Ikons

I saw a picture of Keith Richards recently and the thought "Ikon" came to mind. But what are the characteristics that define an artist as an ikon ? Can they be identified ? And does an ikon transcend music genres ? What is it that makes Richards cooler than "Cool-T", but leaves Sir Mick looking a bit ridiculous ?

Who do you considerer an "Ikon" ?

I'll formally nominate "Keef", but it's difficult to say why. I'm not a huge "Stones" fan and I don't think it's necessarily dependent on talent, but the guy has that air of rebellion, of danger about him. He's survived decades of drug and alcohol use, and bizarrely that makes him more glamorous. With the bandanas, long hair, wrinkled features he's the quintessential rock-star.

So when you hear the words "music-ikon" who do you immediately think of ?

Regards,

Brian OReilly