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Top ten rock and roll dads

Paul McCartney, Bob and Peaches Geldof Despite well-deserved clichés about trashed hotel rooms, rampant drug abuse and appalling behaviour, there is an argument that rock 'n' roll and fatherhood can still work in tandem. Dad Info picks out the best of the bunch.

Of course, not all musicians make great fathers. But the list below should show you a few of the shining lights who seem to be able to make juggling the bright lights and the home fires look easy...

1. Bob Geldof

Love him or hate him, you can't argue with Sir Bob's work on behalf of fathers who've been separated from their kids. He went from the Boomtown Rats frontman who hated Mondays to the man who put together Band Aid and recently Live 8... and all this while left out in the cold by the mother of his own kids.

Not allowed his rightful access for years, he spoke out regularly and publicly about the rights (not) granted to dads the world over, describing his own agonising situation when he said that the way fathers were treated led to the most important part of the equation - the kids - being used as nothing more than "weapons, swords and shields simultaneously".

Strong words indeed, but you'd expect that from the man famous for saying "Give us yer fockin' money" to 100 million people worldwide...

Browse Bob Geldof albums at Amazon.

2. Paul McCartney

Without a doubt he's sat at the top of the rich list... the ex-Beatle has amassed a huge personal fortune, and seems to have held onto it despite the best (or worst) intentions of one Heather Mills.

Throughout he's managed to keep his dignity - a single father to Stella, Mary, James and now Bea, he's always put family first. Sir Paul was due to play three songs at the launch of the Apple iphone recently - but pulled out as it was the same week as Bea's holiday from nursery school! Unlucky, Apple. Guess that sponsorship deals can't buy you love...

Browse Paul McCartney albums at Amazon.

3. Bob Dylan

As he's always shied away from the limelight on a personal level he has done the majority of his talking through his music. In the singer-songwriter's 50-year career he's fathered six children... four by Sara, his first wife, and two by one of his backing singers.

And they can all testify to him turning his famous sand and glue voice to their growing up, and in particular the beautiful and moving Forever Young... "May God bless and keep you always... may your wishes all come true. May you always do for others... and have others do for you. May you build a ladder to the stars, and climb on every rung... and may you stay forever young."

Browse Bob Dylan albums at Amazon.

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4. Bruce Springsteen

Anyone nicknamed The Boss is going to take paternal duties pretty seriously. Bruce makes breakfast for, plays music with and takes out on tour all of his three teenage kids religiously. He's been known to fly home whilst touring in order to support his daughter in her equestrian competitions, and even gave Evan, 17, a job as guitar tech at the boy's request on a 2002 tour.

And let's be honest. If you had to choose someone to sit at the edge of your bed and dispense wisdom about the trials and tribulations of growing up in America, it's going to be Bruce. And all this whilst still managing to look like he works down at the local steelworks as well!

Browse Bruce Springsteen albums at Amazon.

5. Rod Stewart

After starting out as singer in the Faces, Rod the Mod went on to huge international acclaim with hits such as Sailing and Baby Jane, whilst taking the time to knock out some five youngsters.

One of these, Kimberley, was the reason for Rod's latest foray in the headlines when he made comedian Russell Brand stand up and apologise for saying that he'd "had a go on her". The foppish comic shamefacedly admitted that the whole story was made up, while her clearly angry dad stood over him, finger pointed at Brand's chest... a clear message to kiss-and-tell boys who should know better by now!

Browse Rod Stewart albums at Amazon.

6. Ozzy Osbourne

The bat-eating Black Sabbath frontman may not be the most well-spoken father on this list, but he's probably the funniest. Whether it's duetting on the beautiful Changes with daughter Kelly or throwing firecrackers at seagulls off the back of a boat with son Jack, you can be sure that being raised by the prince of darkness is never dull!
Browse Ozzy Osbourne albums at Amazon.

7. David Bowie

Although calling your son Zowie could be considered cruel, at least Bowie was honest when he wrote Kooks for his son. "Don't pick fights with the bullies or the cads... 'cause I'm not much cop at punching other people's dads!"

He also created a series of children's audio books inspired by the recordings that he would make for his son (who later changed his name to Duncan Jones) whilst away on tour, bless him...

Browse David Bowie albums at Amazon.

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8. John Lennon

Just the song Beautiful Boy alone is reason enough to include everyone's favourite Beatle. The loving tribute to his son Sean contains one of his most memorable quotes - "life is what happens when you're making other plans". It's a beautiful lullaby, and the fact that it was only released in the year of his death makes lines like "Out on the ocean, sailing away... I can hardly wait to see you come of age" even more poignant and affecting.

It is, however, worth remembering that if John hadn't fathered Julian, we wouldn't have ever had to listen to Saltwater. Which brings me back down to Earth with a bump.

Browse John Lennon albums at Amazon.

9. Mick Jagger

The frontman of the Rolling Stones is still capable of juggling a seemingly never-ending world tour with supporting all of his seven children, born to him by four different women. Whether it's his regular attendance at son James' debut acting appearance in Islington or at the launch of Jade's latest jewellery range, Mick always takes time out to make sure that they're all very well catered for - and not just financially.

On the last Stones tour, four of his children accompanied him for two months' worth of it, proving that family can be very important when you've been on the road for the best part of 40 years!

Browse Mick Jagger albums at Amazon.

10. John Bonham

Maybe not the best-known father on the list, but he must surely be the most inspirational. The legendary Zeppelin drummer may have died young but he certainly left a lasting impression on his son, Jason - the long-awaited reunion shows saw him taking his pride of place, and replacing his father on the sticks. Hopefully he can keep the 15-minute solos down to a minimum though!