Who is the greatest living legend rock star?

[beej]

hard to disagree with Paul McCartney. But my first thought was Van Halen

 

[Oldgeek]

Freddie Mercury was great at blending rock and classical with great vocals. Living Eddie or Mick

 

[RhodyRams]

Elton John
McCartney
Billy Joel
Geddy Lee

 

[Warner4Prez]

Legend status I would say Keith Richards. His rumored debauchery has taken on 'Tall Tale' status, he manages to remain cool and enigmatic, all while crossing into mainstream pop culture (Pirates of the Caribbean). He may not be an incredible showman like others mentioned, but cool and unchanging are pretty damn important elements for rockstars.

Modern day? I think Dave Grohl is cementing himself as the Savior of rock 'n roll. He's truly a renaissance man of the genre, Sonic Highways was a really really great album (and even better documentary), and the guy is just funny as hell. I think he's already penned a couple of the best rock tracks in the last 20 years which is a huge bonus too, and I'm not even a huge Foo Fighters fan.

 

[rdlkgliders]

Jagger has been consistently the most relevant. and you have to add Richards
McCartney for the obvious reasons
Plant and Page you choose the order (my personal favorites on this list but I am a realist)
Elton John hey he is sir Elton and has been relevant since I was a kid.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Hard to argue against Paul McCartney considering he was a Beatle

First one that came to my mind.

 

[PA Ram]

Lots of great names and all deserving.

A few already mentioned that jump out at me:

Paul McCartney. Really, what needs to be said?

Bruce Springsteen. I saw him in concert last year and it was a great concert--even at age 65 he brings it. Still writing, making music.

Dave Grohl. He is carrying the torch for a younger generation of rock stars, IMO. He has several bands going at once--gets involved with other bands. Lives and breathes rock and roll.

 

[Killgasm]

Marilyn Manson for me.

He's a smart well spoken man.
When you read his lyrics you can tell an intelligent person wrote them.
His music helps me out in my sad times and encourages me to believe in myself

 

[BatteringRambo]

Robin Trower. Just saw him at a highly, now known casino in June with my Dad. Prior to that we saw him in 2010 and 2008 at very small (bar) venues. Age and recognition aside the dude just brings it and always has from my memory. It NEVER gets old hearing 'Too Rolling Stoned' live. I don't think my Dad would have ever seen him live if it wasn't for me. Shoot back in 2008 my Dad thought he was in Procol Harum and then disappeared after the 70's. It's a joy taking a parent or good friend to see artists aka string benders who play with such passionate emotion.

 

[Rmfnlt]

Robin Trower. Just saw him at a highly, now known casino in June with my Dad. Prior to that we saw him in 2010 and 2008 at very small (bar) venues. Age and recognition aside the dude just brings it and always has from my memory. It NEVER gets old hearing 'Too Rolling Stoned' live. I don't think my Dad would have ever seen him live if it wasn't for me. Shoot back in 2008 my Dad thought he was in Procol Harum and then disappeared after the 70's. It's a joy taking a parent or good friend to see artists aka string benders who play with such passionate emotion.

Always one of my favorites!

When I was a teenager, I grew to love Jethro Tull. They were signed to Chrysalis records, so I decided to buy albums by some of the other artists from that label.

Robin Trower was one, as was another talented guitarist, Rory Gallagher (http://www.roryon.com/chrysalis158.html)

Awesome talents!!

The first time I saw Trower was at Shea Stadium in NY:
http://www.loge13.com/2008/07/jethro_tull_rocks_shea_1976.php

I've seen him multiple trimes since, last time a few years ago at a small venue... like you said, he is still amazing.

Miss James Dewar, though.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Dewar

 

[Juice]

I agree with what a lot of you guys have come up with on this topic, but there are a couple of other names that come to mind.

Elvis Costello, and Tom Petty are excellent songwriters.