The internet has spoken, and Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain is apparently not the greatest rockstar of all time.
Pubity, a publication that focuses on “global youth culture and entertainment,” recently hosted a bracket tournament on their Instagram page to determine the Greatest Rockstar of All Time. Launched on January 27, followers were able to vote in each round on the page’s Instagram Story.
Cobain made it all the way to the final round, beating Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and in the semi-final round, Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant. However, the late Elvis Presley was ultimately chosen as the winner of the competition.
For those interested in the tournament’s journey, we break down each round below, showcasing how fans narrowed down their decision.
Round One of Pubity’s Greatest Rockstar of All Time Tournament
In the first round, 32 rockstars competed. Here’s who made it through to the next round, highlighted in bold:
- Jimi Hendrix vs. Don Henley
- Steven Tyler vs. Gerard Way
- Brandon Flowers vs. Prince
- Liam Gallagher vs. Bruce Dickinson
- Axl Rose vs. Keith Richards
- Paul Stanley vs. Paul McCartney
- James Hetfield vs. Elvis Presley
- Mick Jagger vs. Bruce Springsteen
- Robert Plant vs. Hayley Williams
- Eddie Vedder vs. Alex Turner
- Dave Grohl vs. Thom Yorke
- Eddie Van Halen vs. Stevie Nicks
- Lemmy Kilmister vs. David Bowie
- Chester Bennington vs. Kurt Cobain
- Alice Cooper vs. Corey Taylor
- Josh Homme vs. Ozzy Osbourne
Round Two of Pubity’s Greatest Rockstar of All Time Tournament
After the second round, only eight rockers remained. The results were as follows:
- Jimi Hendrix defeated Steven Tyler
- Prince defeated Bruce Dickinson
- Paul McCartney defeated Axl Rose
- Elvis Presley defeated Mick Jagger
- Robert Plant defeated Eddie Vedder
- Dave Grohl defeated Eddie Van Halen
- Kurt Cobain defeated David Bowie
- Ozzy Osbourne defeated Alice Cooper
Semi Finals – Pubity’s Greatest Rockstar of All Time Tournament
The semi-finals featured Hendrix, Presley, Plant, and Cobain. As expected, reactions were mixed among fans:
- “Kurt Cobain beating Bowie and Ozzy really highlights what age group is doing the voting.”
- “Clearly this was a popularity contest, not a skill contest.”
The Finals – Pubity’s Greatest Rockstar of All Time Tournament
In the final round, Presley and Cobain faced off, with Presley being crowned the champion. Reactions to the final result were varied:
- “This is categorically wrong. The people have blown it once again.”
- “I mean, he is the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. No way it should’ve gone to anyone else. Long live the king.”
- “I can’t believe Kurt beat Robert Plant AND Bowie.”
Conclusion
The tournament showcased the diverse opinions within the rock community, demonstrating how different generations and fan bases can lead to varying results in determining the “greatest” rockstars. While Cobain’s journey to the finals was a testament to his enduring legacy, Presley’s ultimate victory underscores his iconic status in music history.
FAQs
Who were the finalists in Pubity’s Greatest Rockstar of All Time Tournament?
The finalists were Elvis Presley and Kurt Cobain, with Presley winning the title.
How were the rockstars selected for the tournament?
The rockstars were chosen based on their influence, popularity, and contributions to the genre of rock music.
What was the format of the tournament?
The tournament was conducted as a bracket-style competition where fans voted for their favorites in each round via Instagram Stories.
Were there any notable musicians left out of the tournament?
Yes, many fans pointed out the absence of iconic musicians like Freddie Mercury from Queen.
