frontman
Band's public face
A frontman is the lead performer of a band or musical group, typically the vocalist who stands at the front of the stage and serves as the public face of the act.
The term extends beyond music to describe anyone who serves as the visible representative of an organization or operation, sometimes implying that the real power lies elsewhere: He was just a frontman for the cartel.
In this sense, a frontman may provide legitimacy or distraction while others make the actual decisions.
One who sings professionally
- singerVocal music performer
- showmanDramatic, attention-grabbing performer
- entertainerOne who amuses others
- headlinerTop-billed performer
crooner · soloist · rockstar · diva · belter · troubadour · balladeer · chanteuse
One who acts for another
- mouthpieceOne who speaks officially
- voiceSound from throat
- advocatePublic cause supporter
- ambassadorOfficial foreign representative
promoter · endorser · presenter · announcer · publicist · communicator · herald · intermediary
Unverified traditional tale
- idolObject of worship
- superstarExceptionally famous performer
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
- luminaryInspiring figure or celestial body
pioneer · trailblazer · virtuoso · maestro · phenomenon · heartthrob · figurehead
Director of musical ensemble
- captainOne who commands
- chiefTop-ranking leader
- headUppermost body part
- commanderPerson with authority over others
boss · visionary · mastermind · alpha · ringleader · organizer · coordinator
vocalist
One who sings professionally
- singerVocal music performer
- showmanDramatic, attention-grabbing performer
- entertainerOne who amuses others
headliner · crooner · soloist · rockstar · diva · belter · troubadour · balladeer · chanteuse · minstrel
representative
One who acts for another
- mouthpieceOne who speaks officially
- voiceSound from throat
- advocatePublic cause supporter
ambassador · promoter · endorser · presenter · announcer · publicist · communicator · herald · intermediary
legend
Unverified traditional tale
- idolObject of worship
- superstarExceptionally famous performer
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
luminary · pioneer · trailblazer · virtuoso · maestro · phenomenon · heartthrob · figurehead
bandleader
Director of musical ensemble
commander · boss · visionary · mastermind · alpha · ringleader · organizer · coordinator
- Lead Singerslead singer, vocalist, Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Robert Plant
- rock musicrock band, electric guitar, guitar solo, guitar riff, guitar riffs
- headlinersheadliner, headline act, main act, main attraction, top billing
- music jobsmusician, singer, composer, songwriter, producer
- music makerssinger, songwriter, composer, musician, vocalist
- musicianspianist, guitarist, electric guitarist, bassist, vocalist
frontmanbackup singer
Supporting vocal performer
sideman · drummer · bassist · rhythm guitarist · session musician
frontmanpuppet master
One controlling figures backstage
power behind the throne · silent partner · shadow figure · hidden hand · string-puller
frontmanfollower
One who supports another
subordinate · backup · supporting act · hired hand · foot soldier