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The most charismatic prog-frontman?

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Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
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URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13021
Printed Date: March 07 2025 at 01:40
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Topic: The most charismatic prog-frontman?
Posted By: dima_olkov
Subject: The most charismatic prog-frontman?
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 08:40

There were lots of talanted and gifted musicians...

There were lots of superb bands...

Who do you think was (is) the most charistmatic frontman in prog?

I vote for Peter Gabriel



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PF, Genesis, KC, Yes, VdGG, GG, Camel, Jethro Tull



Replies:
Posted By: rockandrail
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 08:42
Peter Gabriel, Peter Hammill. Two "Peter"s both on Charisma label. Hence charismatics

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Pierre R, the man who lost his signature


Posted By: dima_olkov
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 08:47
What about Roger Waters? I think he was a bit suffering from narcissism, especially during last years... anyway, I just loved "In the flesh" DVD. He really looked like a great charismatic frontman.

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PF, Genesis, KC, Yes, VdGG, GG, Camel, Jethro Tull


Posted By: BaldFriede
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 08:59
Hammill is certainly charismatic. I saw him doing a completely uncaccompanied encore twice, without microphone even. He just approached the front of the stage alone (he had already done 4 or 5 encores before), a towel around his neck, and started to sing. Everyone was completely silent, but after he finished the whole concert hall shook! Once he sang "Again", the other time it was (surprise, surprise) "I Smile Like Chicago" from Robert Fripp's first solo album "Exposure" (on which Hammill guested).

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BaldJean and I; I am the one in blue.


Posted By: CandyAppleRed
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 09:03
It has to be Foxtrot-era Gabriel. There had been nothing like it, and never will be again. Thoughts of those early gigs at Newcastle City Hall still send shivers down me over 30 years on.


Posted By: Eetu Pellonpaa
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 09:12
I think John Wetton in 72-74 KC was charismatic in much decent style, as he didn't dress up as a flower...  The music he played and sung on to was also so emotional in both beutiful and aggressive way, that I'll vote for 'im.


Posted By: Sit Ubu Sit
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 09:48
Ian Anderson - in Tull's early days, he was a madman. Playing the flute while balancing on one leg, whirling it around over his head, playing crotchgrab with his bandmates. He certainly has mellowed over the years (haven't we all), but back in the 70's, he was as charasmatic as any frontman around...


Posted By: Eetu Pellonpaa
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 11:06
^ 60's too!


Posted By: Pr@gmatic
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 11:23
Originally posted by dima_olkov dima_olkov wrote:

I vote for Peter Gabriel


Yeah, me too.

But, no one mentioned Syd Barrett yet, and I think he was one of the most charismatic leaders in prog, as well.


Posted By: Melos
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 11:54
I saw MAGMA live in DVD once and I was very impressed with the fantastic Christian Vander's contributions and costumes...


Posted By: ummagumma08
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 13:55

Was  it the "Concert Bobino 1981"?, he's certainly scary in the 30+ minute performance of "Zess".

Vander is a great, and a very unusual frontman, I can't choose between him and Hammill.     



Posted By: Dennis
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 14:16
Peter Gabriel in his Genesis years. Hands down! Who could ever forget his turning the musical stories of their old songs into "live" visual dramatic theatre. The Fox-head red dress and later the old man mask from "The Musical Box," Brittania from "Dancing With The Moonlit Night,"  the black cape and batwings of "Watcher of the Skies," the various costume changes during "Supper's Ready," the different personnas in "The Lamb," including Rael's black leather jacket and the Slipperman, and so many more not mentioned. That along with the eye and face make-up, plus Peter's unique voice, physical body language and stage moves has earned him the deserved title of deity. CandyAppleRed is spot on! There will never be anything as mind blowing as this again.  

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"Day dawns dark, it now numbers infinity"


Posted By: TheProgtologist
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 14:22

Peter Gabriel

And from the newer prog and prog metal era:

Maynard James Keenan



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Posted By: matti meikäläin
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 14:51
1.mars volta lead singer
2.peter hammil


Posted By: Syzygy
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 15:47
Much as I'm tempted to go along with Christian Vander, he's more of a drummer than a frontman (though certainly a compelling figure). Captain Beefheart was a truly mesmerising performer, but I'd have to say Ian Anderson is the most charismatic prog performer I have seen, and pretty close to the most charismatic in any genre. Hammill would come a close second, just followed by Gabriel, and Brian Gulland (Gryphon) deserves a special award as well.

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'Like so many of you
I've got my doubts about how much to contribute
to the already rich among us...'

Robert Wyatt, Gloria Gloom




Posted By: Xanadu
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 16:06

Originally posted by Syzygy Syzygy wrote:

Much as I'm tempted to go along with Christian Vander, he's more of a drummer than a frontman (though certainly a compelling figure). Captain Beefheart was a truly mesmerising performer, but I'd have to say Ian Anderson is the most charismatic prog performer I have seen, and pretty close to the most charismatic in any genre. Hammill would come a close second, just followed by Gabriel, and Brian Gulland (Gryphon) deserves a special award as well.

I second Ian Andersson, specilly the younger and more energetic him.

thumbs up for your interview btw, really encouraged me to check out these amazing bands



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"Oh, yes, sitting-the great leveler. From the mightiest pharaoh to the lowliest peasant, who doesn't enjoy a good sit?"


Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 16:26
yea for sure syd barrett... he had it all


Posted By: Moogtron III
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 16:33

Originally posted by BaldFriede BaldFriede wrote:

Hammill is certainly charismatic. I saw him doing a completely uncaccompanied encore twice, without microphone even. He just approached the front of the stage alone (he had already done 4 or 5 encores before), a towel around his neck, and started to sing. Everyone was completely silent, but after he finished the whole concert hall shook! Once he sang "Again", the other time it was (surprise, surprise) "I Smile Like Chicago" from Robert Fripp's first solo album "Exposure" (on which Hammill guested).

I had the same kind of experience with Hammill in Utrecht. He was sitting on a chair before the curtains that were already closed. Also with a towel round his neck. And he sang... incredible! Too bad half of the audience had already left! I can't tell which song it was, but the encore was certainly very, very impressive! He played with the audience in his own inimitable way. Stopping and starting the song again, lifting his finger and winking... Fascinating!



Posted By: Pr@gmatic
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 16:40
Originally posted by matti meikäläin matti meikäläin wrote:

1.mars volta lead singer


Out of the modern proggers I'd go with Cedric too.


Posted By: pepolo
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 17:08

Ian Anderson, Peter Hammill, Robert Calvert



Posted By: krusty
Date Posted: October 13 2005 at 17:40
I think it would be between Don Van Vliet, Gabriel, Hammil, Zappa and Ian Anderson.
I'll go for Don Van Vliet as no one else has truly memorizing performer.

I suppose an honorable mention should go to Fish as well (4/5ths Gabriel 1/5th Hammill)




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http://www.humanism.org.uk/site/cms/contentChapterView.asp?chapter=309" rel="nofollow - Humanism


Posted By: NotAProghead
Date Posted: November 21 2005 at 20:40

Both Andersons, Ian and Jon.

 



Posted By: Gentle Tull
Date Posted: November 21 2005 at 21:15
Peter Gabriel. With Ian Anderson second for me.

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