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Elvis 4th Best Ever Live Solo Artist In The UK

May 27, 2005 | People
Robbie Williams has been named the best live solo artist of all time. He beat legends like Bowie into second place, followed by Morrissey, Presley, Elton John and Jimi Hendrix. Paul Weller came seventh, beating Madonna (eighth), Michael Jackson (ninth) and Bob Dylan (tenth). Rockers U2 were named best live band of all time in a music survey.

Best solo artist of all time:

1. Robbie Williams
2. David Bowie
3. Morrisey
4. Elvis Presley
5. Elton John
6. Jimi Hendrix
7. Paul Weller
8. Madonna
9. Michael Jackson
10. Bob Dylan

Best live band of all time:

1. U2
2. Queen
3. Oasis
4. Rolling Stones
5. Radiohead
6. The Who
7. Guns 'N' Roses
8. Coldplay
9. Faithless
10. REM
Source:Google
sttos wrote on May 27, 2005
this is yet proof that the UK is jealous of Elvis because he is an american and that they would be willing to vote anyone else but an american as the greatest.
Tony C wrote on May 27, 2005
Polls like this are meaningless. Very few people in the UK were lucky enough to see Elvis live, so opinions will be unbalanced. In my opinion, the only polls that are ever worth anything are those based purely on sales figures such as C4's "Ultimate Pop Star" programme. The same rule would apply to Jimi Hendrix, he was only around for a very short amount of time. As for Morrisey being in third place, words fair me! 9o
Sean Ryan wrote on May 27, 2005
HaHa. Well i think that takes the cake.I hope no fans will get upset and take this seriously.This is a joke and in very bad taste. If you were to ask anyone else in that top ten they would all have Elvis at the top. Proberly not Robbie cause he only has brought out one decent song and only gets in the papers from his personal life. Very overrated. No Beatles in the Best Live Band Top Ten?? Queen should be No1. There performance at Live Aid was awesome.
joemin wrote on May 27, 2005
Kilburn Tony, the C4 "Ultimate pop Star" was not compiled from total sales of singles, it only included the sales figures used to compile the charts. As you know, the sales used to compile the charts were sample sales initially, growing to almost 100% of sales in the mid-late 60's. So sales of singles like All Shook Up and It's Now or Never were only partially refelected in the charts. That is a significant factor in the poor performance of the 50's acts on the chart. Sales for both Elvis and Cliff Richard were significantly under reported in the chart.
marty wrote on May 27, 2005
To comment on this top ten list is meaningless. How can anyone judge an artist for his/hers live show if they have never had the chance to be there? Elvis is gone for almost 28 years now and many of those asked were not even born then! And watching a show on TV or even at the big screen is VERY different from being there and watching the real thing. Which is the best live show you have ever attended might make some sense... Name the artist or the show you would want to see live if you could go back in time. This is the question to ask!
Sylvain wrote on May 27, 2005
This top 10 is Based on what ?
t.r.o.u.b.l.e wrote on May 27, 2005
Stoss, and what do you base that somewhat ethnocentric view on? I like to think and consider things before I speak - perhaps you should do the same. The 18 Number Ones project which added 3 number ones to Elvis's plethora of UK hits really does exemplify the support in the UK for Elvis's music. There again so does the fact that US films are always top at the UK box office, as are American musicians in the music charts. The poll results may be a load of rubbish and biased toward more contemporary artists, this does not constitute racism however!
Tina S wrote on May 27, 2005
Robbie Williams is very good but no as good as Elvis no way
PTCJones wrote on May 28, 2005
I agree with most of what's being said here. the poll is a joke and the facts speak for themselves. Elvis IS the most successful solo artist of all time, end of story. I also think sttos is seriously misguided in his comments. Elvis' music has dominated the charts over in the UK for the last four months with 18 top ten hits and another three number ones disproving that ridiculous statement.
Bryan2 wrote on May 28, 2005
Hey didn't we have this poll a while back?? it looks so familiar to me,( is this a rerun?? if "williams" was indeed better than Elvis why couldn't he beat Elvis almost 30 years after his Death? it's a pay back from the UK because the USA doesn't care for Robbie Williams. so they do this. pretty obvious. So this Poll is absolutely ridiculous (put it mildly)if this was shown on tv. you would here laughs like in a comedy, Mr.Wiliams? keep dreaming you will never be like Elvis. Elvis is the biggest scoring artist in The UK not to mention other countries. so like is said keep dreaming. you will never surpass his career. thank u and goodnight
emjel wrote on May 28, 2005
Kilburn Toney has hit the nail on the head. How many people in the UK got to see Elvis? How can you compare the groups of the 80's/90's with those of the 60's such as The Beatles. The Beatles didn't have all the flash equipment etc which is so much of today's presentations. It was just 4 guys with Vox amps. These polls are meaningless, but the media puts such faith in them without looking deeper.
Deke Rivers 6 wrote on May 28, 2005
Did you get to vote y/n ? I didn't. As said before "These poll's are meaningless" As for Morrisey beating Elvis Ha Ha that's a joke in it's self. Elvis was/is second to know one. And as for U2 beating the Stones oh perlease
shaneleebrown wrote on May 28, 2005
I'm going to be really controvertial here and say perhaps the poll has Elvis in the right position. I haven't seen many of the others live so I can't comment on them, but should a performer who could hardly speak on stage never mind sing on occasion really be the top live performer of all time? Elvis was many things, but consistentcy (sp?) both in the studio and on stage was something that he wasn't. His performances in the 50s were obviously mindblowing as were his shows 1968-70, but after that it's very hit and miss. The Memphis 74 concert is great, but MSQ CD sees Elvis just rushing through the songs with little passion. Aloha is superb but All Things are Possible/Impossible Dream sees him sounding well...a bit bored. The list goes on - for every great show (Old Times They Are Not Forgotten, Full Blast, Memphis 76, If You Talk In Your Sleep), there is a poor one (Maryland 74, Bicentennial Experience, Elvis In Concert). Even though this was due to health problems, this is still why Elvis should not top that list.
Viva wrote on May 28, 2005
As with all these polls, the words "Yawn" and "insignificant" spring immediately to mind. Robbie the best live act ever? By that reckoning, I'm the worlds greatest Formula 1 driver. In my Peugeot 206. Drunk. As good as the top three are, Elvis is light years ahead on charisma, live vocal ability and overall showmanship. He didn't need huge light shows or special effects to enhance his shows, the mere anticipation of his presence was enough to have the entire audience screaming from the roof tops. Watch any show by any of the top three and see how their vocals are no where near as good as their studio recordings. With Elvis, many of his Live recordings are actually BETTER than the studio ones, and THAT'S talent folks. In the final analysis, Robbie, Bowie, Morrisey, and anyone else for that matter, at their best do not remotely approach the level of skill and talent which Elvis at his best could produce. I'll show you "That's The Way It Is", "'68 Comeback" and "On Tour", and I'll bet you my internal organs that you can't produce anything better by anyone else.
EspenK wrote on May 28, 2005
How many of you have seen Robbie live? He is an AMAZING live performer - and its not the technical equipment of today, its his stage personality who is totally mindblowing - he fills the whole place with his very presence. And Im no Williams-fan at all, I dont even have any CDs from him, but Id never miss a concert from him. I have seen Bowie live several times as well, and he too is a very skilled performer - and has been so for FOUR decades, now. I dont know anything about Morrisey so I have no opinion there, but Elvis on 4th - well I dont think thats all too bad. Personally I'd put him on 2nd place - but hey Im a fan. Im surprised to not see Prince high on that list though - he too an excellent live performer.
marty wrote on May 28, 2005
By the way, being named in the top 5 among the best live solo artists of all time in a country that you have NEVER appeared live and 28 years AFTER your death is a great achievment! Well done Elvis.
EspenK wrote on May 28, 2005
Good point Marty. I'd also like to remind you all that Elvis himself admired and respected other artists. I see no reason why his fans today shouldnt do the same. Regarding the band-list I dont understand what Oasis and Faithless do on that list. Faithless got excellent music, one of my definitive favorites amongst the electronica bands, but they are dead boring live. U2 on top is well deserved though. Even though Im not much of a fan of their music. Hehe!
Viva wrote on May 28, 2005
I admire many, many other artists for their influence and talent (from Crosby to Keane) but you can't argue with fact. Elvis was easily the most electrifying and dynamic stage performer ever to set foot on this earth. Bar none. Whether it be his 50's performances or the best of his 70's shows, I have seen nothing from anyone on BOTH of those lists which can be considered on a par with Elvis. It is NOT from a lack of respect for other artists on my part, they are all great, great performers. I just cannot see how any objective, informed opinion can come up with a conclusion other than Elvis being the best live performer. I'm not saying that because I'm an Elvis fan; that's WHY I'm an Elvis fan. He ain't called The King for nothing you know.
Eduardo wrote on June 01, 2005
NO, no, no, you do not get it: elvis fans.please unite. Sorry Frank, Tom, Humpy, Julio, Robbie, Ricky and all of the rest of good artists: There is ONLY one King of them all: Elvis!! Right fellows ??!! Now, having said this, we want the 3,400 Elvis News subscribers and readers to react and give their opinion&suggestions to Mr Sillerman who gave US$53 million in CASH to LisaMarie. You should write to him in NY NY with the following and very "reasonable suggestions, actually very business like" : 1. Bob Sillerman, Chairman of CKXE Co. should without further delay look into this message: CKXE and BMG and EPE (let alone Lisa) should immeadiately start a worldwide media campaign whereby they provide all leading music, DVD, teenager and fashion, maybe also business magazines with the "very outstanding" actually "un-equalled" and impressive list of gold&plat records that Elvis achieved in his short lifetime. Sorry Frank, Beatles, Stones, Tom, Julio etc (Michae Jackson may want to read this once he is locked up) It clearly is a reminder to the general public of the huge contribution to business, music & entertainment world that has been foregone and forgotten about by Jack Soden and even the late Colonel. BMG should provide all music stores ww with posters and billboards of Elvis+list of hits that the general public knows for more than 50 years OK 2. BMG also should release a new 4CD FTD box with the highlights of concerts given by Elvis in Lake Tahoe (Sahara) carrying unreleased songs like I'm leaving it up to you, Walk that lonesome road, medley of BlueSShoes+ShakeR&Roll, I need your love everyday, SpanEyes, etc) Not 4 complete concerts...we already have them on bootlegs but on FTD ...and not at a ridiculous high stupid price/rip off like US$/%....like Rocking in TX which we will NOT buy because it is like anything else we have already...and the book that goes with it, is simply not worth the dollars. 3. New, but innovative (very different songs and alternative takes) of movies such as GGGirls, KCreole, Roust,ChHabit, KCousins and why not complete sessions of GIBlues & BlHaw ....NOT Tickle Me...pls!! Allright, fans give us your reaction please and let Bob know. If you need his full address on Madison Ave in NY NY ask me OK...even have his tel number...maybe we can get his email address...that might be fun for him to receive all these comments and requests...then he might listen more carefully, right Lindes, Rex, Henrik, Ernst, Roger, Jan, Lars a,.o. Yes, we do remember: elvisNEVERleftthebuilding
Eduardo wrote on June 01, 2005
Bryan, Deke, Viva, Lindes, Ernst, Rex, emjel, shanelee, Marty and others: please read my comments and suggestions on Sillerman's CKXE and EPE, BMG etc etc and please give me an reply Thanks ! Eduardo