese opera largely based on the 16th century novel Journey to the West. The opera Monkey: Journey to the West was like the Gorillaz composed by Albarn with visual art by Hewlett. Directed by Chen Shi-Zheng the opera was a success and was even briefly featured at the 2008 Summer Olympics, held in Beijing. In 2009 Blur reunited with Coxon and headlined Glastonbury’s pyramid stage (which they had done twice before) among headlining other UK & European festivals to the great pleasure of the audience. The band has talked about releasing new materiel but nothing has been confirmed but the Gorillaz are planning to release a third album Carousel sometime between 2009 and 2010. Damon Albarn with all of his accomplishments and memorable music will certainly be a staple in music fans hearts. |
He also acted (quite bad to be fair) in a British Gangster film 'Face' and worked on soundtrack work around the same time ('97 ish).
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He also is a douchebag, which shows how great of a musical artist he believes he is.
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meh, 90% of people are asschaps anyway so that really doesn't matter to me.
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Kurt Cobain http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/...ain-smokes.jpg I thought I'd get in there before anyone else could, what's there to say about Kurt Cobain? singer, guitarist, song writer. Rocker, drugs, controversy. Whatever you associate with Kurt there is no denying his impact on music and his impact on people, he touched a generation. With 3 albums 'Bleach.', 'Nevermind' and 'In Utero' he led a new scene in music, with all the energy of punk and anger and emotion of metal he formed Grunge. His song writing had so many different levels and they mean so many different things to so many different people but those who followed and loved Nirvana had 1 mutual feeling about the songs he wrote and music he created - it meant everything. It's better to burn out, then fade away. |
Maybe the third coolest black and white picture of a dude smoking, behind
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tRg73iZIqu...mmer+smoke.jpg and http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/.../Tom+Waits.jpg MAYBE. And it'd be a distant third. But seriously, he didn't "form grunge". That's a little excessive, don't you think? Pixies were doing what he did years before. Novoselic himself said how much of a rip off of a pixies tune Teen Spirit was anyway. You know, that dynamic between soft in the verse and heavy in the chorus, or vice versa. |
Needs more http://i30.tinypic.com/54zv5j.jpg
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