ROCK STARS CAN BE GREAT DADS ... HERE'S OUR VERDICT ...
1 . Bono
Although more often seen goose-stepping about on stage and chomping on cheroots, Paul Hewson is a devoted father to two girls (Jordan and Memphis Eve) and a couple of sons (John Abraham and the, er, uniquely named Elijah Bob Patricus Guggi Q). And as well as being a rock icon, he grants the Pope an audience from time to time, whups George Bush’s ass, loves his missus and does all he can to save the planet. Bono, you’re an example to us all. If a little short. Verdict: saintly
2 . Jon Bon Jovi
It’s incredible to think that Mr Bongiovi is a father of three and regularly helps out at his daughters’ New Jersey elementary school. But no, gone are the groupies, the hedonism and the hell raising, replaced by garage sales and a German Shepherd named Copper. And that’s something to be applauded, right? Right? Verdict: honourable
3 . Mick Jagger
But while McCartney is undeniably richer, he will never be as cool a dad as Sir Mick. The current number of Jagger sprogs stands at seven by four different women – but if his lyrics to Some Girls are to be believed, it’s not the old duffer’s fault: “Some girls give me children, I never asked ‘em for.” The 61-year-old’s youngest child, Lucas, is now five. Verdict: hip (op.)
4 . Paul McCartney
When it comes to playing the ‘my-dad-earns-more-than-your-dad’ game in a few years’ time, Macca’s youngest, Beatrice Milly, will be able to take on all comers in the playground. And not only is he rich, he’s a living legend with a formidable former model for a wife. Sir Paul has another three grown up offspring (Stella, Mary and James). Verdict: admirable
5 . Rod Stewart
In keeping with his crinkly-faced peers, Rod has been banging the little miracles out. With (blonde) socialite Alana Hamilton he fathered Kimberley and Sean (who was recently banged up in LA County Jail for assault). With (blonde) model Kelly Emberg there's Ruby (now a singer). And with (blonde) model Rachel Hunter, he became a dad to Renée and Liam. Verdict: impressive
6. Eric Clapton
Yes, he’s an earnest, sober sort of chap that you wouldn’t want to get stuck in a lift with, but there’s a good reason for that; he outlived one of his children (Conor). However, ol’ Slowhand does have another couple of nippers: Ruth and Julie. Now, why can’t any of our other rockers have chosen nice sensible names like that? And to think, Clapton was ripped to the tits on smack for years. Verdict: rehabilitated
7. Steven Tyler
By rights, quite how the Aerosmith front man managed to sire a daughter as jawdroppingly beautiful as Liv Tyler should be an A-Level biology question, but nevertheless, father her he did. And a clutch of others, too; there’s Mia Foxe, Chelsea Tyler and Taj Monroe Tyler. Interestingly, Liv didn’t know she was the rubber-lipped singer’s daughter until her late teens. Verdict: inspired
8. David Bowie
The Thin White Duke has two nippers; a four-year-old daughter named Alexandria Zahra Jones whom he fathered with Iman, and a son called Zowie from a previous marriage. Admittedly, Bowie expected Zowie to change his name if he didn’t like it – though probably not to Joey, which is what he did during his teenage years. Mercifully, Joey/Zowie Bowie is now known as Duncan Jones. Verdict: confused
9. Keith Richards
The Rolling Stones’ leather-faced guitarist may be rumoured to have landed the part of Johnny Depp’s dad in the sequel to Pirates of the Caribbean, but in reality he has four (known) progenies. The 60-year-old was recently spotted relaxing in Byron Bay with his wife Patti Hansen and their daughters Theodora and Alexandra, though Dandelion and Marlon stay out of the spotlight. Verdict: dandilion?
10. Ozzy Osbourne
We at FQ wouldn’t normally criticise another man’s fathering skills, but with Ozzy we’re prepared to make an exception. Granted, keeping Kelly and Jack on the straight and narrow must be as difficult as drowning a pit bull in olive oil, but the drug-addled Prince of Darkness doesn’t exactly lead by example. Then again, his other two kids – Aimee and Louis, who stay out of the media carnage – might be little smashers. Verdict: ruined
