EricBarker Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 I got to thinking recently about the rock/pop stars (usually lead singers) that are also the band's keyboardist, but only sing live. This is an anomaly that also happens with drummers (like Phil Collins). The two largest examples I can think of are Freddy Mercury and Matt Bellamy (Muse), but there are probably others. I know Bowie played keys on some of his material. To a lesser extent: I know Lady Gaga and Adele are largely piano-driven during their songwriting. But frontmen are usually compelled to not be stuck behind stationary equipment like keyboards and drum kits. Obviously there are exceptions like Elton John, Billy Joel and Daryl Hall. But there are very few BANDS (not solo acts) where the keyboardist is the frontman. I'm curious what other frontmen record ivories behind the scenes? (BTW: I think Matt Bellamy is one of the best keyboardists on the rock scene today, far more impressive keyboard parts than guitar, for sure!) 1 Quote Puck Funk! Equipment: Laptop running lots of nerdy software, some keyboards, noise makersâ¦yada yada yadaâ¦maybe a cat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KuruPrionz Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 First and foremost, the late, great Ray Charles. I saw him twice with full orchestra and the Raylettes. Dr. John can go on that list, Elton John since we are on Johns. Lee Michaels When I saw Bob Dylan he spent most of the eveing playing electric piano. Mike Smith in the Dave Clark Five. That's 6. 1 Quote It took a chunk of my life to get here and I am still not sure where "here" is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KuruPrionz Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Gary Numann (sp) The guy in Devo? Quote It took a chunk of my life to get here and I am still not sure where "here" is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJUSCULE Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Off the top of my head, modern examples include Paul Meany of Mutemath, Grace Potter, Cory Henry, and Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie. Quote Eric Website Gear page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJUSCULE Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Although if you're specifically after people who record but don't perform live, well, that's a pretty specific box. Quote Eric Website Gear page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricBarker Posted November 11, 2019 Author Share Posted November 11, 2019 I guess I'm after frontmen who aren't known for being keyboardists. Ray Charles, Stevie, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elton are all "solo" acts revolving around their keyboard playing. But there are a whole slew that are coaxed into the spotlight from behind their boards, when they do it all on the recordings. Quote Puck Funk! Equipment: Laptop running lots of nerdy software, some keyboards, noise makersâ¦yada yada yadaâ¦maybe a cat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Billy Preston 1 Quote Moe --- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. Dan Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Do I count? Quote Dan Acoustic/Electric stringed instruments ranging from 4 to 230 strings, hammered, picked, fingered, slapped, and plucked. Analog and Digital Electronic instruments, reeds, and throat/mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrokeys Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Aretha Franklin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Edgar Winter, Lady Gaga, Greg Allman, and LZ 1 Quote "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BbAltered Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Bruce Hornsby, Art Neville, Ivan Neville, 1 Quote J.S. Bach Well Tempered Klavier The collected works of Scott Joplin Ray Charles Genius plus Soul Charlie Parker Omnibook Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life Weather Report Mr. Gone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowboyNQ Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Gregg Rolie. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoken6 Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Brandon Flowers Aretha Cheers, Mike. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajstan Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 @stoken6 - you beat me to Brandon Flowers Roger Hodgson Paul Carrack 1 Quote Nord Stage 3 HA88, Nord Stage 3 Compact, Casio CT-S1, Radial Key Largo, Westone AM Pro 30, Rolls PM55P, K&M 18880 + 18881, Bose S1 Pro, JBL 305p MKII, Zoom Q2n-4K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherry Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Steve Walsh. Kansas. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richforman Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 How about Stevie Winwood in Spencer Davis Group and Traffic? 1 Quote Rich Forman Yamaha MOXF8, Korg Kronos 2-61, Roland Fantom X7, Ferrofish B4000+ organ module, Roland VR-09, EV ZLX12P, K&M Spider Pro stand, Yamaha S80, Korg Trinity Plus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morrissey Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Aretha Franklin +1 on Aretha. I think she may be the best example of what the OP is describing. The average person remembers Aretha Franklin as a vocalist, but we know she was a stellar pianist, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morrissey Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Oh wait -- just noticed the OP wanted to discuss frontperson of a band -- not solo acts. So Aretha doesn't fit the bill. This is a narrow category, indeed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morrissey Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Axl Rose? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoken6 Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 @stoken6 - you beat me to Brandon FlowersAnd retrokeys beat me to Aretha! Great minds... Cheers, Mike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hooham482 Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Geddy Lee. Not fulltime keyboard player but still... Also, Nina Simone and Carly Simon often fronted their own bands playing keyboards and singing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboKeys Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 (Didn't we just have this thread last year?) Anyway, i'll add: Gary Brooker (Procul Harum) - frontperson / piano player (with Matthew Fisher playing organ) Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon) - frontperson / sometimes piano player (with Neil Doughty playing organ) Thijs van Leer (Focus) - frontperson / organ Paul Rogers (Free, Bad Company) - frontperson / sometimes piano player Chris Martin (Coldplay) - frontperson / sometimes piano player And of course, Paul McCartney and John Lennon 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spider76 Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Tori Amos. One of the best voices, songwriters and pianist-keyboardist around. A true all-around artist and musician, and an awesome front(wo)man. I think she mostly tours solo these days, but I saw her years ago with her band and they totally kicked a$$. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
16251 Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Jonah Nilsson Quote AvantGrand N2 | ES520 | Gallien-Krueger MK & MP | https://soundcloud.com/pete36251 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drawback Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Sylvester Stewart Quote ____________________________________ Rod Here for the gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyRude Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Prince Quote Some music I've recorded and played over the years with a few different bands Tommy Rude Soundcloud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Kid Rock can play the hell out of Honky Tonk piano when he wants to. Quote "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MathOfInsects Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 So is the idea, people you don't realize are keyboard or piano players? I think Bon Jovi plays piano... Quote Now out! "Mind the Gap," a 24-song album of new material. www.joshweinstein.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MathOfInsects Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 And of course the legendary Nigel Tufnel: [video:youtube] Quote Now out! "Mind the Gap," a 24-song album of new material. www.joshweinstein.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Williams Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Jackson Browne Greg Lake 1 Quote -Tom Williams {First Name} {at} AirNetworking {dot} com PC4-7, PX-5S, AX-Edge, PC361 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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