A good beard is a symbol of strength, (often) courage and commitment to a long out dated fashion (we’re talking late 1800s here) that gives one impression and one impression only.  Manliness.  I myself have not got a beard.  Why?  Because I am not manly enough.  These men are.  And they play music!

6. “Wild Men of the North” Style Beard

Definitely got that ‘wild hill men’ feel about it (you know LOTR?). It is Jamey Johnson.  Okay before you go saying: ‘Aghhhh country music guy…’ I agree with you.  AGGHHH country music guy.  But that my friend is the beard that Rocked.

5. “The Tutankhamen Pharaoh” Beard

Kerry King of Slayer rocking the Tutankhamen Pharaoh look.  Certainly making Pharaoh seem a little more badass then I learned in history classes…

4. “The Classic Man of Mystery” Beard

Andy Hull of Manchester Orchestra.  We’re almost going classic beard here.  But if you thought he was of a classical music background think again, Manchester Orchestra is an indie rock band. If you’re not familiar with this guy, no worries, but Wikipedia does literally say and I quote here: “He is, hands down, the raddest freaking man alive." And with a beard like that who can argue?

3. “The End Is Nigh” Beard

Sky White of Foxy Shazam, an American rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio – they’ve done really well in the US charts.  Never heard of them?  No worries.  I just rate the beard.  It’s got a certain ‘the end is nigh’ dooms day guy feel about it.

2. “The Gandalf” Beard

Tony Kaye is a music film director, he’s done a bazillion of them, from Soul Asylum to the Chilli Peppers and even Jonny Cash.  He also is rocking an awesome Gandalf Beard.  This kind of beard must be grey and takes years of careful frowing and grooming (or lack there of).

1. The “Noddy and Big Ears” Beard

You know you ARE the ‘raddest’ dude that ever lived if you can pull this beard off.  It should inspire us all.

Tim Millar of Protest The Hero, a Canadian progressive metal band. To be honest never heard any music.   But I tell you what?  After seeing this beard I am going straight to YouTube to see if the music backs up the man.

Read more about music biz beards here at buzzfeed.