"1. Must have genuine musical talent. No one who is all hype. "
Would disqualify Morrison and Tyler and Roth. Morrison singlehandedly proves that one does not need to have any musical talent whatsoever in order to be a rock star, and, in defiance of the legacy of the Big Bopper, that such fame can be maintained for a long, long time.
“2. Must have written a significant portion of the greatest music they are known for.”
Would disqualify Daltry. Townshend was obviously the writing force in that band. I’m not seeing Daltry’s name on any singles of consequence.
“3. Must have vast quantities of sex appeal.”
Would disqualify Jackson, Ozzy, and Van Halen. Ozzy’s always been kind of schlubby. Van Halen looks like a douchebag to me, and I’ve never heard anyone talk about him except in terms of his chops.
“4. Must have great showmanship.”
Would probably disqualify Ozzy, again. There are always literal fireworks, but Ozzy himself spent most of his time in Sabbath shuffling around the stage while Iommi banged out long solos. Also Sting.
“5. Must have a lasting legacy.”
Would disqualify Rose. GNR’s legacy is “the last of the hair bands” or “that band that took forever to record that album nobody liked.” I suspect Slash is the more revered fogure from that group now, and that’s not saying much.
"6. Doesn’t have to be a solo artist, but must be so distinct from the band that they might as well be. "
Would disqualify Daltry. “Roger Daltry??” “He was the lead singer for the Who.” “Oh.”
"7. Can’t be some obscure but intensely worshipped figure like Morrissey or something, because that’s not a rock star. "
Yeah it is. Would disqualify Sting. And probably Berry, sad to say. Are there people today purchasing Berry’s latest hits collection in similar numbers to those purchasing Elvis’s?
A further criterion should have been: Is not boring. That would disqualify Springsteen, Bono, and Sting again.
Madonna does not play rock music and never has. Disqualified. Jackson too.
Leaves four. I don’t think I’ve ever, ever, considered Mercury as a big rock star until I saw this poll. Queen were an also-ran, and last I heard they were doing reunion tours without him.
Three. Lennon perfected the formula by which one could remain a rock star without actually rocking, or doing much of anything.
Two. Bowie’s persona(e) probably puts off as many people as it takes in. He’s the world’s biggest cult artist.
One. Jagger looks like a no-talent, sexless has-been compared to Elvis and Hendrix. I guess they’re both lucky to be dead.
So Hendrix I guess.
Others:
Bob Dylan (all Hendrix ever wanted to do was be Dylan)
Rod Stewart (shudder - I can’t stand him personally, but he fits the criteria)
Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, but especially Paul (all of the Beatles were and are big stars in their own right, even if Paul is the only one to have maintained that consistently)
Tom Petty (I guess he has his moments)
Van Morrison?
Kurt Cobain
Lou Reed (I still hear “Walk on the Wild Side” on classic rock radio regularly, so his name is out there, his music is sexy even if he isn’t, and his legacy contains virtually all modern rock music of any consequence. Not bad.)