Who's the most recognizable musician?

[Barking Pumpkin]

Well.....with vocalists there's recognizable in terms of everyone knows their style and recognizable in terms of...."they're so fucking weird that you know it's them." That would be Mr. Doctor of Devil Doll.

For guitar I'd probably say Steve Vai. His style of playing is quite easy to recognize for me, although you can probably easily recognize anyone you listen to a lot.

 

[peavy_fan]

Yngwie and his arpeggios

 

[BlindPanzer]

Machine Men singer sounds just like Bruce Dickinson...

-Hansi Kuersch (Blind Guardian)

Jens Karlsson from Persuader sounds like Hansi

 

[Barking Pumpkin]

Jens Karlsson from Persuader sounds like Hansi

As does Lars Larsen from Manticora.

 

[The Wolf]

For vocals, I would have to say Jon Anderson is the most recognizable one there is. No one (and I mean NO ONE!!!) sounds like him.
For guitars, I would repeat Eric Johnson, but also add Steve Howe and Trevor Rabin, who both have totally unique styles. Then, there is Steve Morse. Need I say more here?
For bass, what about Chris Squire?
For drums, you have to include Virgil Donati and Bill Bruford.
For keyboards, Rick Wakeman must be on the list.

BTW In case you didn't notice, I am a huge Yes fan.

Tommy

 

[Barking Pumpkin]

I still dare anyone to find a vocalist who sounds like Mr. Doctor.

 

[edgeofthorns]

Jon Oliva for cryin' out loud! Why didn't I think of that before?
Andre Matos is another standout vocalist!

 

[IdesOfStormrider]

Guitar

George Lynch (Lynch Mob & Dokken) - Love'em or hate'em ... you know George Lynch's guitar when you hear it just because of his screaming leads.. such a recognizable sound.

Steve Vai - Nothing else to say really. He is a freak!

Alex Lifeson - He has a really cool style, I think if you know Rush you can pick out Alex's playing on nearly anything.

Jon Schaffer - Galloping. On. Everything.