When it comes to fashion, rock stars are known for being somewhat out there with their choice of attire.
Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury and Mick Jagger are all part of the elite club of rock n’ rollers with their own unique sense of style. Rock music, unlike pop, isn’t constrained by what trends are currently doing the rounds or what labels are this year’s must-haves.
Because of this freedom, we’ve all been treated to some pretty spectacular efforts on part of the main players in the rock game.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most stylish rock frontmen active in the years between 2000 and 2010. While not always the most flamboyant, the rock stars featured on this list are included either for their eye for style, being involved in fashion or just looking downright cool.
1) Liam Gallagher
First up on the list is Oasis frontman, Liam Gallagher, younger brother of Oasis’ primary songwriter and guitarist, Noel Gallagher.
Whilst the band are best known for their brit-pop takeover in the 90’s, it was in 2009 that frontman Liam Gallagher started up his own clothing line, Pretty Green. Combining 90’s style trench coats and t-shirts with John Lennon’s signature hippy shades, Liam’s taste in clothing has made him one of the most recognisable rock frontmen in history. He has also heavily influenced the products on sale at Pretty Green.
Unfortunately, given their history of brotherly squabbles, Oasis are no longer recording or performing together. But, Liam has expressed a willingness to reform the band, giving fans hope that they may once again see him onstage wearing his trademark get-ups.
2) Pete Doherty
The second runner up on our list is former co-frontman of the Libertines, Pete Doherty.
A somewhat polarising figure, Pete Doherty is, alongside his music, best known for his very public struggle with drug addiction as well as his on/off relationship with supermodel Kate Moss. Having a supermodel girlfriend may or may not have influenced Pete’s style over the years.
His usual shirt, blazer and trilby look has become the standard starting point for many an indie frontman. What makes Pete Doherty’s style stand out is that it’s always effortless. He may very well have woken up in the same clothes as you see him wearing on stage, making his fashion sense as pure a tribute to the spirit of rock n’ roll as you may find.
3) Matt Bellamy
Next up is Muse frontman, Matt Bellamy.
Known for his energetic on-stage performances and guitar virtuosity, Matt Bellamy has actually won a string of sexiest male awards from the likes of NME and Cosmopolitan. His dress sense has varied over the years from long, bold coloured jackets and t-shirts with sparkly trousers to more grungy jeans and shirts.
Bellamy is also currently in a relationship with model Elle Evans. Recently, Matt has taken to wearing a special pair of sunglasses during the band’s performance of their song Madness in which the lyrics to the song are programmed to appear on the lenses as he sings them. The shades are styled similar to Ray Ban Wayfarers and only add to Bellamy’s already overflowing sense of downright cool.
4) Jack White
The fourth entry on our list is former White Stripe’s frontman, Jack White. When they first rose to prominence, the White Stripes were known for mainly wearing red and white and not much else in terms of colour.
Nowadays, with the White Stripes disbanded, Jack White has become somewhat of a fashionista, donning anything from designer suits with gothic flair to more retro country looks. It seems Jack White’s sense of style is almost as captivating and compelling as his musical ability on a guitar.
There’s something noticeably unique about a tall, pale, long-haired guy who’s dressed to the nines while singing the blues. Jack white encompasses all that is most stylish and original about the combination of rock music and fashion.
5) Alex Turner
Last, but certainly not least, on our list is Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys.
Alex Turner has had something of a varied sense of style over the years. From performing at gigs dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz to his latest contemporary teddy boy look, the guitarist and lead singer never seems to have a dull moment when it comes to deciding what to wear.
White shirts, tight black trousers and a leather jacket are his go-to outfit as of late. However, given his propensity to experiment, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this change again at some point.
Maybe we’ll see a return to fictional characters of old? Turner as Holly Golightly perhaps? Or, more likely, we’ll see Alex turn heads with his own spin on a classic look once again. Whatever he chooses to wear, Alex Turner seems to have the enviable ability of making anything work.
Do you have a job interview coming up? Check out our guide on whether you should wear a suit or not!
