69. Beck - Everybody wants to work with Beck; and for good reason. The multi-instrumentalist is not only proven as an individual performer but, perhaps more poignantly, when it comes to working with others he’s virtually unbeatable. It’s fair to say that whoever you are, somewhere you’ve probably found yourself moving to the rhythm of his music. (wenn)

68. Tahita Bulmer of New Young Pony Club - One of the modern era of new front women taking their lead from the likes of Debbie Harry and Annabella Lwin. Known for her enthusiastic dancing and performance Bulmer is the New Young Pony Club’s music in human form. (wenn)

67. Mark E Smith of The Fall - If you went up to Mark E Smith and called him a gobshite, he’d either whole heartedly agree with you and buy you a pint, or, he’d just head butt you on the bridge of the nose. Infamous for his unpredictable behaviour, firing band members on the spot, yet also his prolific, unmistakable music; there truly is only one Mark E Smith. (wenn)

66. Chuck D of Public Enemy - The focal point of Public Enemy, Chuck D is widely regarded as one of Hip Hop’s best ever exponents. Album’s such as ‘It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back’ and ‘Fear Of A Black Planet’ are testament to his ability to give a voice to those who lack his prowess with words. (wenn)

65. Angus Andrew of Liars (centre) - As the main man in Liars, Angus Andrew continues to be a shocking and uncompromising performer to watch. When he’s not tearing his vocal chords apart whilst singing the band’s songs, Andrew is dressing up in the kind of clothes that make you wonder what he gets up to in his spare time.

64. Robert Smith of The Cure - Like many on this list Smith didn't start off as the main vocalist in The Cure but was forced into the situation after the original frontman left. No matter, he went on to become one of the most recognisable singers of the 80s and helped popularize the 'goth' look even though he doesn't like to take credit for it nowadays. (wenn)

63. Frank Black of Pixies / solo - Frank Black might look like an average bloke who drinks at your local boozer, but who said a good frontman needs to crowd surf his way to the exit after every gig? What Black lacks in onstage autonomy, he more than makes up for it with his songwriting and voice – which makes it impossible to take your eyes off him. (wenn)

62. PJ Harvey - Polly Jean is an eccentric, whether it be on stage or off. Steve Albini claimed she ate nothing but potatoes during the recording of ‘Rid Of Me’. Who’d have thought she have should a long career after her first show as the PJ Harvey band was stopped due to the fact that everyone had left. (wenn)

61. Frank Carter of Gallows - Something happens to Frank Carter when he goes onstage. From rather unassuming, the ginger haired one becomes a preacher for punk music in the 21st century, screaming vocals that piece like knife wounds whilst surfing his way over a sea of awestruck worshippers better known as the crowd. (pic: Shirlaine Forrest)

60. Damon Albarn of Blur/Gorillaz/The Good, The Bad & The Queen - It’s been said many times, but in music a performer has rarely been blessed with such a flawless Midas touch as Damon Albarn. First it was Blur, and those Parklife jollies; then it was the animated Gorillaz; and finally, Albarn has cast his spell over the majestic supergroup The Good The Bad And The Queen. Three very different bands but all led by one very special musician. (wenn)

59. David Lee Roth of Van Halen - The first king of Glam Metal, David Lee Roth was as flamboyant a character on stage as he was wild off it. He had an ego the size of an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo and a voice as distinctive as any in the past 40 years. (wenn)

58. Richard Ashcroft of The Verve / solo - When he released his last solo album Richard Ashcroft deemed himself the Messiah. While those bold words might be a little to over the top, you can’t ignore, or help be moved by Ashcroft when he sings. And now that The Verve are back together, we predict that he may well just, er, rise again. (pic: Shirlaine Forrest)

57. Maynard James Keenan of Tool - A reluctant front man at first – and he probably hates us for tagging him with the title - Maynard James Keenan isn’t just a brilliant performer of music, he’s also an outstanding comedian. In the early 1990s he befriended legendary comic Bill Hicks and performed at Improv nights around L.A., Hicks later opened for Tool on several occasions. (wenn)

56. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith - As Aerosmith’s reputation grew in the late 80s so did the inevitable popularity of their rock ’n roll-embodying frontman Steven Tyler. With his rustic voice and massive mouth, Tyler went on to become the man who soundtracked the lives of teenagers and adults everywhere. From the raucous ups to the down-tempo balladry of songs like ‘Crazy’, Tyler’s voice and enigmatic persona was the talk of the town. (wenn)

55. James Hetfield of Metallica - There’s even something about James Hetfield’s face that screams ‘Let’s rock!’ While Metallica are mainly known for their heavy, thrash guitars, it can’t be forgotten that Hatfield’s voice is one of the true instruments in the band. As raucous and energetic as the band’s songs, it continues to ignite mosh pits everywhere. (wenn)

54. Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) of The Sex Pistols / Public Image Ltd - The ultimate pantomime performer, Johnny Rotten is for many the main reference point for anything punk. He still lives up to the persona as much in real life as he does on stage – he literally hasn’t taken that mask off for 30 years. (wenn)

53 Henry Rollins of Black Flag - Though most noted for the “raspy howl” of his DC Hardcore days, Rollins has been something of a vocal chameleon through out his career from Black Flag’s movement to a more swing style to the spoken word of the Rollins Band. (wenn)

52. Chuck Berry - Lennon once said that if rock and roll had another name it would be ‘Chuck Berry’. He’s probably not that far off there. Berry’s enigmatic guitar playing in the 50s laid the foundations for so much of the world’s music that followed. Even today, his infectious rhythms continue to soundtrack our lives. (wenn)

51. Roger Daltrey of The Who – Still kicking his stuff with The Who to this day, Daltrey was one of the many musical icons on this list that rose to prominence it the glory days of the 1960s. Not just a frontman to The Who, but also a film star, stage performer and solo act. As anyone who saw The Who at Glastonbury last year will tell you, Daltrey is still The Man. (wenn)

50. Eddie Argos of Art Brut – Since Art Brut emerged in 2003, frontman Eddie Argos has garnered nothing short of a cult status. From the hilarious lyrics and word play, to the band’s electrifying, often chaotic live shows, complete with his dodgy moustache Argos is a modern day hero. (wenn)

49. Courtney Love of Hole / solo - Such is the power of the written word, it’s easy to forget that Courtney Love existed before she became the wife and eventually tragic widow of Kurt Cobain. To this day she still shines onstage as much as she herself as a bizarre councilor to fallen celebrities off it. (wenn)

48. Jarvis Cocker of Pulp / solo - From the early days of Pulp it was clear that Jarvis Cocker had that special something that it takes to be a great frontman – and we’re not just talking about that ‘mooning’ incident at the BRIT Awards. Rather, the northerner with Austin Powers’ specs had that special air of unpredictability which kept crowds on the edge of their feet. Oh and he’s a genius too. (wenn)

47. Nick Cave of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds / solo - If all great frontmen and women have one thing in common it is that – if death hasn’t already knocked on their door – they’re still revered as highly today as they were at their peak. Nick Cave, who is on the verge of releasing his 14th album with The Bad Seeds, is one of those performers. Fascinating to watch and deeply intense to listen to. (wenn)

46. Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy - Synchronizing his unforgettable voice with infectious bass riffs was Lynott’s specialty. As the frontman of Thin Lizzy he helped to create what is now revered as classic rock. While it wasn’t surprising that he chose to experiment with a solo career, it was with Thin Lizzy that Lynott really shone on stage.

45. Beth Ditto of The Gossip - She packs as many pounds as the Big Show and currently seems more interested in being seen with Kate Moss but when she gets onstage, where she belongs, it’s hard to take your eyes off Beth Ditto’s innate ability to captivate her audience with her big voice and even bigger personality. (pic: Shirlaine Forrest)

44. Bono (Paul Hewson) of U2 – He may have an ego the size of a planet and bore you to death with his one man crusade to save mankind, but put Bono in front of 100,000 people and you can’t fault his showmanship and capacity to rouse the masses. In fact, his presence is nothing short of electrifying. (pr photos)

43. Patti Smith - The archetypal female front woman, much imitated but never bettered, Patti Smith was one of the most influential players in the proto-punk movement and is often hailed as the genre’s ‘poet laureate’. Her album ‘Horses’ still sits as one of the best of all time. (wenn)

42. Axl Rose of Guns n Roses - As he stalks the stage waiting for the drumbeat to come in Axl Rose is fairly unassuming. When that beat comes in, and the multiple riffs start up however, something changes and Rose suddenly becomes one of the most appealing and distinctive musicians in history. He's unforgettable to look at and undeniably talented as a lead vocalist. (wenn)

41. Alice Cooper – Way back when Marilyn Manson was yet to hit puberty, Alice Cooper was donning the make-up and bring his rock horror show to the public. A true character who is often parodied and rarely surpassed. (wenn)

40. Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden – He may be an airline pilot, radio broadcaster and fencer, but Dickinson’s day job, and the one that has earned him a place on our list, is as the raucous frontman of heavy metal royalty Iron Maiden. As well as releasing 16 albums with Iron Maiden, Dickinson has carved out nine solo albums too. (wenn)

39. Keith Flint of The Prodigy - The ferocity of Flint’s delivery is what sets him apart, his performance immediately arresting – so much so it’s impossible to take your eyes off of him. As singer of The Prodigy he changed the boundaries of what it took to front a dance act and set a standard few others will reach. (pic: Shirlaine Forrest)

38. Johnny Cash - “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash,” was the way Johnny Cash often chose to introduce himself onstage. Polite and well mannered, what followed were songs which made people think, set to rhythms which selfishly made it impossible for people not to move. A performer in every overused sense of the word. (wenn)

37. Peaches - The shock-jock of electroclash, Peaches never shies away from a subject whether it be threw her filthy lyrics or her on stage performances. It’s all the more surprising as the lady whose real name is Merrill Beth Nisker started off as an elementary school teacher. (pic: Shirlaine Forrest)

36. Matthew Bellamy of Muse - Bellamy is one of those performers in our list who doesn’t need to use the media to get publicity – although, when he does, he does it very well. Instead, Bellamy speaks through mammoth guitar riffs and vocals that sound like an instrument from out of space. (pic: Shirlaine Forrest)

35. Karen O of Yeah Yeah Yeahs - One of the most stylish ladies in music, Karen O is a notorious for her stage attire as her crazy antics. Whether it be grinding against the nearest monitor or turning up dressed as a dragon the Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer is constantly providing the audience with endless entertainment. (wenn)

34. Michael Stipe of R.E.M. - Stipe was known for his mumbling style during the early years of R.E.M but has since developed his voice into the band’s most identifiable trait. On stage his presence sways between vulnerability and reverence that matches the lyrical content of the tracks perfectly. (wenn)

33. Jimi Hendrix - Arguably the greatest guitarist who walked the earth who inspired millions to pick up the guitar was robbed of us at the untimely age of 27. A music icon and innovator, he is truly one of the kings of music and boy could he put on a show - just YouTube his interpretation of Star Spangled Banner to witness his sheer brilliance. (pr photos)

32. Joey Ramone of The Ramones - Gangly, geeky and awkward but damn right brilliant, Joey Ramone was the snarling face of New York punk. His unorthodox singing voice put him at odds with accepted norm of the mid 70s American music scene. Sadly missed since his death in 2001. (wenn)

31. Bon Scott of AC/DC - The most loved of AC/DC’s several front men, Scott helped transform the band into the hard rocking monsters they became thanks to his charismatic stage presence. Not only a much imitated singer but a brilliant lyricist to boot. RIP. (pr photos)

30. Bob Marley – Everything about Bob Marley screams of musical icon – from his profound, incomparable music and his ethos, but even his image has become synonymous with coolness, peace and harmony – one that is plastered across the walls of student digs throughout the land. (press)

29. Thom Yorke of Radiohead – He’s not your typical rock titan and he’s hardly renowned for his debauched antics, yet Thom Yorke is an inimitable talent and sometimes this is good enough. In fact, in recent years he seems to have lightened up a bit and is more at home joking about than being moribund. The fact that he frontman to one of the world’s greatest bands helps too. (wenn)

28. Kurt Cobain of Nirvana - Kurt Cobain is still probably the most enigmatic rock star of the past twenty years, the myth around the legend only added to further as the years pass since his death. Tender and vulnerable at heart but as a result brutal in the themes he explored as a lyricist and front man. (wenn)

27. Little Richard - A pioneer, a wild man and one of the greatest performers of all time Little Richard is simply a legend. A pivotal figure in the transformation of Rhythm & Blues into Rock n Roll in the 1950s, the man from Macon, Georgia was an idol to many including James Brown. (wenn)

26. Morrissey of The Smiths – A true master of the poetic verse, Morrissey is king to those who wasted away their youth sad and lonely in their bedrooms. His lyrics are poignant, funny, controversial and sometimes all these three traits at once, marking him out as distinctive talent in music. As frontman of The Smiths he was a geek yet a cultural icon – now, decades on, slightly more rotund his reign continues. (pic: Carsten Windhorst)

25. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails - Although Nine Inch Nails are considered a band they really are only one man, Trent Reznor. David Bowie has compared the impact of Reznor’s creations to those of The Velvet Underground – not a bad recommendation we think you’ll agree. (wenn)

24. Marc Bolan of T Rex - A true rock pioneer, in T-Rex Mark Bolan cultivated all that was glamorous about the 1970s prompting David Bowie and even Mick Jagger to road test glitter to see what all the fuss was about. The only downside was that he failed to witness the impact of the legacy he created. (press)

23. Marilyn Manson – The anti-Christ superstar is the master of the theatrical. From his horrorshow make-up, his controversial views, his often macabre music to his extraordinary stageshows, Mr Brian Warner is a one man spectacle. Much, much more than a one trick pony. (pic: Carsten Windhorst)

22. Debbie Harry of Blondie – One of punk and new wave’s biggest icons and an inspiration to countless women to get into music, Harry’s influence is massive. Her peroxide blonde hair, stunning looks and almost nonchalant manner have marked her as a cultural icon and Queen of Cool. (wenn)

21. Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath / solo - Decades of drug abuse have left Ozzy a shell of a human being, but, despite this, stick him on a stage with a microphone and a live band and he's still a formidable rock titan. Frontmen of one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, dodgy TV shows and household celebrity status aside, Ozzy's legend lives on. (wenn)

20. Janis Joplin – After fronting Big Brother and the Holding Company and forging herself a fruitful solo career, Joplin died at the age of 27 of a drug overdose. Before the untimely death, Joplin carved herself a prominence through her raw talent, her perfect flexible rock voice and visceral live performances – it’s a shame much of her brilliance was realised by the public posthumously. (pr photos)

19. M.I.A - There is probably only one thing that is as sassy, sexy and salubriously appealing as M.I.A’s music, and that is M.I.A herself! One of the finest front women in music today, she’s a reminder that when glamour, rhythm and raw talent collide, it’s an unforgettable result. (pic: Linda Chasteau)

18. Jim Morrison of The Doors – One of a number of legends on the list who were taken away from us at a tragically young age, in his 27 years on this earth Jim Morrison achieved a greatness that few will ever gain. A visionary, singer, poet, songwriter armed with an inimitable voice and a mysterious, sexy and mischievous persona, Morrison was and still is a true great. (wenn)

17. Bjork of The Sugercubes / solo - The pixie from Iceland is without doubt one of the most arresting live performers of the last twenty years. Be it her personality or amazing stage shows, the former Sugacubes singer sure knows how to put on a great show – anyone who saw her at Glastonbury 2007 will vouch for this. (pic: Shirlaine Forrest)

16. Liam Gallagher of Oasis - Liam Gallagher is like the marmite of British indie, those that love him praise the Oasis singer for putting the swagger back into UK rock while those that loath him see Gallagher as the antithesis of the long history of intelligent, well studied English performers. (wenn)

15. John Lennon of The Beatles / solo - Sometimes even words can’t describe the impact of a person. John Lennon is probably one of those people. Following the Beatles, Lennon went on to blossom on his own, cultivating such hits as ‘Imagine’ and performing them in a way that only a true, iconic individual could. (wenn)

14. Iggy Pop of Iggy and The Stooges - One of music’s greatest characters and a living rock icon. He may resemble a shrivelled prune nowadays, but he’s still got the devil in him and can wreak visceral carnage through his live shows like it was 1975 all over again. Respect. (pic: Shirlaine Forrest)

13. Howlin' Pelle Almqvist of The Hives - He’s the best frontman in the world in his own modest opinion but sadly, for Pelle, that’s not good enough for him to top our poll. It’s impossible to ignore his abundant charisma onstage however – which ranges from outrageous statements to pelvis thrusting that would make Michael Jackson’s eyes water (pic: Carsten Windhorst)

12. Bruce Springsteen – If there’s one man that symbolises the American Dream then it’s The Boss – a moniker that’s wholly fitting to his legend. Just at home at delivering powerful ballads as rousing, zeitgeist defining anthems, Springsteen is a rock music bastion whose intelligent song writing is often overlooked. (wenn)

11. Zac De La Rocha of Rage Against the Machine - His mixing of rap and rock vocals as front man of Rage Against The Machine plus his exploration of politics threw his lyrics has gained De La Rocha a fervent fan base. He is also well known for interspersing the bands sets with speeches about the band’s political beliefs. (wenn)

10. Tim Harrington of Les Savy Fav - In modern musical terms you haven’t witnessed a great front man until you’ve seen Tim Harrington of Les Savy Fav go to work. If you’re in the same room as him be scared because he is coming to get you and it’ll be a sweaty experience!

9. Elvis Presley – Cultural icon and The King of Rock and Roll, it’s hard to grasp the sheer influence and muscle Presley had in changing the face of music. Highly sexual, blessed with a versatile voice, imbued with energy and with a presence that has never been matched, it’s no wonder that legions of people still want to be Elvis. (pr photos)

8. Michael Jackson – Say what you like about the media furore that constantly surrounds him, the plastic surgery etc… there’s little doubting that Jacko is one of music’s greats. From fronting the Jackson Five at an impossibly young age to becoming an inimitable solo star and arguably the most famous man in the world, Michael Jackson is a sensation. (wenn)

7. Joe Strummer of The Clash - If a man ever embodied the punk spirit more than Strummer we are yet to find him. He was the political, explosive heart of The Clash – a man who wore his heart on his sleeve and was never afraid to speak his mind. (pr photos)

6. Freddie Mercury of Queen – With his unassuming, geeky looks, aesthetically it would be hard to believe that Mercury was one the most charismatic, vivacious and theatrical frontmen ever to grace Planet Earth – but it’s emphatically true. His legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985 has gone down as one of the greatest performances in music’s history. (wenn)

5. Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin - As the voice of rock n roll's greatest behemoth Led Zeppelin, there's little doubting about the boy from West Bromwich's place on our list. Back in the day he was renowned for his energy, his ability to reach logic defying notes and his charismatic stage presence. While undeniably a lot wrinklier, Led Zep's recent one off show at the 02 Arena proves he still has very much got it. (wenn)

4. James Brown – Renowned for the sheer intensity and ecstasy of his live performances, James Brown didn’t get the moniker as The Godfather of Soul for nothing. Sexed up, passionate and unique, James Brown was a one-off and will never ever be repeated. (wenn)

3. Ian Curtis of Joy Division - In life he was dogged with epilepsy and crippling depression, which was reflected in the dark, brooding and magnificent music of Joy Division. Onstage, he was literally like a man possessed, totally consumed by the emotion and power of his music - something wed truly like to see a lot more of nowadays. A tragic genius.

2. Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones – Well into his sixties, Mick Jagger is still performing with more intensity and sexual thrust than twenty lifeless indie bands put together. The Rolling Stones have the tunes and with Mick Jagger at the helm they have one of the most extraordinary, brilliant frontmen out there. (wenn)

1. David Bowie - What is there to say about David Bowie that hasn’t already been said? The original rock chameleon has constantly strove to evolve, forge new trends, subvert the norms and produce genre defining music. Onstage too, he has an intrinsic aura comparable to none. His legacy and influence will remain in decades, maybe centuries, to come, such is his greatness. (wenn)