5 Frontmen Who Deserve Way More Respect!
Give these guys a break will ya!
Blaze Bayley – Iron Maiden
Source // fc08.deviantart.net
Albums: The X Factor (1995), Virtual XI (1998)
Ironically, the fate of Iron Maiden‘s Blaze Bayley parallels Tim Owens stint in Judas Priest.
Blaze was also hired to replace an iconic frontman (the talismanic Bruce Dickinson, who ironically replaced the equally beloved Paul Di’Anno in the early 80’s) and Blaze was also shortchanged in the music department….making his already impossible job all the more harder!
In comparison to Maiden’s normally high standards, the songwriting on The X Factor and Virtual XI was simply below par and it was more than convenient to unfairly lay the blame at Blaze’s door. The typical Iron Maiden characteristics were there but the band were dialling it in, fully aware that without Bruce Dickinson the law of diminishing returns was inevitable; Blaze Bayley never stood a chance.
A grossly unfair situation as Bayley did more than just a decent job and he definitely deserves way more credit; check out “The Clansman” from Virtual XI and “Man On The Edge” from The X Factor as proof that his voice did suit the Maiden sound!
Have we forgotten anyone? Is there another frontman who has been consigned to the history books when they should be revered? Pop it in the comments section below and we’ll have a chat about it!
Derrick is amazing. Specially if you compare him and Max nowadays. Max lives of his own shadow, while Derrick is getting better and better
Couldn’t agree more!
I’ve been a great proponent for the two sides, pro-Max and pro-Derrick, to just enjoy the music of Sepultura, acknowledging the talent and effort these guys put in year after year releasing great records. That task proved impossible because of narrow-minded people and in particular Max with his dumb statements. That guy is a shit vocalist, shit guitarist and an even shittier person.
I think you’ve hit the nail hard on the head there!
I really like the new Sepultura, especially their last two albums. But I just can’t put up with Derrick Green performing live. Just like Max, he’s been losing his voice over time.
Saw Sepultura a short while ago and Derrick sounded massive! \m/
I’m sorry, Blaze Bailey is the worst Maiden singer out of the three. I’m more than OK with Derrick on Sepultura, I think Tim Owens is great singer, I like John Bush especially with Armored Saint, but I never did like Bailey’s voice. I think it lacks power and volume. And I’m not saying that comparing him with Dickinson. I’ve seen him live in 93 I believe. He didn’t impress me. That’s just my opinion.
Valid point and your opinion is always valid. As you can probably tell, this wasn’t about ranking the Maiden vocalists per se, just highlighting the fact that Blaze Bayley deserves more credit for taking on a very difficult role as replacement for Bruce. Thanks for reading and commenting \m/
Without the cavalera’s that band is just the best sepultura’s covers band…
Not true at all. Machine Messiah is an incredible album and one in a long line of outstanding releases from Sepultura. Yes, they play Max-era songs, why shouldn’t they, but to dismiss 8(!) original albums is ridiculous and hardly warrants them being referred to as a covers band! Anyway, it’s good to debate so thanks for reading and commenting \m/
I would add Tony Martin (Sabbath), Andy Deris (Helloween)& Robert Lowe(Candlemass). Ripper is a great frontman and he definitely is underrated.
Yes! Nice suggestions….a follow-up feature is required! \m/
Great article! Massive fan of both Tim and Blaze. Also would have to mention Tony Martin, absolutely phenomenal voice and for me, as much as i love Blaze, would have been the perfect fit for Maiden when Bruce left. Cross Purposes is my favourite Sabbath album.
Cheers Phil! You’re right, Tony Martin is more than worthy of a mention and a follow-up feature is necessary!
Tony Martin! A man who sang on 5 black sabbath records and has done more than 10 albums solo and w different projects before & after! Dio made 4 studio CDs with Sabbath (one under a different name). Tony made 5. Eternal Idol, Headless Cross, Tyr, Cross Purposes, Forbidden
(props to this piece tho. I agree. Super cool to name the Ripper twice!)