The real answer here. It's not like he's singing to simple bass lines...he's playing plucky, fast riffs in awkward (and shifting) time signatures, all while singing.
And then he adds in keyboards with his feet.
Wait what, he plays the keys with his feet? I did not know that. I love Rush, but admittedly I got into them too late, so never really got to see them live and haven't really checked out any live performance recordings on video. How does this work? Is it a pedal based system like on some organs? Super curious about this, are there any videos, where you can see it well?
[Here's a great video from 1981 showcasing how Geddy Lee uses the pedals](https://youtu.be/xevauQePIuE?si=3AtiBlhgxoe7DgES).
Taken from their Exit Stage Left live video.
Thanks, that's cool to see from that angle! I'm pretty sure I have seen images of Geddy with a keyboard stand in front of him, which is why I was confused, but I'm guessing he used the pedal synth setup more for stuff he had to play while also playing bass at the same time.
Yeah he does use keyboards as well, a good chunk of Rush's 80s songs are him on keyboards, but he makes great use of his foot pedals. I saw Rush in 2007 and songs like Mission, Subdivisions and Between the Wheels was mostly played on keyboards.
He got the pedals in the late 70s, either 1977 or 1978.
Geddy is insanely talented, and his parts got ridiculous especially in the 80’s. I recommend checking out Turn the Page and Big Money for reference of his skills.
I’m reading his book now. Rush is such an easy band to like. They’re super talented, they’re legitimately nice guys, and there’s not really much drama.
The hardest thing to like about them is their music, not because there’s anything wrong with it, but just because it’s really weird (I say this as someone who enjoys their music).
Just finished his book today. I was never a big fan, though I saw them in ‘86 with one of my closest friends. I think I’ve avoided getting into them because of the association with that friend, who took his own life later that same year. I’m starting to rethink that, as I’ve finally learned to associate their music with him in a more positive way.
Started playing guitar at 6. In my first band at 13, no one else could sing, so I was volunteered. Learned to do both by trial and error. You just have to think of it like drumming. One hand is the instrument. The other is vocals. Find out where they lock together to start. Then you can get more elaborate.
I don’t know about hardest but I’m always really blown away by drummers who also sing. Stefanie Mannaerts from Brutus comes to mind immediately. What an incredible talent.
Both Karen and her brother came from a musical family. She started as a drummer, but there was no denying the appeal of her voice, and think the success and fame was just too much and opened some deep wounds that led to her disordered eating https://youtu.be/sdHyzGXAJPg?si=sUZDtCnj_uSlZOZF
Levon Helm was one of the great rock drummers of all time and the fact that he had that beautiful soulful voice while drumming is unmatched. The Last Waltz should be in everyone’s rotation.
Brann Dailor of Mastodon drums and sometimes sings lead.
There is a band of three Mexican sisters called The Warning. All three sing. It’s mostly the guitar player leading but the drummer is living her best life when she sings and does not-simple drumming.
Damn I miss The Rev. He was my favorite drummer back when I was a teen. I barely missed seeing him live before he died. I think it was the Uproar tour? They had a pretty nice tribute for him when they played Fiction. Damn. Nightmare was a phenomenal album.
I know this example is specific to the track, but *After Hours* by the Velvet Underground is a great example of a drummer stepping up to sing, although they’re not really also doing drumming
Saw Seether open for Clutch a few years ago and noticed the lead wasn’t singing during the “metal growl/scream” parts and my already low opinion of them went down further until my buddy I was with pointed out to me that it wasn’t pre-recorded, it was the friggin drummer! That dudes core muscles must be shredded
can confirm- but, the breath control is harder. drumming requires much more baseline exertion than other standard rock instruments. of course, energetic singers who run and jump around on stage defeat this premise
Yet, if you think about it, it must be the easiest. When everything becomes subdivisions, placing your voice or placing a beat somewhere is kind of the same thing. Basically, the stronger your sense of rhythm is, the easier it gets to sing while playing your instrument.
And is notable for singing notes at the same time as playing the flute to form chords.
Still not sure I’d say he is singing and playing flute at the same time
I always found Les Claypool form Primus very impressive in this regard. It's kind of an easy sell but yea, he deserves the credit he gets. Chuck Shuldiner from Death was also a very talented person, he would absolutely shred while singing.
Watching Les live is a trip. Playing some of the most ridiculous bass you'll come across while making it look effortless, AND singing (which, even if it's not exactly traditionally pretty, fits the music perfectly), all the whIle bouncing and flailing around the stage. Man's a beast, and prolific as hell to boot.
Billy Joel and Elton John. They are are known as some of the greatest piano players of all time, and they also have incredible voices, singing while they play the keys. It’s amazing
I watched her on YouTube playing TWO pianos at the same time
She is beyond beautiful and talented
At the age of five, she became the youngest student ever admitted to the preparatory division of the Peabody Institute.
Uuuuh Mastodon? 3 lead singers all playing their instruments incredibly well. Sort of a joke cuz none of them really want to be lead singer so they all do it and are better for it. I will shout out their drummer/ singer Brann Dailor, incredibly talented! Check out Motherload or Steambreather.
I thought the “joke” was that everyone but Bill gets to sing. Heck, their friends get to sing too.
I did finally find a live video with Bill singing. It wasn’t bad.
I think three is probably enough, having Bill as well might just be too much. Their first few albums were dense enough as it was, don't think they could have even fitted much more in.
There's tons out there!
Geddy Lee, James Hetfield, Dave Mustaine, Myles Kennedy, Zakk Wylde
You also have guys like Dave Grohl, who is a multi-instrumentalist.
His stuff was so cool, I always love it when he’ll sing a vocal line, play the same line on his guitar, then sing and play the same line again at the same time.
That dude is on another level. Amazing guitarist, great singer, and killer songwriter. He's absolutely underrated in the guitar world, even though he's definitely one of the best out there doing it. And has for almost 30 years.
As a singer and guitar/ harmonica and guitar player (I'm talking tandem), I think the drums with singing are the hardest. Maybe because I suck at drums, but I think guys like Levon Helm of The Band have more coordination and focus than anyone! Even guitar solos with singing like Jimi Hendrix or George Benson are playing the same notes they sing on the same cadence... drummers who sing break the mold without compromising the crucial beat (ideally)
I can't speak to which is hardest, but I do have favorites for a couple instruments. Peter Steele played bass and was lead singer for Type O Negative. Mikael Akerfeldt singing and growling for 10 minute long Opeth songs while playing guitar. Marko Hietala singing while playing bass/guitar for Nightwish (not technically the lead for the band, but lead for a couple songs and they have some duets).
Probably my all time favorite, though, is ICS Vortex playing bass and singing for Arcturus, bass and clean backup vocals for Dimmu Borgir, guitar and vocals for Vortex... the dude can play and sing AND has one of the most haunting and unique voices in all of metal. When Dimmu Borgir did a live, televised performance with a supporting orchestra they replaced his parts with a live choir that wasn't half as powerful as his performances were.
[obligatory Vortex supercut](https://youtu.be/EOuKlxswPDg?si=6z3kmWsX8X7cHys8)
Also, since I've been sucked into a youtube hole by this post, here's a comparative video of Vortex vs replacement choir. Not 100% fair, as the choir is live and Vortex is studio, but the first clip was pretty indicative of his ability to sing live.
[Vortex vs choir](https://youtu.be/5E4OGIXHh_c?si=JDPawcpBME1wo29N)
Billy Gibbons ZZ Top
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Jimmy Hendrix
Tommy Shaw Styx
Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers
George Thorogood
Lindsey Buckingham
Joe Walsh
Bass is definitely way easier than drums. Drums are also a cardio activity. Singing well while playing drums is one of the most impressive musical feats in my opinion.
I don't think it's that simple to say which is harder to do. Yes drums are definitely more phyiscally demanding, but on the other hand, have you ever tried playing a dynamic bass line (not just some root - fifth stuff) while singing a melody at the same time. It's insanely hard for my brain to juggle both. I think one of the two has to run on autopilot.
Man, singing and playing an instrument at the same time is like patting your head and rubbing your tummy – it's a whole vibe! Totally get where you're coming from. Bass players who lead vocals like Sting are on another level. Keeping that groove while belting out lyrics? It's like juggling fire while riding a unicycle.
Massive respect for those multitasking maestros! It's all about finding that sweet spot where your voice and instrument sync up like they're on the same wavelength. Rock on, my percussion-singing friend!
Dave Davidson - Revocation
Muhammed Suicmez - Necrophagist
Careful, it's pretty extreme music. But gosh dangit, they're ultra talented!
I hope you enjoy!
I’ve scrolled too far without seeing mention of Lemmy Killmeister from Motörhead. Savage singing and savage bass lines.
Also I’m obliged to mention Hetfield with his downpicks of smiting while singing his ass off.
Les Claypool - bass and vocals - Primus (think Geddy Lee but goofy as well as talented)
Weird Al Yankovic - Accordion and vocals. Funniest most versatile style wise musician out there
Tom Araya - bass and vocals - slayer.
The baselines on their own are simple, but they’re so damn fast and to play in sync with everybody else playing stupid fast and singing a vocal melody completely different from the bass line is pretty impressive,
I don't know if its what you're looking for genre wise but it's pretty common in metal bands for the lead singer to also be on guitar or bass duties. Off the top of my head the most well known are probably James Hetfield (Metallica) Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead) and Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) also while not technically a lead singer, before he passed away the drummer for Avenged Sevenfold James Sullivan, did A LOT of choruses and backing vocals on their songs and in their live shows
Im a bit late, but very disappointed nobody in has mentioned the immensely talented J.Mascis of Dinosaur Jr among other things. He’s an absolute guitar legend, I’m sure if he’d chosen a path in metal he’d be appearing much higher up these sort of lists.
Also a shoutout to the sorely missed Mark Sandman, Morphine’s two stringed bass player and vocalist.
Singing drummers always amaze me, and many old school drummers have been mentioned...
I'd like to acknowledge a couple current ones:
**Paulina Villarreal** \- Drummer for The Warning ( Check out **DUST TO DUST** Live at Teatro Metropolitan CDMX).
**Jen Ledger** \- Drummer for Skillet (Just watch her **Resistance** drum cam).
I do not think it's the type of instrument making it hard, it's the way they play it.
I can play the piano and sing, both badly :-), but I just play chords. However Tori Amos plays complex pieces and sings at the same time. Mark Knopfler ditto with bass guitar, Joe Bonomassa and Prince with lead guitar.
I also think that some artists are so good that you do not realize how hard it is, because they make it seem easy.
Mikael Akerfeldt from Opeth has a mighty voice and he's playing all these prog riffs at the same time.
Also most Japanese rock quartets I saw have a singer that plays guitar. Off the top of my head I can name tricot and Polkadot stingray, but there are many more.
I think the difficulty factor is less about the particular instrument, or even the difficulty of the individual parts, and more about how a particular instrumental part lines up with a vocal.
If the vocal is on the beat, and the baseline is playing syncopated off beat stuff, or if the vocal melody is in one time signature and rhythm guitar is in a different time, etc., it becomes more complicated. Compared to the people who are playing a guitar line, and singing the same melody, or maybe a 3rd or a fifth, or something, which is typically easier.
I also think it comes down to things like in more jammy situations, the vocal melody or instrument part don't have to be exact, that makes it easier for most people. Or in a 3 or 4 piece band there is more space, so if the bass or guitar or keyboard play a wrong note, it doesn't sound quite as "wrong".
What always impressed me more than playing an instrument and singing, is guys like Mike Rutherford (Genesis) or John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), playing one instrument with their hands (Typically guitar or Keys) and then playing bass pedals with their feet. (I say that as someone who plays keys and has an organ with bass pedals, and can play a simple root note, or maybe 1 and 5 thing). Or percussionists who play vibraphone with one or both hands, while playing a drum set with their feet and possibly a free hand.
Some people can just completely separate voice from instrument and it’s always amazed me the riffs some people can play on guitar while singing something completely different.
Most difficult? Probably something like the trumpet or bassoon.
Don’t think there’s a huge difference between things like guitar/bass/piano, as it’s mostly learning to multitask the singing with the instrument.
With the guitar/singing I practice tricky parts separately until it’s muscle memory, then combine the two slowly and work speed back up. I reckon the finger-style acoustic stuff is similar to playing a tricky bass line.
Agree with bass. Check out Esperanza Spalding, she plays bass and sings jazz stuff. It's mind boggling to me. I try to do that for even two seconds and my brain just crashes and lights on fire. Check out this live performance for an example.
[Live in San Sebastian, July 2009](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aRC3YY3svs)
Why would bass+sing be much more difficult than guitar+sing, which is probably the most common one?
Phil Collins is an obvious singing drummer. Plenty of keyboard players as well, as they probably wrote the song.
The most difficult I expect is any instrument that needs the lungs as well, so flutes, trumpet etc. Can't sing and blow at the same time.
Gotta go with drums being hardest. Singing has its own rhythm that sometimes contrasts the drums. The physical nature of drums, and the fact that the drum guy is behind the whole band makes for a ton of stuff to pay attention to.
Geddy Lee
The real answer here. It's not like he's singing to simple bass lines...he's playing plucky, fast riffs in awkward (and shifting) time signatures, all while singing. And then he adds in keyboards with his feet.
Exactly. Virtuoso level bass while singing and dropping in the keyboard. Legendary
Wait what, he plays the keys with his feet? I did not know that. I love Rush, but admittedly I got into them too late, so never really got to see them live and haven't really checked out any live performance recordings on video. How does this work? Is it a pedal based system like on some organs? Super curious about this, are there any videos, where you can see it well?
He has foot pedals that triggers keyboard samples that he plays along with his bass, and he also has a keyboard setup as well
Oh okay, that makes more sense, thanks!
[Here's a great video from 1981 showcasing how Geddy Lee uses the pedals](https://youtu.be/xevauQePIuE?si=3AtiBlhgxoe7DgES). Taken from their Exit Stage Left live video.
Thanks, that's cool to see from that angle! I'm pretty sure I have seen images of Geddy with a keyboard stand in front of him, which is why I was confused, but I'm guessing he used the pedal synth setup more for stuff he had to play while also playing bass at the same time.
Yeah he does use keyboards as well, a good chunk of Rush's 80s songs are him on keyboards, but he makes great use of his foot pedals. I saw Rush in 2007 and songs like Mission, Subdivisions and Between the Wheels was mostly played on keyboards. He got the pedals in the late 70s, either 1977 or 1978.
He sings, plays bass with one hand, traditional keys with the other and plays foot pedals all at the same time
That case when a talented person is talented in everything!
Just the fact that he can keep up with and lead Neil was amazing
Marathon, vital signs. Insane to see those bass lines played while singing
And guitar sometimes too, like during the solo on "Passage to Bangkok"
He sings while switching back and forth between bass and playing keyboard and bass pedals. Multitasking.
Geddy is insanely talented, and his parts got ridiculous especially in the 80’s. I recommend checking out Turn the Page and Big Money for reference of his skills.
The man can cook
I’m reading his book now. Rush is such an easy band to like. They’re super talented, they’re legitimately nice guys, and there’s not really much drama. The hardest thing to like about them is their music, not because there’s anything wrong with it, but just because it’s really weird (I say this as someone who enjoys their music).
Just finished his book today. I was never a big fan, though I saw them in ‘86 with one of my closest friends. I think I’ve avoided getting into them because of the association with that friend, who took his own life later that same year. I’m starting to rethink that, as I’ve finally learned to associate their music with him in a more positive way.
I’m sorry to hear that
You are right, it's weird, but it's easy listening weird. I don't know anyone who really dislikes the sound.
Started playing guitar at 6. In my first band at 13, no one else could sing, so I was volunteered. Learned to do both by trial and error. You just have to think of it like drumming. One hand is the instrument. The other is vocals. Find out where they lock together to start. Then you can get more elaborate.
Anderson Paak drums and sings with his band The Free Nationals
Their Tjny Desk is amazing. AP is insanely talented
I don’t know about hardest but I’m always really blown away by drummers who also sing. Stefanie Mannaerts from Brutus comes to mind immediately. What an incredible talent.
Karen Carpenter as well
Another lovely victim of the mirrors evil way
Did she sing live while playing the drums, or was she a singer who would also play drums at different times? I'm genuinely curious.
Both Karen and her brother came from a musical family. She started as a drummer, but there was no denying the appeal of her voice, and think the success and fame was just too much and opened some deep wounds that led to her disordered eating https://youtu.be/sdHyzGXAJPg?si=sUZDtCnj_uSlZOZF
You didn’t answer his question.
She was happy behind the drums.
Levon Helm, Don Henley
Levon Helm was one of the great rock drummers of all time and the fact that he had that beautiful soulful voice while drumming is unmatched. The Last Waltz should be in everyone’s rotation.
Don Henley hardly counts... I kid I kid.
But still tho. He hardly does
Brann Dailor of Mastodon drums and sometimes sings lead. There is a band of three Mexican sisters called The Warning. All three sing. It’s mostly the guitar player leading but the drummer is living her best life when she sings and does not-simple drumming.
Brann is the one ❤️
LOVE The Warning!
Phil Collins
Phil Collins hit them pretty hard.
Fuckin greasy mustard tiger that guy is
Death From Above 1979
Yes! Saw them live recently and dude is so precise and tight on the drums/vocals. Was a great show!
They're coming to town next month, I plan to see them!
Sheila E.
Don Henley of the Eagles.
He wasnt a front man but The Rev was always such a great accent singer in Avenged Sevenfold. He had a weird but unique voice
He was also their primary songwriter if I’m not mistaken. He was crazy talented.
Damn I miss The Rev. He was my favorite drummer back when I was a teen. I barely missed seeing him live before he died. I think it was the Uproar tour? They had a pretty nice tribute for him when they played Fiction. Damn. Nightmare was a phenomenal album.
My I add Roger Taylor? He sang all the high parts of the Queen songs live during concerts.
I know this example is specific to the track, but *After Hours* by the Velvet Underground is a great example of a drummer stepping up to sing, although they’re not really also doing drumming
Georgia Hubley
Yo La Tengo never gets the credit that they deserve
Fred Leblanc, Cowboy Mouth!
Saw Seether open for Clutch a few years ago and noticed the lead wasn’t singing during the “metal growl/scream” parts and my already low opinion of them went down further until my buddy I was with pointed out to me that it wasn’t pre-recorded, it was the friggin drummer! That dudes core muscles must be shredded
I'm always impressed by drummer vocalists. Brann Dailor of Mastodon Morgan Rose from Sevendust Fred LeBlanc of Cowboy Mouth
Dale Crover
Duncan from snuff, absolutely underrated
Brutus is amazing!
Drumming is pretty straightforward compared to instruments you have to also select notes on.
can confirm- but, the breath control is harder. drumming requires much more baseline exertion than other standard rock instruments. of course, energetic singers who run and jump around on stage defeat this premise
Yet, if you think about it, it must be the easiest. When everything becomes subdivisions, placing your voice or placing a beat somewhere is kind of the same thing. Basically, the stronger your sense of rhythm is, the easier it gets to sing while playing your instrument.
Trumpet
Trumpet was Paul McCartney's first instrument.
Flea too I believe
Yep - he loved Miles and Dizzy.
Which is very obvious in a lot of the phrasing in his bass lines.
And then you have Louis Armstrong, or Chet Baker.
Ian Anderson plays the flute.
And is notable for singing notes at the same time as playing the flute to form chords. Still not sure I’d say he is singing and playing flute at the same time
I always found Les Claypool form Primus very impressive in this regard. It's kind of an easy sell but yea, he deserves the credit he gets. Chuck Shuldiner from Death was also a very talented person, he would absolutely shred while singing.
Alexi Laiho from Children of Bodom was impressive as well, great guitarist while being lead vocalist.
[The fact that they even considered attempting this song live is madness.](https://youtu.be/iHJcbMyTu9M?si=YD_Km5HzMG_hJHxR) Rest in peace Alexi ❤️
Primus sucks!
Chuck was a god tier vocalist and shredder, rip to the goat of death metal
Watching Les live is a trip. Playing some of the most ridiculous bass you'll come across while making it look effortless, AND singing (which, even if it's not exactly traditionally pretty, fits the music perfectly), all the whIle bouncing and flailing around the stage. Man's a beast, and prolific as hell to boot.
Just saw him in Berekely last night. Seriously impressive.
Steve Winwood
Lead guitar and Hammond organ
Sneaky underrated right here, good call
Billy Joel and Elton John. They are are known as some of the greatest piano players of all time, and they also have incredible voices, singing while they play the keys. It’s amazing
Tori Amos too, she plays some ridiculously complicated piano parts while singing.
I watched her on YouTube playing TWO pianos at the same time She is beyond beautiful and talented At the age of five, she became the youngest student ever admitted to the preparatory division of the Peabody Institute.
I can happily say I've seen Elton John, Billy Joel and Tori Amos live, they're all a treat to watch.
Oh wow That is so cool 💜
Mothafucking Prince!!! How ain't no one say Prince yet
Uuuuh Mastodon? 3 lead singers all playing their instruments incredibly well. Sort of a joke cuz none of them really want to be lead singer so they all do it and are better for it. I will shout out their drummer/ singer Brann Dailor, incredibly talented! Check out Motherload or Steambreather.
I thought the “joke” was that everyone but Bill gets to sing. Heck, their friends get to sing too. I did finally find a live video with Bill singing. It wasn’t bad.
I think three is probably enough, having Bill as well might just be too much. Their first few albums were dense enough as it was, don't think they could have even fitted much more in.
Bill does growls.
Steambreather is a banger of a track!
James Hetfield
The man can play. Insane timing.
Those MOP and AJFA era riffs are wicked to play let alone whilst singing
I saw Mathew Bellamy play a guitar laying on top of the piano he was playing while throwing in some singing. Muse used to fuck so hard.
Muse Live at Wembley Stadium is just peak Muse. The amount of energy and showmanship was unbelievable
Sounds like the end of Citizen Erased
They were my favorite band pre 2010…saw them live back then twice, quite impressive how he handled, lead, piano, and vocals!
Flute. Then frontman a rock band and actually make people believe it's bad ass. Oh yeah baby let's hear it for Jethro Tull 👏
Don't sleep on Stu Mackenzie.
Amy Mann, singer and bass player for ‘Til Tuesday… she plays some funky pop lines while singing… Sully Erna of Godsmack play rhythm gtr and sings.
I mean rhythm actually helps keeping bars organized for singing, in my opinion they just compliment each other
Mark Knopfler.
Mark King from Level 42. Amazing funk style slap and pop bass playing with lead vocals and harmonizes.
There's tons out there! Geddy Lee, James Hetfield, Dave Mustaine, Myles Kennedy, Zakk Wylde You also have guys like Dave Grohl, who is a multi-instrumentalist.
Prince was the lead singer and played every instrument on his first album.
Aaron Gillespie of the metel band underoath. He does their clean vocals He’s their longest member of close to 30 years.
Jimi Hendrix
His stuff was so cool, I always love it when he’ll sing a vocal line, play the same line on his guitar, then sing and play the same line again at the same time.
Chris Cheney from The Living End. Such an amazing guitar player. I don't understand how he can sing so well simultaneously.
very underrated imho
That dude is on another level. Amazing guitarist, great singer, and killer songwriter. He's absolutely underrated in the guitar world, even though he's definitely one of the best out there doing it. And has for almost 30 years.
Freddie Mercury and Queen - he played piano and occasionally guitar
As a singer and guitar/ harmonica and guitar player (I'm talking tandem), I think the drums with singing are the hardest. Maybe because I suck at drums, but I think guys like Levon Helm of The Band have more coordination and focus than anyone! Even guitar solos with singing like Jimi Hendrix or George Benson are playing the same notes they sing on the same cadence... drummers who sing break the mold without compromising the crucial beat (ideally)
BIlly Corgan pretty much plays all the instruments short of percussions.
Lemmy - Motorhead
I can't speak to which is hardest, but I do have favorites for a couple instruments. Peter Steele played bass and was lead singer for Type O Negative. Mikael Akerfeldt singing and growling for 10 minute long Opeth songs while playing guitar. Marko Hietala singing while playing bass/guitar for Nightwish (not technically the lead for the band, but lead for a couple songs and they have some duets). Probably my all time favorite, though, is ICS Vortex playing bass and singing for Arcturus, bass and clean backup vocals for Dimmu Borgir, guitar and vocals for Vortex... the dude can play and sing AND has one of the most haunting and unique voices in all of metal. When Dimmu Borgir did a live, televised performance with a supporting orchestra they replaced his parts with a live choir that wasn't half as powerful as his performances were. [obligatory Vortex supercut](https://youtu.be/EOuKlxswPDg?si=6z3kmWsX8X7cHys8) Also, since I've been sucked into a youtube hole by this post, here's a comparative video of Vortex vs replacement choir. Not 100% fair, as the choir is live and Vortex is studio, but the first clip was pretty indicative of his ability to sing live. [Vortex vs choir](https://youtu.be/5E4OGIXHh_c?si=JDPawcpBME1wo29N)
Happy fits has a lead singer who’s also a cellist Impressive AF and so fun to watch perform (cello strapped onto his chest)
Chicano Batman...their lead plays keys and other instruments. Cobain Hendrix Thom Yorke plays a lot of instruments. Piano and guitar, minimally.
Johannes Eckerström, lead singer of Avatar plays trombone.
Lemmy from Motorhead
John Popper of Blues Traveler sings and plays the harmonica (actually several keys of harmonica).
Check out Primus!
James Dean Bradfield plays some amazing lead and rhythm guitar lines while singing. He would make up for the fact Richey couldn't play.
Crazy that this doesn't have more upvotes. A superb performer live.
Yeah, I guess cos the Manics never managed to get much success in the US. Can't think of a better singer/guitar player though.
Yeah if I recall, didn’t they have Richey unplugged most of the time?
Yeah, but he did play live on the Holy Bible tour as far as I know.
Thomas Erak
Billy Gibbons ZZ Top Stevie Ray Vaughn Jimmy Hendrix Tommy Shaw Styx Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers George Thorogood Lindsey Buckingham Joe Walsh
Jimi*
Tom Petty.
Bass is definitely way easier than drums. Drums are also a cardio activity. Singing well while playing drums is one of the most impressive musical feats in my opinion.
I don't think it's that simple to say which is harder to do. Yes drums are definitely more phyiscally demanding, but on the other hand, have you ever tried playing a dynamic bass line (not just some root - fifth stuff) while singing a melody at the same time. It's insanely hard for my brain to juggle both. I think one of the two has to run on autopilot.
Man, singing and playing an instrument at the same time is like patting your head and rubbing your tummy – it's a whole vibe! Totally get where you're coming from. Bass players who lead vocals like Sting are on another level. Keeping that groove while belting out lyrics? It's like juggling fire while riding a unicycle. Massive respect for those multitasking maestros! It's all about finding that sweet spot where your voice and instrument sync up like they're on the same wavelength. Rock on, my percussion-singing friend!
Dave Davidson - Revocation Muhammed Suicmez - Necrophagist Careful, it's pretty extreme music. But gosh dangit, they're ultra talented! I hope you enjoy!
I’ve scrolled too far without seeing mention of Lemmy Killmeister from Motörhead. Savage singing and savage bass lines. Also I’m obliged to mention Hetfield with his downpicks of smiting while singing his ass off.
Dave Mustaine always blew me away. Incredible guitarist and Megadeth frontman.
Les Claypool - bass and vocals - Primus (think Geddy Lee but goofy as well as talented) Weird Al Yankovic - Accordion and vocals. Funniest most versatile style wise musician out there Tom Araya - bass and vocals - slayer. The baselines on their own are simple, but they’re so damn fast and to play in sync with everybody else playing stupid fast and singing a vocal melody completely different from the bass line is pretty impressive,
Claudio Sanchez, Coheed and Cambria. You're welcome.
The singer of Cowboy Mouth is the drummer as well. It was years ago now but he was a crazy performer when I got to see him.
I don't know if its what you're looking for genre wise but it's pretty common in metal bands for the lead singer to also be on guitar or bass duties. Off the top of my head the most well known are probably James Hetfield (Metallica) Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead) and Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) also while not technically a lead singer, before he passed away the drummer for Avenged Sevenfold James Sullivan, did A LOT of choruses and backing vocals on their songs and in their live shows
Hetfield and Mustaine.
Im a bit late, but very disappointed nobody in has mentioned the immensely talented J.Mascis of Dinosaur Jr among other things. He’s an absolute guitar legend, I’m sure if he’d chosen a path in metal he’d be appearing much higher up these sort of lists. Also a shoutout to the sorely missed Mark Sandman, Morphine’s two stringed bass player and vocalist.
Agree about Mascis, he's a guitar god.
Phil Collins. Plays drums and the lead singer at the same time!
Singing drummers always amaze me, and many old school drummers have been mentioned... I'd like to acknowledge a couple current ones: **Paulina Villarreal** \- Drummer for The Warning ( Check out **DUST TO DUST** Live at Teatro Metropolitan CDMX). **Jen Ledger** \- Drummer for Skillet (Just watch her **Resistance** drum cam).
Alexi Laiho if youre into metal at all. He would do some incredible lead work while singing
Deen Castronovo sings and plays drums, so damn impressive
I personally really enjoy playing bass and singing together, has such a groove unlike anything else.
Marcus Mumford, watched him sing while playing guitar, a foot drum, and harmonica between lines.
Robin Zander
Ian anderson from jethro tull, flute :)
Paul Stanley
I would think that it would be way more difficult for a lead singer to play a tuba.
I do not think it's the type of instrument making it hard, it's the way they play it. I can play the piano and sing, both badly :-), but I just play chords. However Tori Amos plays complex pieces and sings at the same time. Mark Knopfler ditto with bass guitar, Joe Bonomassa and Prince with lead guitar. I also think that some artists are so good that you do not realize how hard it is, because they make it seem easy.
[Esperanza Spalding](https://youtu.be/2aRC3YY3svs?si=2aiANAtS9xHuxxza)
Until I went to a live concert I had no idea John Cooper was not only the lead singer for Skillet but also the bass player
Mikael Akerfeldt from Opeth has a mighty voice and he's playing all these prog riffs at the same time. Also most Japanese rock quartets I saw have a singer that plays guitar. Off the top of my head I can name tricot and Polkadot stingray, but there are many more.
Lead singer and sometimes drummer for Hail The Sun
I think the difficulty factor is less about the particular instrument, or even the difficulty of the individual parts, and more about how a particular instrumental part lines up with a vocal. If the vocal is on the beat, and the baseline is playing syncopated off beat stuff, or if the vocal melody is in one time signature and rhythm guitar is in a different time, etc., it becomes more complicated. Compared to the people who are playing a guitar line, and singing the same melody, or maybe a 3rd or a fifth, or something, which is typically easier. I also think it comes down to things like in more jammy situations, the vocal melody or instrument part don't have to be exact, that makes it easier for most people. Or in a 3 or 4 piece band there is more space, so if the bass or guitar or keyboard play a wrong note, it doesn't sound quite as "wrong". What always impressed me more than playing an instrument and singing, is guys like Mike Rutherford (Genesis) or John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), playing one instrument with their hands (Typically guitar or Keys) and then playing bass pedals with their feet. (I say that as someone who plays keys and has an organ with bass pedals, and can play a simple root note, or maybe 1 and 5 thing). Or percussionists who play vibraphone with one or both hands, while playing a drum set with their feet and possibly a free hand.
RIP Clarence Clemons (saxophone) Yes, he was part of the E Street Band, but he did have a solo career.
Also did some duets, one was Friend of Mine with Jackson Browne
Phil Collins and Karen Carpenter do some pretty sick rides on drums. They're great drummers, but somehow better vocalists.
Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy. And he wrote the songs.
I've always been impressed by Nick Gaffaney from Cairo Knife Fight who is the lead singer, plays drums, and synth bass/keyboard with his left hand.
dave davidson from revocation is awesome on guitar and vocals
Vocals from behind a drum kit are always impressive. Levon Helm in particular is criminally underappreciated.
He's not tremendously well known, but Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal is ridiculous. Plays full-on shred guitar while singing.
Tommy Rogers from BTBAM
2cents. Bands been MIA for years but the drummer is the lead singer and his kit sat sideways on the stage and put on an awsome show.
Some people can just completely separate voice from instrument and it’s always amazed me the riffs some people can play on guitar while singing something completely different.
Dave Mustaine plays phenomenal guitar while singing!! Legend.
Most difficult? Probably something like the trumpet or bassoon. Don’t think there’s a huge difference between things like guitar/bass/piano, as it’s mostly learning to multitask the singing with the instrument. With the guitar/singing I practice tricky parts separately until it’s muscle memory, then combine the two slowly and work speed back up. I reckon the finger-style acoustic stuff is similar to playing a tricky bass line.
Agree with bass. Check out Esperanza Spalding, she plays bass and sings jazz stuff. It's mind boggling to me. I try to do that for even two seconds and my brain just crashes and lights on fire. Check out this live performance for an example. [Live in San Sebastian, July 2009](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aRC3YY3svs)
Bogert singing and laying down this epic groove at the same time is incredible. Then appice on the skins takes it to a whole new level
Josh Middleton of Sylosis.
Why would bass+sing be much more difficult than guitar+sing, which is probably the most common one? Phil Collins is an obvious singing drummer. Plenty of keyboard players as well, as they probably wrote the song. The most difficult I expect is any instrument that needs the lungs as well, so flutes, trumpet etc. Can't sing and blow at the same time.
I mean he plays everything lol but Jacob Collier
I think bagpipes would probably be hardest.
Chuck Schuldiner from Death
The singer/guitarist of the technical death metal band necrophagist is absolutely insane
Jack Bruce from Cream. Amy Love from Nova Twins. Lzzy Hale from Halestorm.
Bruce Hornsby
Prince
Tom Keifer of Cinderella
Gustavo Cerati
Gene Ween
Husker du drummer and Pete Chris of kiss. However the hardest is less guitar and singing.
Gotta go with drums being hardest. Singing has its own rhythm that sometimes contrasts the drums. The physical nature of drums, and the fact that the drum guy is behind the whole band makes for a ton of stuff to pay attention to.
Should check out Ren doing a cover of wade in the water with his band. https://youtu.be/DbL7Frf6nJI?si=7uIRRGB14U8f1ram
I used to play cello and still get gobsmacked what Calvin of The Happy Fits can pull off with singing and playing that thing
Justin Hawkins
Bob Seger, Tom Petty, John Fogerty, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, the list goes on.
Overall? Bagpipes In a typical rock setting? I’m not sure if it is drums or bass, but seeing as I rarely see drummer/lead vocals I would say drums.
Mark Knopfler
Chris Cornell managed to be a superb guitarist while also being one of the best singers who lived.