Classic Rock Weekly: 5 of the most badass singers from the 70s and 80s

1. Axl Rose-Guns N' Roses

At a time when glam metal and pop music dominated the airwaves, Guns N' Roses brought hard rock crashing back into the charts. While many pay attention to Slash's mesmerizing guitar solos, few have noticed the vocal powerhouse that is Axl Rose. Songs like "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Paradise City" demonstrate his vocal range. Many overlook Rose's vocal abilities and focus more on his antics. Riots and late starts aside, this guy is a badass singer.

2. James Hetfield-Metallica

Where do I even start? For over 30 years, Metallica has been one of the best thrash metal bands around. While Kirk Hammett's guitar riffs and solos are unbelievable, I think it's Hetfield that gives Metallica that badass edge to their songs. Being able to play and sing simultaneously like that is just awesome. Believe me, I've tried to play and sing at the same time and it's not easy. Being able to produce music and lyrics as good as Metallica's is awesome. But being able to release fresh material that sounds good since 1981? Now that's impressive. 

3. Steven Tyler-Aerosmith

Also known as the "King of Scream" and the "Demon of Screamin," Steven Tyler is a vocal powerhouse to unique to ignore. Songs like "Dream On" and I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" demonstrate how he can scream and still make it sound good. Some say it sounds terrible, but isn't rock supposed to sound raw and ugly? Despite the fact that he looks like a chick, Steven Tyler is one of the best singers in rock music. 

4. Brian Johnson-AC/DC

The death of lead singer Bon Scott didn't stop AC/DC from producing badass music. In 1980, AC/DC released the hit album 'Back in Black' with Brian Johnson as the lead singer. The album sold a crushing 19 million. When a band loses its lead singer, things tend to fall apart and the band ceases to exist. That was not the case for AC/DC. Brian Johnson was able to keep the band going until 2003. 

5. David Lee Roth-Van Halen

Van Halen was ahead of its time when the band released its debut album, Van Halen in 1978. Similar to Steven Tyler, Roth was a vocal powerhouse that nobody could ignore. Roth fronted Van Halen until 1984 when he quit the band due to musical differences with Eddie Van Halen. He rejoined Van Halen in 1996 for a short time. He then rejoined Van Halen again in 2007. In 2012, the band released the album A Different Kind of Truth with Roth on vocals. Despite the drama, David Lee Roth is a badass.