This has always bugged me.

What is with these lead singers, who obviously can't play better than an average guitar student, who insist on playing guitar with their bands?

examples:

Eddie Vedder
Jon Bon Jovi
Bono
Mick Jagger

It detracts from their singing in my opinion because they seem to be struggling just to keep up.

Does this annoy anyone else?

I like it when lead singers play guitars. If they can still sing pretty good and play at the same time, then go for it. It shows that they are true musicians.

Originally posted by ~*Hannah_Lee*~
I like it when lead singers play guitars. If they can still sing pretty good and play at the same time, then go for it. It shows that they are true musicians.

It is like they have something to prove.

But my point is that none of them are any good really.
Any guitar roadie is better than them.

It just seem like they need more accolades or attention or a pat on the back. I'm not a singer, I'm a musician.

Well you're a great singer and songwriter, but you are not so hot as a guitar player my friend.
And that is being kind.

just bumping this up

It's not that they're trying to compete with their guitar players,
they just like to add rhythm playing. I've read that Bono was always interested in playing guitar when they started U2, but the official guitar duties fell to the edge. But it doesn't mean Bono can't play along a bit.