If there yet remains hope for rock 'n' roll, it lies with the musicians whose vision and uncompromising creativity reverberate indefinitely, transcending generations. These 21 individuals have left a significant mark on rock music during the course of the last several years, and their influence will continue to be recognized and revered for years to come.
21. Perry Farrell (Jane's Addiction, Porno for Pyros, Satellite Party)
20. Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave)
19. Zack de la Rocha (Rage Against the Machine)
18. Michael Stipe (R.E.M.)
17. Alanis Morissette
16. Thom Yorke (Radiohead)
15. Gavin Rossdale (Bush, Institute)
14. Slash (Guitarist, Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver)
13. John Frusciante (Guitarist, Red Hot Chili Peppers)
12. Jack White (White Stripes, Raconteurs)
11. Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam)
10. Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins, Zwan)
The Smashing Pumpkins' mastermind is the visionary, musical genius he has always claimed to be. He created a band as a vessel for his message and were it not for fatal personal differences among band mates, Pumpkins could have been enormous. His solo attempts have fallen short mainly because he lacks that creative vehicle and also because the tension and dynamic of the band had a lot to do with his success as a songwriter.
9. Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters)
After Cobain's death, nobody really took it seriously when Nirvana's drummer decided to start a band. But alas, one of the most successful modern rock bands in the world today was born. All six Foo Fighters albums have been nominated for Grammys and their success extends internationally. Grohl has performed with Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones and countless other musical giants.
8. Dave Matthews
I genuinely dislike Dave Matthews and company, but I would be morally remiss were I to deny the man the credit he so clearly deserves. His popularity and fan base among people of all ages is commendable, so here's to hoping he continues doing what he's doing. So long as it's not on my radio.
7. Chris Martin (Coldplay)
Music critics have called Coldplay "The biggest band in the land that's not U2." This is true for a number of reasons: First, its music appeals to not only the rock connoisseurs, but the appreciators of pop and hip hop as well. Also, they continue to impress both fans and critics. Their albums never get worse, as evidenced by the critical and sales successes of Viva la Vida.
6. Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails)
For more than 20 years, Trent Reznor has pioneered the industrial music genre and paved the way for electronic and techno music. In 1997, he appeared on Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World list, and Spin Magazine has described him as "the most vital artist in music." His music is a soundscape, driven by power and often flawless beauty.
5. Rick Rubin (Producer)
Rick Rubin is the epitome of the term "the man behind the curtain." He is without a doubt one of music's most influential producers in the history of the industry. Rubin co-founded Def-Jam Records, as well as American Recordings. His resume includes records by Johnny Cash, Run-DMC, Tom Petty, AC/DC, Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wu-Tang Clan, Metallica and Rage Against the Machine, among countless others. In 2007, he made Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World list.
4. John Mayer
The music industry's sweetheart, Mayer is a heartthrob for young girls, but he is deeper than that. His music has a message, and it has only gotten better with his involvement with political, social and environmental issues. He has the potential to be the Lennon of our generation.
3. Bruce Springsteen
The Boss continues to be a musical dynamo, showing no signs of stopping in his pursuit of perfection. He continues to win Grammys, decades into an absolutely astonishing career. Few have done what he has, and even fewer can sustain the insatiable passion that he has for music.
2. Bono (U2)
People can complain about his politics all they want, but nobody can deny U2 is a powerhouse of musical energy. Many consider them the most popular band in the world today, decades after their inception. Their concerts are things of legend, epic in proportion to those of lesser bands. Although some are critical of his social and political views, that has not stopped Bono from doing what he can to change the world with more than just his music.
1. Kurt Cobain (Nirvana)
The name about says it all. The artist himself introduced grunge to the social scene and changed the way people listen to music. His emotions were his music, his genius was subtle yet obvious and his darker side fueled his songwriting. In just a few short years, one of rock 'n' roll's all time greats manipulated the world around him, delivering a message that became the resounding battle cry for Generation X. His potential was limitless, and his tormented psyche served to produce beautiful art, as well as destroy his life. Although his life ended in suicide, his stunning brilliance will never be extinguished.
