The lead vocalist (or lead singer) is the member of a band who sings the main vocal portions of a song. Lead vocalists may also play one or more instruments (most commonly rhythm guitar or keys or bass guitar). They are sometimes referred to as the frontman, and as such, are usually considered to be the "leader" of the groups they perform in, often the spokespersons in interviews and before the public. On rare occasions, the frontman of the band is someone other than the lead vocalist.
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Ambiguous lead vocalists
Some rock groups, such as The Beatles, Gomez, Kiss, The Beach Boys, Eagles, Runrig, Pink Floyd, The Libertines, and The Band have more than one featured vocalist, making it difficult to establish a single "lead singer" or "frontman." Other bands, such as Fleetwood Mac, Status Quo, Toto, The B-52's, Oasis, The White Stripes, The Who, The Clash, Queen and The Cars had, in addition to the designated "lead singer," one or more members who provided significant lead vocals in the course of the group's career.
While the lead vocalist often defines the group's image and personality to the general public, several bands, such as AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Van Halen have changed lead singers and maintained the original band name and, to some extent, identity.
Frontman
The lead vocalist of a band is often called a frontman. This term refers not only to their physical position of being in front when the band performs, but also the duties of musical leader amongst the band and spokesperson for the band before the public. While lead vocalists or spokespersons for any musical ensembles can be called a frontman, the term is used very widely in rock music. Since the position commonly has an expanded role from simple lead vocalists, there have been cases in which the frontman for a band is someone other than the lead vocalist. For example, Pete Wentz, the bass player for the band Fall Out Boy, is generally called the frontman, both in the media and by the band members themselves, since he is the principal lyric writer, represents the band in most interviews and has most contributed to the band's image in the popular media.[1] Additionally, Dave Clark of The Dave Clark Five was the group's drummer, not the main vocalist.
In several bands (such as Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Queen, Iron Maiden, Journey, Van Halen, Oasis and The Who), the lead guitarist or bassist may share spokesman responsibilities with the lead singer. Usually, this is derived from that guitarist's specific role as a co-songwriter, co-founder and/or co-vocalist. Also in some cases, there are two headmen, like in the band, Underoath, with singers Spencer Chamberlain and Aaron Gillespie. Chamberlain came in later in the band, but is the main vocalist, while Gillespie is the only original member, making them both frontmen. Another band with two frontpersons is Blink 182, with singers Tom Delonge who also plays guitar and Mark Hoppus who is also a bassist. The two usually carry out most media together while the band's other member, its drummer Travis Barker usually remains quiet.
See also
References
- ^ CARAMANICA, JON (December 12, 2008), "The Frontman in the Background". The New York Times. (accessed 2009-01-19)
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