# Who is the second greatest rock star of all-time? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 31, 2010, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399 "2010-05-31T17:12:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![middleman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@middleman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/middleman)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/1 "2010-05-31T17:12:22Z")
Ok, follow me on this one. My son was Elvis for Halloween last year. I told him Elvis was the greatest rock star of all time. Sure, this is a subjective comment, but not a far out there call. Elvis is historical and I would guess if polls were taken, he’d be the consensus #1 (I’m talking solo acts, not bands). So, this morning, he asked “Dad, who is the SECOND greatest rock star?” Defining GREAT as popular/famous/respected/talented, who should I have said? I went with Springsteen. Considered Bob Dylan, but he’s such a lousy live performer, that he is more an artist than ROCK STAR (as defined by an 8 year old). Who else is there? When you think ROCK STAR, who comes to mind? Let’s not turn this into an Elvis is overrated thread. I’m looking for highly rated irrespective of worth. If you think it isn’t Elvis, just give your opinion on who is #1. [sub] And I was talking about Presley, not Costello. Don’t be _that_ guy![/sub] ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/2 "2010-05-31T17:14:26Z")
Billy Joel. Next Question? ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/3 "2010-05-31T17:18:38Z")
Freddie Mercury. Unusually talented songwriter, brilliant singer, eccentric as shit, superlatively flamboyant and glam performer (how the hell didn’t we realise he was gay at the time - his band was called Queen for goodness’ sake). And he had dwarves walking round with platters of cocaine on their heads at his parties. No contest. Though maybe your son doesn’t need to know that… ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/4 "2010-05-31T17:24:35Z")
Depending on how far you want to stretch the term “rock” – Michael Jackson. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/5 "2010-05-31T17:25:22Z")
Michael Jackson. ---
**Author:** ![Flip\_Pancake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f1d935/32.png) [@Flip\_Pancake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flip_Pancake)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/6 "2010-05-31T17:39:58Z")
Unfortunately, ‘Bono’ was the first name that came to mind. Much as I like early U2, I really can’t stand Bono. Bowie. I gotta go with Bowie. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/7 "2010-05-31T17:43:16Z")
The Beatles as a group are, and always will be, number one. As a solo artist, both Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly get my nomination as candidates for the second greatest behind Elvis. I’ve never been an Elvis fan, but even I can get behind him as being number one. ---
**Author:** ![Manduck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manduck/32/256_2.png) [@Manduck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Manduck)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/8 "2010-05-31T17:45:15Z")
Mick Jagger. Billy Joel? Really? Has he done any rock songs even? ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/9 "2010-05-31T17:54:19Z")
Mick Jagger, who’s actually number one, but you can explain this to your son later. ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/10 "2010-05-31T18:15:27Z")
Even though it pains me, I’ll third Mick Jagger. ---
**Author:** ![phreesh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@phreesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phreesh)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/11 "2010-05-31T18:15:29Z")
Robert Plant, although, mostly part of a group. Mick Jagger, Freddie Mercury and Roger Daltrey are also in the conversation as parts of a group. I think Dylan and Bowie are both too low-key to be ‘Rock’ stars. Billy Joel and Elton John are decent choices, but piano guys can’t be huge rock stars. It’s a law or something. I think your order is correct - Elvis, Springsteen. As above, if you want to define the King of Pop as the King of Rock, he’s probably number 1. ---
**Author:** ![ivan\_astikov](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@ivan\_astikov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivan_astikov)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/12 "2010-05-31T18:20:57Z")
Jim Morrison made Elvis look like Ricky Martin. And Jagger looked more like a prancing fool than a Rock God. But, the correct answer is Arthur Lee of Love. Hang on, no it’s not?! AL is first, JM is second, and Elvis doesn’t make the top 10. ---
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/13 "2010-05-31T18:30:14Z")
I also think that MJ is number one. Though he fashioned himself as the King of Pop, no artist could command the attention of the world the way he did (even before the bizarre headlines and court cases). I went to a Jackson tribute this weekend and I was amazed at the number of little kids - probably younger than 10 - who were wearing white gloves, fedoras, and the occasional Beat It jacket. MJ was never “normal” in their lives but they knew his oeuvre. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/14 "2010-05-31T18:33:32Z")
Another vote for Mr. Mojo Rising. Jim Morrison was a rock star’s rock star. ---
**Author:** ![ivan\_astikov](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@ivan\_astikov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivan_astikov)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/15 "2010-05-31T18:35:50Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Another vote for Mr. Mojo Rising. Jim Morrison was a rock star’s rock star. Still the only guy who ever _really_ suited shoulder-length hair and leather trousers. ---
**Author:** ![DChord568](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@DChord568](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DChord568)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/16 "2010-05-31T19:18:09Z")
I absolutely LOVE Arthur Lee (no comment necessary here), but this thread is not about who _your_ favorite rock star is. As 99 out of 100 people have no idea who he is, this is a foolish choice…even if made with tongue in cheek. For the purposes of the OP’s son, the answer to his question must necessarily incorporate mass popularity, and have nothing to do with personal preference. On that basis, Michael Jackson is probably the answer, as long as your definition of “rock” is broad enough…and I believe it should be. That those of us of a certain age did not get swept up in Jackson mania does not matter…he really was that big. Much as I respect Springsteen, if he were to die tomorrow, the public outcry would not begin to match that which followed MJ’s death. There are legions to whom Springsteen is a virtual nonentity – not the case with Michael Jackson. Billy Joel? Please… :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/17 "2010-05-31T19:46:19Z")
Elton John was, I believe, the first person to whom the label “superstar” was applied. I think that should count for something. My personal opinion would be Mick Jagger. I think the term ‘rock star’ applies to him more than any other. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/18 "2010-05-31T19:50:31Z")
You guys are all crazy. It’s clearly Clapton. QED. ---
**Author:** ![ivan\_astikov](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@ivan\_astikov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivan_astikov)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/19 "2010-05-31T19:56:25Z")
Okay, it’s Freddie Mercury then. ---
**Author:** ![middleman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@middleman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/middleman)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399/20 "2010-05-31T20:19:59Z")
Some great responses. I still want to seperate solo acts from front men. I wouldn’t broaden rock star to include MJ. Rock Stars sway, but do they dance and sing disco? King of pop is fine with me for MJ. I’m working up my top five in solo, band, and pop but first I want the board’s take on this guy: Hendrix. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-second-greatest-rock-star-of-all-time/541399.md?page=2)