Frontmen

Artrockers,
Three questions; What are the qualities that make a frontman*? Why is it that many musicians would rather stick their tongues in light sockets than be a frontman? And, is the frontman an endangered species? Once upon a time I was in a guitarist in a band, I hated it and vowed that if I was ever to be in a band again it would be as frontman, many years and even more bands later I've never considered being anything but the guy up-front. I don't think it's a desire in me to 'show-off' that drives my frontman tendency, or a belief that I'm some sort of genius entertainer - if I'm honest it's got more to do with being a leader, being in control. Even at Cubs it was true, I was never happy to be a simple trooper, I had to be a Sixer, when it came to sport I was happy that my friends were better at it than me so long as I was captain. When it came to Artrocker I had to be editor in chief, not for the glory (hah!) but because I need to feel that things are revolving around me, independent yet held in my orbit, like the frontman of a band. It's just the way I am. The temptation is to ask other frontmen about what drives them but, casting about, I discover that the concept of the frontman is out of fashion - here are four I can think of without straining my brain; Eddie Argos, Florence Welch, Julian Casablancas and Tobi O'Kandi (O Children). Then we get into the 'guitarist, bass player or even drummer (perish the thought) who is also the singer' category - this would appear to be the current trend, not one I'm keen on.Which leaves us the question: Why is it that many musicians would rather stick their tongues in light sockets than be a frontman? I'm not in a position to answer that one - can you?

Tom Artrocker

* I absolutely refuse to use the term 'frontperson' - but I'm certainly not excluding the ladies