Summary: Fronting a band is a challenging task, requiring a combination of singing and audience engagement. While some rock singers thrive solely behind the mic, others possess hidden instrumental talents, including playing the guitar. Here’s a list of ten vocalists who can also strum a six-string, often surprising fans with their versatility.
1. Axl Rose (Guns N’ Roses)
- Guitar Skills: Axl Rose isn’t just a powerful vocalist; he also plays acoustic guitar, notably on the song “Dead Horse” from Use Your Illusion I. Footage exists of him playing guitar live during performances in the early ’90s.
2. Layne Staley (Alice in Chains)
- Guitar Skills: Layne Staley played guitar on several Alice in Chains tracks, including “Angry Chair” and “Hate to Feel”. He also wrote some of the band’s iconic riffs and was seen playing guitar live.
3. David Lee Roth (Van Halen)
- Guitar Skills: David Lee Roth occasionally played guitar during Van Halen performances, especially on the intro for “Ice Cream Man,” showcasing his multi-faceted musical abilities.
4. Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden)
- Guitar Skills: Before Iron Maiden had three guitarists, Bruce Dickinson would play guitar on the song “Revelations” during live shows, adding depth to their performances.
5. Taylor Momsen (The Pretty Reckless)
- Guitar Skills: Taylor Momsen often plays guitar live, particularly on songs like “My Medicine” and “Take Me Down.” She also plays acoustic guitar for stripped-back versions of their tracks on YouTube.
6. Zack de la Rocha (Rage Against the Machine)
- Guitar Skills: Before joining Rage Against the Machine, Zack de la Rocha played guitar in the band Hard Stance. He has occasionally been seen playing acoustic guitar throughout the 2000s.
7. Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe)
- Guitar Skills: Vince Neil sometimes joins Mötley Crüe on guitar for tracks like “Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)” and “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away),” enhancing their live performances.
8. Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones)
- Guitar Skills: Mick Jagger, known for his dynamic stage presence, also plays guitar. He has performed with a guitar during songs like “Some Girls” in 2008, adding another layer to his role as frontman.
9. Freddie Mercury (Queen)
- Guitar Skills: Besides his legendary vocals and piano skills, Freddie Mercury occasionally played guitar. He composed “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” on guitar, with Brian May praising his unique playing style.
10. Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)
- Guitar Skills: Steven Tyler sometimes plays guitar, notably on the song “Seasons of Wither” from the album Get Your Wings. His guitar contributions add a different dimension to Aerosmith’s music.
Impact on Music
- Versatility and Talent: These singers show their musical versatility by mastering another instrument, which adds depth to their bands’ performances and recordings.
- Live Performances: Seeing these artists play guitar live enhances the concert experience, revealing another facet of their musical abilities.
For more details, visit Loudwire’s article on singers who also play guitar.
Source: Loudwire
