Cmv: looks played a role, even in getting counter culture bands into the spotlight..like grunge bands:
Now bear with me. I know that the frontmen of 90s grunge bands were not specifically sold as sex symbols. And I know they were reacting against things like hair metal and glam rock (not STP) which were consciously selling men as sex objects.But lets take a look at the frontmen:

Kurt Cobain: Good looking, blonde blue eyed, looks like hansons uncle

Eddie Vedder: def above average pretty man

Scott Weiland: in his pre anorexia days a very handsome man

Chris Cornell: Not so sure ...think he is good looking? Ladies?

Layne Staley:  I think he is probably the least but still not ugly.

They were all very talented no doubt, but is it an accident that the bands that made it big had pretty or handsome frontmen? I mean even outside of grunge, have you seen younger pictures of Michael Stipe?