Rating Rock's Most Prominent Mustaches

Anthony Kiedis performing on stage; Freddie Mercury performing on stage.

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Rock has a hairy history...literally. Across every decade, there's usually a rocker that emerges with some killer facial hair. While we love a great beard, this gallery will focus on the wonder that is the mustache.

There are a wide variety of mustache types. An "Imperial" mustache is a thicker style where the ends curl inward. There's also the "Horseshoe," which is thicker and has ends that curl down towards the mouth. A close relative to the "Horseshoe" is the "Fu Manchu." The big difference between the two is the "Fu Manchu" has a hairless gap above the upper lip, while the "Horseshoe" is fully connected. The ever-controversial "Pencil" mustache is a thin line of hair just above someone's upper lip. (Think Little Richard or John Waters.)

Fun fact, and also to prove that any interest has an association: There is such a thing as the World Beard and Moustache Association (WBMA). This association overlooks the World Beard and Moustache Championships. (Yes, this is a real thing.) According to the WBMA's mission statement, "We also encourage the worldwide appreciation of beards and moustaches. We believe that all facial hair-related events should encourage friendship among those with facial hair and those who appreciate it."

Our Rating System

To celebrate the mustache and its place in rock history, we selected nine rockers from varying decades who were known to wear a mustache. Some of these men range in being known for their hairy upper lips, while others simply wore a mustache seemingly for fun.

Our rating system won't use "stars"; instead, it will be based on a range of 1 through 5 mustache combs. With this range, "1" will be the lower ranking, while "5" is a truly supreme mustache for all to admire.

Without further ado, keep scrolling to see our ratings on some of rock's most prominent mustaches.

Jimi Hendrix (1 mustache comb)

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Jimi rates low on our mustache scale, because his mustache lacks fullness and thickness. However, it's still a respectable 'stache.

Tony Iommi (1 mustache comb)

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Iommi's mustache is good. However, when people think of him, one of the first thoughts isn't necessarily his facial hair. That's not a bad thing, per se, but for this rating, if you're known for your mustache definitely give you some bonus points.

Anthony Kiedis (2 mustache combs)

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Don’t get us wrong: Kiedis’ mustache has great color and thickness. However, we just think the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman looks better without one.

Lemmy Kilminster (2.5 mustache combs)

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Lemmy's thick mustache is simply delightful. However, it's docked some points for it not being a stand-alone 'stache. (Side note: Those mutton chops do still rule.)

Freddie Mercury (3 mustache combs)

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While some might take issue with Freddie getting just 3 out of 5 mustache combs, it just doesn’t measure up to the other ones in their gallery. It doesn’t make it any less iconic, though, and this photo showing someone else trimming it for him is prime rock star behavior.

David Crosby (4 mustache combs)

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The late singer-songwriter truly had one of the most iconic mustaches in all of rock. Frankly, the mustache was as in-you-face as Crosby was.

Frank Zappa (4.5 mustache combs)

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A beautiful site to behold is this lush 'stache from Frank Zappa. We're not even that fond of the "soul patch," but we're willing to make an exception for Zappa's. Simply stunning!

John Oates (5 mustache combs)

RCA

Oates may no longer rock a ‘stache, but fans the world over just can’t seem to forget about it. It’s understandable why. It’s super thick and as bold as a hook written by Hall & Oates themselves!