First of all 'Glam' is not merely a fashion statement, it is a lifestyle choice.

History

It has been said ¹ that the original followers of glam were the early 19th century Dandies². A Dandy is a gentleman who pays particular attention to his clothing and looks, and is commonly seen in literature by Oscar Wilde.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that glam came to the fore, specifically through the newest music genre “glam rock”, if anything, it was the music that started the fashion and not vice-versa. Overnight the world changed, teenagers worshiped the gender-bending stars that, basically, looked good with a guitar; glitter, make-up and platform boots became the unofficial uniform of “the children of the revolution” and the three minute power beat of glam rock was heard on radios everywhere.

It was not only the looks of this generation that differed from the previous, unnerving the adult population; these contemporaries challenged the sexual stereotypes that had been in place since the days of the dandies. Artists such as David Bowie and T. Rex exploited the idea that ‘sex sells’ and introduced alternative sexualities to the masses.

Glam rock eventually reached its peak in 1975 and soon after died, the chameleon of pop, Bowie, moved on and in 1977 any hope of a glam rock resurgence was quelled with the arrival of the punk movement. This co-incided with the untimely death of Marc Bolan³.

It took almost twenty years after the ‘death of glitter’ for it to be resurrected, and the re-birth of glam is a much smaller affair this time around. The sexual liberties that dominated the original scene returned with vengeance and once again “cocks in frocks” took centre stage, this time, generally, at small dimly lit gigs, but the sentiment remains the same.

Music

Given the entire glam movement was/is inspired by the music scene, music does, indeed, play a major role. The glam rock scene was created, some say exclusively, by Marc Bolan and his band T. Rex. This may well be the case, with Bolan being credited as the first to wear glitter, however T. Rex are, by no means the only 70s superstars of glam.

Aside from T. Rex, a true follower of 70s glam’s record collection will more than likely contain numerous records⁴ by the following artists:

• David Bowie⁵


• Sweet


• Roxy Music


• Cockney Rebel


• Wizzard


• Slade


• Suzy Quatro


• Gary Glitter

This is by no means an exclusive list, merely a guide.

Although the UK is generally recognised as the home of 70s glam rock, the US is not to be ignored, they offered their own brand of ‘glam’ in the form of Alice Cooper, Kiss, Iggy Pop and other such artists, all of which have a home in any glam record collection.

The re-birth of glam rock has equal numbers of artists compared to the original, however they are far less mainstream and their fans are primarily teenage cliques regarded as ‘freaks’.

Although the music is comparable to 70s glam, it has essentially failed to attract the vast numbers of glam rockers from days gone by. Whether this is because of the music or the fans remains to be seen.

The majority of the next generation of glam rock bands never seem to make it out of their bedrooms; there are a few, however, that have: -

• Manic Street Preachers – Pre-‘Generation Terrorists’ through to ‘The Holy Bible’⁶


• Placebo


• King Adora


• Rachel Stamp


• Suede

Clothing / Accessories / Make-up

It may be half past eight on a Sunday morning in the supermarket, but a true follower of glam will still look good. The thought process at work is ‘if I don’t look good, I’m not going out’.

The core of the stereotypical glam rocker is glitter, the correct application of this glitter, however, is imperative. Too much and you will look like a Christmas fairy, which is not the look you’re going for.

Like the Mods, never underestimate the value of a good suit. This is a vital base for the addition of every glam rocker's best friends: accessories.

The number and variety of accessories should be adapted to the daily situation, for example it is generally not acceptable to go to work wearing fairy wings and a tiara, unless, of course, you have the best job in the world. In contrast the aforementioned garb would be perfectly acceptable stage right at a Manics gig. When it comes to accessories there are no set rules, anything goes if it looks good. Pay particular attention to your choice of feather boa, it should always co-ordinate. Favourite accessories include: -

• Anything with glitter


• Anything in faux leopard print


• Feather boas


• Tiaras


• Fairy wings


• Fairy wands


• Retro kids items

Make-up is a must for both sexes. Eyeliner is your friend, if nothing else never leave home without it. Whatever make-up you apply remember it’s all in the cheekbones; you’re lucky enough to have cheekbones to die for flaunt them for all it’s worth, you’ll be the envy of all the boys and girls.

Nail polish should be dark or glittery. If you play guitar give up all hope of ever having nail polish that isn’t chipped.

Language

The language of glam is as important as the look. The glam star should be, above all, articulate. This can be easily achieved with the reading of literature, or for those who are slightly lazy, simply learning quotes that can be liberally sprinkled around conversations. Pay particular attention to epigrams and witticisms, Oscar Wilde is an ideal source: -

• “Nothing makes one so vain as being told that one is a sinner”


• “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.”


• “In life there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what you want, the other is getting it.”

Additionally, conversation should be liberally peppered with phrases including, but not limited to the following: -

• Darling ⁷


• My lovelies


• Très


• Quelle

If you have to insult someone⁸, always say exactly what you mean by the most articulate means possible. They may have derided your fashion sense but that is not an excuse for you to forget grammar rules and split infinitives. Regale them with your vocabulary.

Foreign languages

In order to secure a place in glam society, learn a few key phrases in French, any of the following are ideal: -

• “La Tristesse Durera” – The sadness will last forever


• “Trop d’audace” – Too much audacity


• “Le réalité et toi, vous ne vous entendez pas, n'est-ce pas?” - "Reality and you don't get on, do they?"

However, it should be noted that common phrases such as “C'est la vie” and “crème de la crème” will immediately get you dismissed.

Guttural languages such as German can convey the meanings, however they do not sound as good, which is the essential part of the character.

Activities

Depravity and debauchery are the expected levels of behaviour, however, they should not be openly bragged and boasted about in public. Alluding to the aforementioned (mis)behaviour is perfectly acceptable. As a general rule if the debauchery is to be referred to ⁹, euphemisms will not be used. Why lie about it? Remember everything you do is perfect.

Miscellaneous

The world is your stage, an audience views everything you do, even something as mundane as waiting at the bus stop allows you to perform the first duty in life – striking a pose.

The triptych of “sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll” is core to your character¹⁰.

Air kissing. It is important to avoid the smudgy make-up look and yet still exudes the air of glamour everyone is after.

Live fast, die young, stay beautiful.