Glam rock facts for kids
Glam rock is a super cool style of rock music that became popular in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s. It was all about being flashy and unique!
Male musicians who played glam rock often wore really fancy and colorful clothes, like platform shoes (shoes with very thick soles) and lots of glitter. They also used makeup and had special hairstyles. Female musicians sometimes wore more masculine (boy-like) clothing. It was a way for artists to express themselves and stand out!
Glam rock songs were super popular in the UK from 1971 to 1975. Some famous British glam rock artists included David Bowie, Mott the Hoople, Sweet, Slade, Mud, Roxy Music and Gary Glitter. Other big names like Elton John, Rod Stewart and Freddie Mercury from Queen also tried out glam styles sometimes.
In the United States, glam rock wasn't as big, but artists like Alice Cooper and Lou Reed had hits in the UK. Other American glam artists were the New York Dolls, Sparks, Suzi Quatro, Iggy Pop and Jobriath.
Glam rock became less popular after the mid-1970s. However, it had a huge impact on other music styles that came later, like punk rock, glam metal, death rock and gothic rock. The New Romantic movement, which was a fashion trend in the late 1970s and early 80s, also got ideas from the amazing looks of the glam rock era.
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What Made Glam Rock Special?
Glam rock was more than just music; it was a whole look and attitude! Artists wanted to be like superstars from another planet. They used bright colors, shiny fabrics, and lots of sparkle to create a dazzling stage presence. This made their concerts feel like a big, exciting show.
The Glam Rock Fashion
- Platform shoes: These shoes had really thick soles, making artists look taller and even more dramatic.
- Glitter and makeup: Musicians often wore glitter on their faces and bodies, along with bold makeup. This helped them create a unique and memorable image.
- Wild outfits: Clothes were often tight, shiny, and colorful. Think jumpsuits, satin, and animal prints!
- Unique hairstyles: Hair was often big, spiky, or dyed in bright colors.
Famous Glam Rock Artists
Many artists became household names because of glam rock. They weren't just musicians; they were trendsetters!
David Bowie: The Chameleon
David Bowie was one of the most famous glam rock artists. He was known for changing his look and character often. His most famous glam rock character was Ziggy Stardust, an alien rock star. Bowie's music and style inspired many artists after him.
T. Rex: Marc Bolan's Magic
T. Rex, led by the charismatic Marc Bolan, was another huge glam rock band. Their songs were catchy and fun, and Bolan's sparkly outfits and curly hair made him an icon.
Slade and Sweet: Party Rockers
Bands like Slade and Sweet were known for their loud, exciting music and even wilder outfits. They often wore bright, mismatched clothes and lots of glitter. Their songs were perfect for dancing and singing along!
Other Notable Glam Artists
- Gary Glitter
- Roxy Music
- Mot The Hoople
- Alice Cooper
- Mud
- Wizzard
- Suzi Quatro
- Rolling Stones (sometimes used glam styles)
How Glam Rock Changed Music
Glam rock wasn't just about catchy songs; it also changed how artists presented themselves.
- Visuals became important: Before glam rock, music was mostly about the sound. Glam rock made the way artists looked and performed just as important as their music.
- Breaking rules: Glam artists challenged ideas about what male and female musicians should look like. They showed that it was okay to be different and express yourself through fashion.
- Inspired new genres: The energy and rebellious spirit of glam rock helped create new music styles like punk rock. The focus on unique looks also influenced later movements like New Romanticism.
Images for kids
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David Bowie as his alter-ego Ziggy Stardust during the 1972–73 Ziggy Stardust Tour
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Marc Bolan of T. Rex performing on ABC's In Concert, 1973
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Noddy Holder (right) and Dave Hill (left) of Slade, near the height of their fame in 1973, showing some of the more extreme glam rock fashions
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A figure in the new romantic movement, Boy George of Culture Club (performing in 2001) was influenced by glam rock icons Bolan and Bowie.
See also
In Spanish: Glam rock para niños
