Best vocalist ever? Are they high?

[Jeff H]

How sad when great musicians take their own life like Brad Delp did from severe depression.
One of my absolute favorite guitarists growing up was Ronnie Montrose and he too took his own life in a severely depressed state as well.
Depression sucks!

While sad, musicians who were snuffed out way too early from no fault of their own is much sadder.

RIP
Randy Rhodes, Ronnie James Dio and others.

 

[Proud Marine Dad]

While sad, musicians who were snuffed out way too early from no fault of their own is much sadder.

RIP
Randy Rhodes, Ronnie James Dio and others.

True. Don't forget SRV.

 

[Pr0digal_son]

I can't tell you how many times I have listened to an artist and thought "that is the best singer I have ever heard". Next album....same thought. I feel good music/vocals, I don't hear them.

 

[Jeff H]

True. Don't forget SRV.

 
Didn't leave him out intentionally, I just don't know too much about him since he wasn't big on my favorite list growing up. I've always preferred a heavier music than SRV played.

 

[Scovie]

Didn't leave him out intentionally, I just don't know too much about him since he wasn't big on my favorite list growing up. I've always preferred a heavier music than SRV played.

Heavier? Like the Tuba?

 

[Pepperjack91]

He's not even in the same league with people like Freddy Mercury.

Freddy Mercury and Steve Perry are my top choices

 

[SavinaRed]

I about fell out of my chair laughing at this one. What an insult to the real greats like Roger Daltry, Robert Plant, Mick Jagger, Burton Cummings, Bradley Delp, etc etc. http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/221343/axl-rose-ranked-as-the-greatest-vocalist-ever/

Yes rose can't even on his best day in his prime hold a candle to Plant at his age today.

 

[hottoddy]

I didn't read all this, but I saw GNR many times in smaller places when they were up and coming in LA. "Appetite for Destruction" has just been released but hadn't broke big. Axl Rose was simply amazing at these gigs. He would pull off the whole album with raw power and precision.
 
About a year later, I went to see Iron Maiden with GNR opening. Axl wouldn't go onstage because of "laryngitis" (something he's famous for) so Slash sang a bunch of songs. Even though Axl was a no-show, it was pretty cool that GNR came out anyway.
 
In his prime, I think Axl was up there with the greats. But, a big part of "best vocalist" should consider longevity and consistency - something he was sorely lacking.
 
(disclaimer: I've been drinking excellent double IPA tonight. Our family had a great day, and my youngest rode her bike for the first time. Tomorrow, I take my oldest (9) fishing).

 

[Proud Marine Dad]

It was actually voting on the most range in their voice not the "best singer" to be fair. So what I say.

 

[SmokenFire]

 

Look at all the lists that rank Jimi Hendrix as the greatest guitarist of all time. Not even close to an accomplished musician.

 
To say that Jimi isn't even close to an accomplished musician is not a true or factual statement.  Think on Jimi's impact on music and the world at large and tell me again how he is not accomplished.
 
SL - 
 
John Paul Jones is an awesome top ten of all time bassist.  Not because he was in LZ but because he was the glue that held that ramshackle troupe together.  He kept his head - and the beat - for years in a situation that would have eaten up most others.  Recently he joined the drummer from Nirvana and the guitarist/vocalist from Queens of the Stone Age for an album and world tour - at the age of SIXTY PLUS - and rocked the effing house when I saw them.
 
No offense intended to either of you.  
 

As for Axl Rose, well I'll never forget that screaming intro to Welcome to the Jungle.  I'll also never forget the paranoid freak out and prolonged drama of Chinese Democracy or the idiot rantings of the spaghetti incident.  Early GnR will always bring a smile to my face, but also a kind of pity as they could've been so much better if he hadn't have been such a phuc head.