I've always been into guitars... we want to put keyboards on, but

"I've always been into guitars... we want to put keyboards on, but keyboard players don't look cool onstage, they just keep their heads down. There has never been a cool keyboard player, apart from Elton John." These words from Noel Gallagher speak to the intersection of artistry, performance, and public perception. Gallagher’s statement isn’t just about musical instruments—it is about the aesthetic and persona that accompany artistic performance. Guitars, in his view, carry a coolness that keyboards, by their very nature, do not. But beyond this playful commentary, there lies a deeper truth about how society tends to value certain types of expression over others, and how individuality and stage presence have shaped the way we perceive greatness in music.

In the ancient world, artistry was often a matter of public performance—whether through the Greek tragedies or the performances of Roman gladiators. The way one presented themselves was as important as the art itself. Sophocles wrote his tragedies not only with the intent to educate but to captivate audiences through both acting and spectacle. In much the same way, Gallagher’s comments about the keyboard reflect the idea that an artist’s presence onstage is just as significant as their musical expression. To perform wasn’t just to play an instrument—it was to engage with the audience and become a symbol, a figure whose image would live on in the minds of those who watched.

The guitar, in particular, has long been associated with rebellion, individualism, and the rock-and-roll ethos. From the earliest days of blues music to the wild, untamed performances of Jimi Hendrix and Keith Richards, the guitar has been an instrument that allows for freedom and expression. These guitarists didn’t just play—they embodied the spirit of their music. The act of playing the guitar was a visual spectacle as much as it was an aural one. The guitar solo, with its raw energy and uninhibited passion, became a symbol of rock greatness. In this context, Gallagher’s remark about keyboard players reveals the deeper truth about how public personas and performance style can influence how we view an artist’s talent and impact.

Yet, in a world that often champions visual appeal over technical proficiency, it is interesting to note that the most iconic keyboard player, Elton John, has, as Gallagher acknowledges, defied the stereotype. John, with his flamboyant costumes and larger-than-life personality, turned the image of the keyboard player on its head. His stage presence, coupled with his musical genius, made him one of the most revered artists of the 20th century. Elton John didn’t just play the keyboard—he transformed it into an instrument of spectacle and emotion, showing that even an instrument associated with stoicism can be infused with charisma and energy. Through his performance and identity, he proved that the visual and emotional aspects of a performance can elevate an instrument, no matter how underrated it might seem.

In this light, Gallagher’s words bring forth the tension between artistic expression and public perception. Many artists have created brilliant work while maintaining a low profile, while others have used their stage presence to transcend their art and become symbols of something larger than their music. Take, for example, David Bowie—whose style, music, and public persona combined to create something far more than just music. Bowie’s ability to reinvent himself, to embody different personas onstage, made him not just an artist but an icon. He showed the world that coolness wasn’t about sticking to one image, but about embodying what you wanted to present, and shaping the public’s perception of who you were.

The lesson here is not just about the instruments we play, but the way we present ourselves to the world. Performance is an act of self-expression and communication, and how we present ourselves in the world—whether on a stage or in our daily lives—shapes how others perceive us. Like Gallagher suggests, it is important to recognize the value of authenticity in how we express ourselves, whether through the instruments we choose to play, the clothes we wear, or the attitude we carry. To be truly great is not simply about what we do, but about how we bring our inner selves into the world, how we choose to stand tall and embrace the role we wish to play in the lives of others.

Let us take action by embracing our own unique expressions. Whether in music, art, or our personal lives, the way we choose to present ourselves and our work is a reflection of who we are. Do not be afraid to challenge the status quo, to break free from societal expectations, and to make a bold statement with the way you live. Like Elton John or David Bowie, embrace the power of your individuality and allow it to shine through in everything you do. True greatness lies not in following the crowd, but in having the courage to be bold, to transform the world around you, and to make your mark with both artistry and presence.