Glam rock was originally a form of rock music which developed through to fashion in the UK during the 1970’s. It was first characterized by male performers who wore heavy makeup, high sole boots and outrageous clothing, which were connected to the views of gender roles. Glam rock was seen as much as a type of fashion as it was music.

A huge influence on glam rock was that of David Bowie who experimented with the style throughout his performances, showing off his androgynous, artificial look. Bowies appearance grew more and more extreme as he tried to fit his image to the character he designed for a musical project, known as Ziggy Stardust. Despite the flaunting of the glam rock style, Bowie used it as a disguise to in fact cover up his shyness.

However, I think that the original meaning of the subculture has been lost in today’s society as back then it was known to astonish and display sexual innuendos, but now it has been adapted to the modern day where society is familiar with being shocked so wouldn’t take it as seriously. Today we see a revival of many pieces which have been transformed to a much more modern look, such as leather jackets, dark eye makeup and edgy fashion choices. Glam Rock has now become much more glamorous as it gives off a powerful, fierce look which I believe will continue to change throughout the years.

Bibliography:

Books:

HERALD. J (1992) Fashions Of a Decade – The 1970’s London: B.T Batsford

DUFFTY.K and GORMAN.P (2009) Rebel, Rebel: Anti – Style New York: Universe

Websites:

Glam Rock (2009) Glam History [online] Available at: http://glamrock.com/forum/glam-forum/glam-history [Accessed; 25/10/13]

Subcultures Blogspot (2010) Glam Rock [online] Available at: http://1o1subcultures.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/glam-rock.html [Accessed; 26/10/13]

Images:

Fig 1: Dig Boston (2013) “IN THE TUBES: DAVID BOWIE “WHERE ARE WE NOW?” [Online Image] Available from: http://digboston.com/boston-music-concerts/2013/01/in-the-tubes-david-bowie-where-are-we-now/