British glam rock bands of the 70s
The 1970s was a golden era for British glam rock. Although it’s been nearly 50 years, there have been many rock bands whose names and songs we still can’t forget. Many of these bands were from the UK. In this article, we will remember the most successful British glam rock bands of the 70s.
Glam rock musicians attracted great attention not only with their music but also with their appearance. When you look at this time, you see the glam rock musicians in shiny and sequined costumes, leather tights, and over-knee boots in different colors for men. We see a genre that has almost eliminated the concept of gender.
Glam Rock has left its footprints not only in England but also in many other countries, especially in America. New York Dolls, KISS, Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop and The Stooges, The Tubes, The Runaways, Cheap Trick are the most well-known American glam rock bands. The success of the groups that emerged in the UK was no different. Here are the British glam rock bands of the 70s.
- T. Rex
- David Bowie
- Roxy Music
- Sweet
- Slade
- Mott the Hoople
- Mud
- Gary Glitter
- Wizzard
- Suzi Quatro
1. T. Rex
One of the forerunners of glam rock, T. Rex was fronted by the flamboyant Marc Bolan. They enjoyed tremendous popularity thanks to songs like “Get It On (Bang a Gong)” and “Children of the Revolution.” T. Rex became an influential band in the glam rock movement thanks to Marc Bolan’s distinct aesthetic and electric guitar riffs.
2. David Bowie
David Bowie is the musician behind “Aladdin Sane”, which reached number one in the UK charts in 1973 and is considered one of his best albums. In the same year, he brought “Pin Ups” to music lovers. With his concert and tour programs, he made his name known to a wider audience and his star continued to shine.
Bowie’s concerts were always inspiring. He was always trying the untried in music and managed to become a focal point with his stage performance. His American tour in September 1972 was very successful and the musician was now known as Ziggy Stardust.
Click the play button and listen to David Bowie while reading the rest of the article!
3. Roxy Music
Unlike conventional rock acts, Roxy Music already placed great emphasis on style and aesthetics. Singer Ferry’s art background was reflected in the bizarre show costumes as well as in Roxy’s videos and on the record covers.
Ferry’s dandyish, charismatic appearance paired with his romantically transfigured, ironic lyrics thrilled the islanders but met with incomprehension from the Yanks and was punished with disregard.
4. Sweet
The band originated in Middlesex, England, originally called “Sweet Shop” and performed in both clubs and discos until 1970. After first unsuccessful recordings like Lollipop Man (1969), All You’ll Ever Get from Me (1970) as well as the Archies cover Get on the Line (1970) and a canceled record contract, producer and former drummer Phil Wainman brought the musicians into the studio.
Already the second single of this collaboration, Co-Co, landed in the charts in Great Britain at number two. After further singles in 1972 such as Poppa Joe, Little Willy, and Wig-Wam Bam, they were given a harder, contemporary image as a glam rock band along with corresponding hit material from 1973.
5. Slade
Slade is one of the best British glam rock bands of the 70s. In 1964, guitarist Dave Hill (real name David Hill) and drummer Don Powell (real name Donald George Powell) founded the group The Vendors together with Mick Marson and John How. Later the first Dave Hill and John Howells composition “Don’t Leave Me Now” was released. A year later, the band was renamed the ‘N Betweens, and the first EP was produced for the French market.
At this time the band accompanied singer Johnny Howells and replayed rock and roll, mainly Chuck Berry and Motown songs. In April 1966, the group parted ways with its singer and Noddy Holder took over that position. The group gained local notoriety within a few weeks.
6. Mott the Hoople
Mott the Hoople used hard rock and glam elements. David Bowie, who wrote the song for them, “All the Young Dudes,” became the era’s anthem. Mott the Hoople became known as a formidable glam rock band thanks to their upbeat live performances and catchy tunes.
7. Mud
Mud became well-known for fusing glam rock and pop music. Their top songs, like “Tiger Feet” and “Dyna-Mite,” had catchy hooks and energetic performances. Mud was renowned for its engaging on-stage persona and upbeat, danceable music.
8. Gary Glitter
Even though she became controversial in subsequent years, Glitter was a significant figure in the glam rock scene in the 1970s. His catchy beats in songs like “Rock and Roll (Part 2)” and “Do You Wanna Touch Me?” were the favorite songs of his fans.
9. Wizzard
Under the direction of Roy Wood, Wizzard fused glam rock with seasonal cheer and classical music influences. Their popular song “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” is still regarded as a timeless holiday tune. Wizzard stood out in the glam rock movement thanks to its lavish concerts and Wood’s unique vocal style.
10. Suzi Quatro
As one of the few female musicians in the predominantly male glam rock scene, Suzi Quatro broke down barriers. Quatro’s singles like “Can the Can” and “48 Crash” displayed her strong voice and rebellious attitude. She was known for her leather-clad appearance and upbeat rock style.
These are some of the vibrant British glam rock bands of the 1970s. What are your favorite British glam rock bands of the 70s? Let us know in the comments!
