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Glam Rock |
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The early 1970s saw the onset of another variant of Rock – this was Glam Rock - a form of Rock probably more famous for 'appearances' rather than substance. It was strutting 'Peacock' - or even 'cock' music, because this was the time when male Rock & Rollers really embraced their 'pretty' sides'. |
Go to Rocking The World
- 1970s Glam to Punk 
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Glam Rock (aka 'Glitter Rock') developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s.
The most prominent early Glam Rocker was Marc Bolan. He set the standard in
many ways with singers and musicians following his lead, adopting outrageous 'camp'
clothes often of silk and satin, make-up including eye-shadow and lipstick, and 'huge
head' hairstyles. This feminine 'androgynous 'pretty look' was underpinned by platform-
soled boots and glitter.
Marc Bolan & T Rex - Metal Guru
The flamboyant costumes and visual styles of Glam performers were often most camp or
androgynous, and have been connected with new views of gender roles. Cross dressing was
common in the Glam Rock era. David Bowie was another Glam leader.
androgynous, and have been connected with new views of gender roles. Cross dressing was
common in the Glam Rock era. David Bowie was another Glam leader.
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Slade - Mama We Are All Crazy Now
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Characteristics
As well as being a diverse fashion statement, in terms of musical characteristics, Glam Rock was also diverse - from simple revivalism of Rock n Roll by artists such as Alvin Stardust to the more complex music of Roxy Music. Fashion As a fashion, Glam rock embraced many styles, ranging from the Hollywood glamour of the 1930s, through to the 1950s pin-up sex appeal, as well as pre-war Cabaret theatrics, Victorian era literary and symbolist styles, science fiction extremes , to ancient and occult mysticism and mythology. Outrageous clothes were manifest and everywhere as was also glittering make up and blooming hairstyles, not to mention platform shoes. All in all, Glam was most famous for its sexual and gender ambiguity and representations of androgyny, beside the extensive use of theatrics. |
Sweet - Ballroom Blitz
Alvin Stardust
Elton John
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Wizzard - See My Baby Jive
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Glam, had both a frivolous
and serious side. As early as 1971 the scene was packed with glam rockers such as Slade, T Rex, David Bowie and Sweet. All played high intensity Rock dressed in sequins, furs, sparkle and satin. Make–up was important, eye shadow, lipstick - the full female 'monty'. |
The Darkness - I Believe In A Thing Called Love
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Despite its teen appeal – Glam also had a serious side, theatrical side – its cue taken
from a band that only enjoyed cult status in the 1960s, but whose influence would reach
through the next 30 years and beyond.
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T Rex Concert - Wembley 1972
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History
Glam Rock evolved from the psychedelic and art rock British scenes of the late 1960s.
Marc Bolan and his Band T-Rex are generally regarded as the flag bearers of this
music, as was David Bowie a short time later.
Often described as the moment of inception of Glam was his appearance on the UK TV
Top of the Pops in March 1971. He was wearing glitter and satins, and performed what
became his second UK Top 10 hit (and first UK Number 1 hit), "Hot Love". This was
followed by Bowie with his Ziggy stardust persona underpinned with theatre and
makeup from late 1971.
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Marc Bolan, T Rex & Hot Love
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David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust
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Other performers soon followed the Glam lead such as Roxy Music, Sweet, Slade, Mott the
Hoople and others. But it was really only Bowie who managed to influence the US rock scene
and such artists as Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, New York Dolls and some others, including a more
darker side led by Alice Cooper. Glam Rock peaked during the mid-1970s with artists
including T. Rex, David Bowie, Sweet, Roxy Music and Gary Glitter in the UK and the New
York Dolls, Lou Reed and Jobriath in the US. It declined after 1976, but still managed to
splutter on as a fad for many years.
Hoople and others. But it was really only Bowie who managed to influence the US rock scene
and such artists as Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, New York Dolls and some others, including a more
darker side led by Alice Cooper. Glam Rock peaked during the mid-1970s with artists
including T. Rex, David Bowie, Sweet, Roxy Music and Gary Glitter in the UK and the New
York Dolls, Lou Reed and Jobriath in the US. It declined after 1976, but still managed to
splutter on as a fad for many years.
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Glam Rock Artists
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Marc Bolan Show Episode 1
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While Glam Rock declined in popularity past the mid 1970s, it considerably influenced
later prominent artists such as Kiss and American 'Glam Metal' acts like Quiet Riot,
W.A.S.P., Twisted Sister and Mötley Crüe. It was also a major influence on the New
Romantics in Britain, acts like Adam Ant and Flock of Seagulls extended it. Its
androgyny and sexual politics were picked up by acts including Culture Club, Bronski
Beat and Frankie Goes to Hollywood. It also influenced the formation of Gothic Rock,
and more.
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Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
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The Best Of Glam Rock
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In the UK the term 'Glitter Rock' was borne after Gary Glitter and his Glitter band, took
Glam to extremes. Glam also caught on with some of the existing stars. Existing acts,
some not usually considered central to the genre, also adopted Glam styles, including
Rod Stewart, Elton John,Queen and, for a time, the Rolling Stones. Punk Rock, often
regarded as a reaction to Glam, also used some elements of the genre including makeup
and involved cover versions of Glam Rock records, but still helped end the fashion for
Glam from about 1976.
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David Bowie - Jean Genie
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Gary Glitter - Do You Wanna Touch Me
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Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars
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Suzy Quatro
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Suzy QuatroOf course Glam was
not restricted to men, women were also involved. Suzie Quatro headed a second wave of Glam Rock up until 1976, and inspired the US all girl rock band 'The Runaways'. |
Suzi Quatro - Daytona Demon
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The Contribution of Glam Rock
When it's all said and done, while Glam musically may not have contributed that much to the
complexity and diversity of the evolution of Pop music at the time, it certainly did artistically.
Glam Rock turned Pop into an expression of musical theatre. Artists began to dress and act to
their music which, with the advent MTV, set the scene for the explosion of dance and dress
music, costumes, make up and 'Rock Theatre'.
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