Glam Rock is a sub-genre of rock music that got its start in the U.K. in the early 1970s. The genre was a response to the rigid nature of rock in the 1960s, which left little room for interpretation of what kind of music could be considered rock music. David Bowie, Slade, T. Rex’s Marc Bolan, and Gary Glitter were some of the original pioneers of the genre. T. Rex’s performance of “Get it On” on Top of he Pops in 1971 is often noted as the beginning of the Glam Rock movement. As the genre became more popularized, artists like Elton John and Freddie Mercury began increasing the theatricality and eccentricity of their stadium performances, helping bring Glam Rock to mainstream audiences.[1]The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Glam Rock.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. November 28, 2013. https://www.britannica.com/art/glam-rock

Mayer, Jeffrey. “T Rex: Marc Bolan.” Digital Image. Pictorial Press. 1978. Accessed April 10, 2020. https://www.pictorialpress.com/music/t-rex-marc-bolan/

The genre of Glam Rock is mainly characterized by various visual elements of performances. Male artists took on the idea of gender non-conformity by dressing more feminine and wearing makeup and highlighted the idea of camp in their performances. Showcasing sexuality in the midst of a glitzy, over-the-top performance was common in the genre. The artists often used clothing and makeup to adopt a new on-stage persona that differed from how they had represented themselves as artists in the past. Musically, Glam Rock combined elements of rock and pop, showcasing catchy melodies with heavy guitar sound.[2]“Glam Rock.” All Music.https://www.allmusic.com/style/glam-rock-ma0000002619 The idea of space and futurism was a common theme in many Glam Rock songs and performances.

David Bowie is probably the most notable Glam Rock artist. Bowie created his character, Ziggy Stardust, in 1972 and released his fifth studio album to mark the arrival of his alter ego, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust. Ziggy Stardust was labeled as an androgynous alien rock star who had dyed red hair and wore makeup, most notably a lightning bolt across his face. He wore clothes that were categorized as rather feminine, not shying aware from jumpsuits and short rompers with sequins. Ziggy Stardust represented a fascination with space, shown in his name, futuristic appearance, and songs like “Starman” and “Moonage Dream.” His songs showed a “glitzy array of riffs, hooks, melodrama, and style and the logical culmination of glam.”[3]“Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. “AllMusic Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine.” The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust by David … Continue reading Ziggy Stardust’s songs were accompanied by the use of electric guitar, keyboards and string sections which highlighted the rather unusual lyrics of the songs.

Video: David Bowie. “David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust (From The Motion Picture).” YouTube video. Posted [February 27, 2009]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8sdsW93ThQ

 

References

References
1 The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Glam Rock.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. November 28, 2013. https://www.britannica.com/art/glam-rock
2 “Glam Rock.” All Music.https://www.allmusic.com/style/glam-rock-ma0000002619
3 “Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. “AllMusic Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine.” The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-rise-and-fall-of-ziggy-stardust-and-the-spiders-from-mars-mw0000626129