Glam rock, once also known as glitter rock, emerged in the early 1970s, a post-hippie phenomenon and antidote to all the earnest seriousness of that era. The dream was over, the stars were dead and out of the smoke of Altamont, comes what? Teenage transvestite revolution, science fiction escapism, exactly what the doctor ordered!
The man who first bridged the transition from hippies to glitter kids was probably one time model, Marc Bolan, the first to wear feather boas, glitter and top hats and write songs that no one was meant to take seriously.
The second was Bolan's friend David Bowie. Ziggy Stardust was born right after the Apollo moon landings (1969-1972) and used his gay shock tactics to great effect.
This was the era that spawned Queen, KISS, The Sweet, Slade, Mud, Gary Glitter (I was in his fan club at aged 10 but didn't know his secrets) and the Bay City Rollers.
The great cult favorite Mott the Hoople were also present, with "All The Young Dudes" provided by Bowie. And then there was Roxy Music, whose Brian Ferry became the epitome of jaded style and European cool.
It would be 20 years before we would see Glam again. David and Brian were probably sorry, too, as Ratt, Twisted Sister, Poison and Cinderella hit the airwaves.
Here are ten glam tunes to get you started.
- Marc Bolan and T.Rex: "Ride a White Swan"
- David Bowie: "Starman"
- Alvin Stardust: "My Coo-ca-choo"
- The Sweet: "Fox on the Run"
- Skyhooks: "Living in the 70s"
- Mud: "Tiger Feet"
- Roxy Music: "Do the Strand"
- Gary Glitter: "Rock & Roll (Parts 1 and 2)"
- Bay City Rollers: "Shang-A-lang"
- Elton John: "Pinball Wizard"
