Glam rock, also coined as glitter rock, which has initially surfaced in the UK in early 1970s is referred to as a stylish, glamorous, exotic, brilliant, slightly androgenic style of commercial music. Glam performers distinguish themselves with glamour ambisexual-inspired costumes, colourful make-up and men underwear. Employing stylish things, glam representatives have influenced ideology of million fans around the world.
Glam rock aimed at formation of cult of glamour image, followed by art. The band, to represent the style, is the Slade. The band members used to wear leather trousers, sexy torn or transparent vets and do their long hair up. They also stuck to triangle-shaped guitars with bizarre pictures, of their own design.
In 1980 glam rock was largely an English phenomenon, thus the Queen is another band to promote glitter rock. The band, formed by Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon and Freddie Mercury, who turned out to be a gay, was the most successful one of the time. Queen's lead singer Freddie Mercury used to come up with brilliant ideas. He ordered an official presentation of the Queen's Jazz CD album at New Orlean's restaurant to be served by half-naked waitresses and dwarf-waiters. When the band agreed to wear dresses for a video 'I Want to Break Free', it was on Freddie's initiative.
Another brilliant representative of glitter rock Elton John has significantly contributed into development of the style. In 1976 he entered a list of the most extravagant women, drawn up by famous fashion designer Blackwell. Funny, but Elton John didn't mean to fall out with the notorious couturier, instead he was pleased to learn his personal ideas were acclaimed and respected.
Glam rock was increasingly promoted by David Bowie, Alice Cupper, T.Rex, Mot The Hoople, Roxy Music and others.
Glam rock has influenced birth of punk rock, grunge, brit pop and other movements, yet, has been neglected heavily, and has almost vanished.
