Glam rock was born in 1970s England. In short, it was a movement characterized by male musicians wearing flamboyant and feminine clothing, makeup, and hairstyles, particularly platform shoes and glitter, while female musicians often wore masculine clothing. It opened up new discussions around gender and androgyny that paved the way for future movements including Punks and New Romantics, and contemporary conceptions of masculinity, femininity, and sexuality. Its influences extended across the Atlantic Ocean, with figures like Alice Cooper and Lou Reed in the US, and even in Brazil.
Glam rock is the kid from the Stonewall Riots 1969. These riots were a response to a police raid that occurred at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, often cited as a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. While glam rock emerged in the 1970s, it gained momentum with David Bowie and The Hype's concert at the Roundhouse in London, where they performed dressed in the outlandish clothes that would later become synonymous with the glam rock phenomenon. A year later, on March 11, 1971, T-Rex appeared on the popular television series Top of the Pops, performing 'Hot Love' while lead singer Marc Bolan sprinkled glitter tears under his eyes. The most commercially successful band of this period, Slade, also embraced the glam rock image.
Glam Rock provided a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves freely and boldly challenge societal norms regarding gender and sexuality. At a time when they often faced discrimination and marginalization, Glam Rock played a vital role in advancing LGBTQ+ visibility, acceptance, and empowerment. By challenging heteronormative norms, celebrating diversity, and providing a platform for queer expression and representation, Glam Rock paved the way for greater acceptance and understanding within society.
Glam Rock's theatricality, extravagance, and androgyny resonated strongly with LGBTQ+ individuals, who found empowerment and liberation through the genre's rejection of traditional gender norms and embrace of fluidity.
Glam Rock’s performers, Freddie Mercury and Brian Eno blurred the lines between masculine and feminine identities through their fashion choices, stage personas and makeup. Their defiance of conventional gender roles challenged societal norms and provided visibility and representation for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The lyrics and themes of Glam Rock often delved into taboo subjects related to sexuality, identity, and self-expression. Songs like Bowie's "Starman" and T. Rex's "20th Century Boy" conveyed messages of sexual liberation and nonconformity, resonating deeply with LGBTQ+ listeners who found solace and validation in the music.
Moreover, the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere of Glam Rock concerts and clubs offered LGBTQ+ individuals spaces where they could express themselves without fear of judgment or persecution. These venues became vital hubs of LGBTQ+ culture and community, nurturing a sense of belonging and solidarity among fans of the genre.
The starmen of today are David Bowie and Ney Matogrosso.
David Bowie made his debut in the early 1960s, drawing from a wide range of influences within the rock 'n' roll genre. However, he gained significant attention with the release of his self-titled debut album, "David Bowie," in 1967. The album featured the iconic song "Space Oddity," which became Bowie's first hit single. In the following decade, he embraced his alter ego and persona, Ziggy Stardust, with the release of "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" in 1972, solidifying his status as a major figure in the Glam Rock movement. Bowie earned the nickname 'the rock greatest chameleon' for his remarkable ability to reinvent himself and push the boundaries of music and fashion.
Off-stage, David Bowie was known for his bold, unapologetic, and candid demeanor in interviews, particularly when discussing topics related to his sexuality and identity. This was in contrast to the conservative mainstream media, which often sensationalized his ambiguous statements about his sexuality in the 1970s. Throughout his career, Bowie fearlessly challenged societal norms and openly addressed his own experiences with sexuality and gender. By doing so, he shattered stereotypes and fostered greater acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals. Bowie emerged as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance, paving the way for generations to come. His legacy continues to inspire artists and activists to embrace their authentic selves and speak out against injustice.
In Brazil, amidst the 21-year-long military dictatorship marked by authoritarianism, human rights abuses, political persecution, exile, and censorship, there was a cultural boom, with art playing a crucial role in humanity's resistance. The aesthetics and sound of Glam Rock inspired artists like Rita Lee, Raul Seixas, and Ney Matogrosso. Their identities were shaped by a fusion of the British genre with Brazilian Popular Music (MPB).
Ney Matogrosso led the band Secos & Molhados, which challenged traditional gender norms by embracing androgyny. With a flamboyant stage persona and distinctive appearance characterized by elaborate costumes, makeup, and stage antics, the band blurred the lines between masculinity and femininity. Their music often explored taboo subjects such as sexuality, identity, and social justice. Their lyrics, penned by poet and songwriter João Ricardo, conveyed messages of rebellion, liberation, and social critique, resonating deeply with audiences seeking artistic expression and authenticity through songs like "Sangue Latino," "Rosa de Hiroshima," and "O Vira." As openly queer performers, members of Secos & Molhados played a pivotal role in LGBTQ+ visibility and representation in Brazil. At a time when LGBTQ+ individuals faced widespread discrimination and persecution, the band provided a platform for queer expression and solidarity, inspiring others to embrace their identities and challenge societal norms. Despite disbanding in the mid-1970s, Secos & Molhados' legacy continues to resonate with audiences today.
It marked the beginning of Ney Matogrosso's journey to stardom, ultimately earning him the title of greatest Latin American singer of all time by Rolling Stone. Ney Matogrosso could be considered our chameleon. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility as an artist, collaborating with a diverse range of musicians and exploring a wide variety of musical genres and styles. His powerful performances and eclectic musical style, blending elements of rock, pop, MPB, and world music, have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
Off-stage, Ney Matogrosso's openness about his own experiences as a queer artist has positioned him as a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in Brazil.
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