Glam Rock

Glam Rock / Glitter Rock elements

  • flamboyant and androgynous elements

  • express sexual ambiguity, challenging traditional gender norms.

  • use of the “alien” , reference to scifi

  • artificiality

  • Bright colors


T. Rex are celebrated as:  

  • My Answer: a British glam rock band


Bang A Gong (Get it on) by T-Rex

  • Bright colors

  • not actually playing (artificiality more embraced, differs from blues which is more authentic)

  • laid back

  • 2nd UK Hit single


Rocket Man by Elton John

  • seen as part of Glam rock (on the periphery of it, not central to glam rock)

  • has eccentric performance style

  • also due to his sexuality

  • advocate of LGBTQ+

  • Bernie Taupin (important writer and friend of his)

  • pianist for 5 decades

  • reference to drug use

  • about hardships of being in the road as a musician

  • queer coding through = questions norms of masculinity (what does it mean to not be the man that is expected, not fitting into heterosexuality norms)


Bernie Taupin is best known as:

  • My Answer: the lifelong collaborator of Sir Elton John.


Stone Wall Riots (1969)

  • sparked the modern gay liberation movement, leading to the formation of the Gay Liberation Front and the first Gay Pride Parade

  • riots brought attention to the mistreatment of the gay community and led to the establishment of the Stonewall Inn as a national monument, marking a pivotal moment in history for LGBTQ+ rights.

  • a watershed moment in the gay rights movement

  • Homosexuality was illegal in 49 states, leading to violence, harassment, and discrimination The Stonewall Inn raid led to a riot, sparking a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights

  • The Stonewall riots marked a pivotal moment in history, gaining mainstream visibility for the gay rights movement.

  • during the time of the modern gay liberation movement


3 American Main Glam rock artists

  1. New York dolls

    • formed in 1971 in New York City k

    • Members: The original lineup consisted of David Johansen (vocals), Johnny Thunders (guitar), Sylvain Sylvain (guitar), Arthur "Killer" Kane (bass), and Billy Murcia (drums). Murcia was later replaced by Jerry Nolan.

    • Debut Album: The self-titled debut album, "New York Dolls," was released in 1973. Although it did not achieve commercial success at the time, it later gained a cult following and is considered a landmark album in the punk and glam rock genres.

    • had a significant impact on the punk rock movement

    • considered pioneers of punk and glam rock

    • preformed in full drag

    • producer is Tom


  2. Alice Cooper

    • 1960s, Arizona

    • able to achieve mainstream popularity

    • featuring members such as Glen Buxton (guitar), Michael Bruce (guitar, keyboards), Dennis Dunaway (bass), and Neal Smith (drums). The band and its frontman gained attention for their unique blend of hard rock and theatrical performances.

    • songs contributed to his commercial success and enduring popularity.

  3. KISS

    • glam rock meeting shock rock

    • formed in New York City in January 1973

    • consisted of Paul Stanley (rhythm guitar, vocals), Gene Simmons (bass, vocals), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals).

    • known for their elaborate and theatrical stage performances, including face paint, elaborate costumes, and pyrotechnics.

    • Each member of the band adopted a unique persona: Starchild (Paul Stanley), Demon (Gene Simmons), Spaceman (Ace Frehley), and Catman (Peter Criss).

    • Music Style: KISS is often categorized as a hard rock and glam rock band.


David Bowie (1947-2016)

  • born in London; died in New York

  • Glam rock and bisexual icon

  • early hard rock style didnt have a big audience

  • he embraced artificiality

  • known as a musical chameleon

  • started as a saxophonist

  • one of the greatest land artists of the early 1970s

  • sexual ambiguity

  • referenced aliens and Scifi

  • has connections to punk (important precursor to punk rock)

  • early white artist

  • young american album = a blued eyed soul album


“Changes” from Hunky Dory (1971)

  • piano riff

  • chord changes

  • influence from jazz and blues (element of call and response)

  • instrumental changes to emphasis certain parts