Glam rock

Glam rock is a form of rock music popularised in the 1970s, and was mostly a British phenomenon, primarily distinguished by the costumes and stage acts of the performers rather than any particular characteristic of their music. This mainly meant shiny or glittery outrageous costumes, not dissimilar to the kind of thing Elvis Presley wore when performing in cabaret. A feature of glam rock was that its (male) performers often wore clothes and make up which made them appear effeminate; for example David Bowie

Although credit for starting the trend in Britain is often given to Gary Glitter and his band, it was probably Roxy Music, headed by former art teacher Bryan Ferry who led the field, though they avoided the excesses of many of their imitators. Ferry's brainwave was to give his young audience an excuse to dress up for concerts - as he put it, "it would be like a night at the opera for them". Other bands who might be considered part of the glam rock scene included Slade, T. Rex, The Sweet, Bay City Rollers, Mud[?], Suzi Quatro, Wizzard[?], David Bowie, Lou Reed, Mott the Hoople, LaBelle and Queen.

Glam rock was a major influence upon the late 1970s UK punk rock movement (as its antithesis), particularly the Sex Pistols.