Johnny Thunders, greatest punk guitar hero?

I think so. Certainly my favorite lead guitarist from any punk band, but I believe he had the ability, attitude, and charisma to put him at the top of the pack in an objective ranking as well. The guy played extremely badass, somewhat simple licks but had his own distinct sound with his Les Paul T.V. A sound that I just can't get enough of (and I don't think I'm alone there). Had a pretty damn good voice too for a punk vocalist, instantly recognizeable. Check out "So Alone" and "L.A.M.F." Look at some of the youtube videos around of him playing with the Dolls and the Heartbreakers (really great one from the early 70's of him doing Chatterbox with the Dolls). The guy was a rock God and as true to his music as any rock guitarist before or since.

I don't remember who said it but a quote I've heard went "Johnny Thunders was the Elvis for people who didn't give a shit about Elvis". He was that kind of star.

 

Can't believe no one has responded to this thread. Thunders was arguable the biggest talent in punk history and the most articulate lead guitar player. He was a virtuoso of that evil punk guitar sound.

 

:guitar: Dunno bout the greatest but definately up there and absolutly one of the most influential.
Steve Jones openly cites Thunders sound and style for influencing him in the Pistols early days.
Certainly a ground-breaking musician.

 

Woo hoo! Forget about punk rock- Johnny Thunders was the greatest rock-n-roller EVER!! What should a rock-n-roller be? Take a look and listen to JT!

And you're right- nobody in punk rock could match JT's playing. Also none of 'em knew half as much about rock-n-roll as he did. Johnny Thunders was everything that rock-n-roll should be and nothing it shouldn't.

 

Hey, it's nice to hear from someone who feels the same way.

 

Yeah JT will always be my favorite rock-n-roller. I don't know where I fit in around here. Punk might be it. I was hoping the rock-n-roll forum wasn't overrun with classic rock. Not really a punk but this may be the best fit. My fave bands are 1. NY Dolls, 2. Rolling Stones, 3. Hanoi Rocks

 

Any fans of Mr. Thunders should join us over at Chatterbox.freeforumboard.net. Lots of first hand accounts of the greatest rock-n-roller who ever lived, and a bootleg section to DIE for!!

But if you fuckin' kids don't wanna dance you should just go HOME!!