Metal veteran John Bush of Anthrax and Armored Saint lists his top 20 vocal influences, only on Ranker.com -- and his influences are not all metal gods. See John Bush's favorite lead singers in the worlds of metal, rock, and even soul below.
Some singers have tons of attitude and little vocal ability.
Others can sing their heart out, but look as stiff as a board while they're performing.
Bon exhibited both abilities. Fiery personality that oozed out of him, coupled with a bluesy voice and awesome pitch.
While some pompous singers brag about their fictitious 4-octave range, Bon always delivered the goods with a no-nonsense approach which screamed, "I’ll kick your ass and leave you bleeding on the floor, regardless of how many octaves I have."
Recently, when Joe Perry suggested that Aerosmith could go on without Steven after he fell off the stage and was trying to get his act together, I laughed hysterically and felt insulted at the same time.
One of the greatest singers of all time, Steven was able to bridge a Motown style with the hardest of rock, creating a sound that has been emulated numerous times by many weaker front men.
Replacing him would be impossible, as is usually the case with other irref*table legends.
The rumor I always heard about him was that Rick had only one lung, which always tripped me out considering the powerful voice that he had. Blackfoot’s sound was shaped by their Native American roots and Rick sang like he had a lot to prove; a very underrated band with an amazing singer (who also was one hell of a guitar player).
"Marauder" stands as one of my favorite hard rock albums of all time.
I’m convinced that Mike is an alien. Most definitely not of this world.
I recently did shows with the reunited Faith No More and marveled at his incredible ability to go from screaming his brains out to crooning like an R&B singer. Using awesome dynamics and impeccable pitch, all the while leading the band like an escaped mental patient conductor.
When people talk about Beyonce being the greatest R&B singer, I shake my head in disgust and know they must never have heard Chaka. Pure power and soul emanates out of her with ease, leaving other female singers in the dust.
Whether with Rufus or on her solo efforts, Chaka took belting to a whole new level. Although my list is a little gender-biased, she is my lone female influence and it would have been absolutely ludicrous to omit her.
He motivated hundreds of would-be singers around the globe to try and hit high notes only dogs and metal heads could hear. Of course, no one came close.
Rob could weave in and out of styles and personalities, all the while singing sometimes with a super falsetto or a down-in-the-bowels low tone. Example: The Ripper.
Let’s also not forget his captivating front man abilities.
