Summary of "The Surprising History of Glam Rock" Episode of Ongoing History of New Music

Release Date: April 30, 2025
Host: Alan Cross
Podcast: Ongoing History of New Music
Title: The Surprising History of Glam Rock

Introduction to Glam Rock

In this engaging episode, Alan Cross delves into the vibrant and theatrical world of glam rock, exploring its origins, key figures, and lasting impact on the music landscape. He sets the stage by highlighting glam rock's unique blend of flamboyant fashion, androgynous sexuality, and theatrical performances, distinguishing it as a pivotal movement in the evolution of rock music.

Alan Cross [00:01:30]: "Glam was rock at its most theatrical. Not only was it a sound, a proper musical subgenre, but it was also a movement in fashion. The clothes, the hair, the makeup. It had its own culture."

Origins and Early Influences

Alan traces the roots of glam rock back to the 1930s, crediting Noel Coward as a significant precursor. Coward's stylish performances and cheeky compositions, such as "Mad Dogs and Englishmen," laid the groundwork for the show's later flamboyance.

Alan Cross [00:07:45]: "Done right, rock removes us from this universe and transports us someplace completely different where anything is could happen, at least for a little while."

The discussion moves through the decades, highlighting early rock figures like Little Richard and Billy Fury who embodied flamboyant styles and performance antics that would later characterize glam rock.

Mark Bolan and T. Rex: The Catalyst

A central figure in the episode is Mark Bolan of T. Rex. Alan explains how Bolan's shift from acoustic folk with Tyrannosaurus Rex to electrified rock marked the birth of glam rock. The release of "Ride a White Swan" in late 1970 is identified as a turning point, both in musical style and public persona.

Alan Cross [00:15:20]: "Ride a White Swan was a big British hit... they got to perform it twice on Top of the Pops."

Bolan's adoption of glittery costumes and confident showmanship resonated with audiences, setting the stage for the glam movement's explosion.

David Bowie and the Birth of Ziggy Stardust

Alan delves into David Bowie's pivotal role in glam rock, particularly through his creation of the Ziggy Stardust persona. This character not only elevated glam's theatricality but also pushed boundaries in fashion and sexuality.

Alan Cross [00:25:10]: "Ziggy was also a sharp move away from the hippie culture of the 1960s."

The episode details the influences behind Ziggy Stardust, including Bowie’s interactions with Iggy Pop and inspirations from figures like Lou Reed and the Stardust Cowboy. Bowie's transformation culminated in the creation of Ziggy Stardust, a character that captivated the music world and brought glam rock to new heights.

Alan Cross [00:30:50]: "David Bowie and Ziggy Stardust were the things that really launched glam rock into the stratosphere."

Roxy Music and the Expansion of Glam

Roxy Music emerges as another cornerstone of the glam rock movement. Fronted by Brian Ferry, Roxy Music blended experimental art rock with glamorous aesthetics, influencing a generation of musicians and fashion trends.

Alan Cross [00:38:15]: "Roxy is one of the most influential British bands of all time."

The band’s avant-garde approach and stylish presentation helped cement glam rock’s place in the mainstream, while also laying the groundwork for future genres like punk and new wave.

The Decline and Legacy of Glam Rock

By the mid-1970s, glam rock began to wane with the rise of punk rock and disco. Alan discusses the tragic death of Mark Bolan in 1977, marking the end of an era. However, the influence of glam rock persisted, infiltrating various aspects of music and culture.

Alan Cross [00:45:30]: "Glam was not around for very long, but its influence has spread to all corners of the rock and pop world."

Influence on Subsequent Genres

Alan outlines glam rock's extensive legacy, emphasizing its impact on genres such as punk, new romantic, goth, and even modern pop acts. Artists like Prince, Queen, and Marilyn Manson are highlighted as inheritors of glam's theatrical and flamboyant spirit.

Alan Cross [00:52:00]: "Prince being influenced by aspects of glam culture. Then we get into hair metal... it's all very glam rock, isn't it?"

The episode illustrates how glam rock’s emphasis on visual style and performance continues to inspire musicians and performers today, ensuring its enduring presence in the music industry.

Conclusion: The Enduring DNA of Glam Rock

Alan concludes by reflecting on glam rock's brief but impactful existence, underscoring its lasting DNA in contemporary music. He celebrates the movement's ability to inject extremism, flamboyance, and theatricality into rock, traits that periodically resurface in various forms.

Alan Cross [01:00:15]: "Every time glam comes back into fashion, its DNA is present. Not bad for a short-lived regional thing, huh?"

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alan Cross [00:07:45]: "Done right, rock removes us from this universe and transports us someplace completely different where anything is could happen, at least for a little while."

• Alan Cross [00:15:20]: "Ride a White Swan was a big British hit... they got to perform it twice on Top of the Pops."

• Alan Cross [00:25:10]: "Ziggy was also a sharp move away from the hippie culture of the 1960s."

• Alan Cross [00:30:50]: "David Bowie and Ziggy Stardust were the things that really launched glam rock into the stratosphere."

• Alan Cross [00:38:15]: "Roxy is one of the most influential British bands of all time."

• Alan Cross [00:45:30]: "Glam was not around for very long, but its influence has spread to all corners of the rock and pop world."

• Alan Cross [00:52:00]: "Prince being influenced by aspects of glam culture. Then we get into hair metal... it's all very glam rock, isn't it?"

• Alan Cross [01:00:15]: "Every time glam comes back into fashion, its DNA is present. Not bad for a short-lived regional thing, huh?"

This comprehensive exploration by Alan Cross not only charts the rise and fall of glam rock but also celebrates its enduring legacy in shaping the visual and musical landscapes of modern music. From its theatrical roots to its pervasive influence across genres, glam rock's vibrant history is both surprising and essential for understanding contemporary rock and pop culture.