If David Bowie wasn't the most influential British artiste of the last 50 years then who would be? Lennon or McCartney? Possibly but their Beatles oeuvre way outshines their solo stuff Marc Bolan? Career cut short by a tree but more of a teen pin-up than genuine musician for me Brian Ferry? Came out of the same late 60's arty crowd but did he influence as many as Bowie? If you start looking at more modern artists it is hard to think that they will have the longevity of Bowie. Punks loved him, New Wave wouldn't have happened without him. I'm not such a massive fan as others here have claimed to be but I'd be hard pushed to put any/many above him as far as legacy and influence is concerned. Anyone else you can think of? (please feel free to add the likes of Jedward and Rick Astley if you so wish!)
Gary Barlow without doubt. 3 decades of magnificent music and also as an amazing mentor on the X factor.
I think you need look no further than Frances Rossi and Rick Parfitt. They used a wide range of different musical styles and constantly reinvented their image. Every time a new album was released millions waited with baited breath to see what kind of magical mystery tour awaited them. Without doubt the most original band in the history of music.
You philistines have failed to mention the king of rock and roll and unproven sexual deviant Sir Cliff Richard.
