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The unique, intricate makeup of glam rock

The unique, intricate makeup of glam rock

The New Noise

Combining the straightforward songwriting of pop, the hardness of rock, and the strangeness of psychedelic folk, glam rock quickly became a powerful force in the growing youth culture of the early '70s.

Glam rock debuted with Marc Bolan of T. Rex, formerly a psychedelic folk group that had gained a small following in the underground folk scene of late-60s England, who wore glittering clothes and played its song "Hot Love" on Top of the Pops in 1971. The song would reach No. 1 on the UK pop charts soon after. Seen today, the performance seems soft, mellow and unthreatening, but at the time the sight of young men in tight, glittering clothes, playing a song with obvious sexual overtones was scandalous. At this stage glam rock still sounded like the folk rock that had come before it, but by T. Rex's Electric Warrior, it had transformed into a much harder and faster sound. Electric Warrior was a statement. Its cover showed singer and guitarist Marc Bolan, outlined in gold on black, with long, curly hair holding an electric guitar in front of an enormous set of speakers. Bolan portrayed himself as a rock star, and that made him one. But even so, he would be overshadowed by the creation of the ultimate glam rock star: Ziggy Stardust.

For the Love of it all: Scandal rumors can’t diminish tennis fans’ ardour
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For the Love of it all: Scandal rumors can’t diminish tennis fans’ ardour

Diane Kilgore

Love was in the air for Serbian Novak Djokovic and Angelique Kerber of Germany as they advanced over their opponents, winning the first Grand Slam events of the 2016 tennis season at Melbourne Park in Australia. In the Land Down Under, gender-neutral paychecks netted the winners a cool $2.73 million. A purse that size makes more than a fashion statement; it banks the unmistakable look of success. The cachet of carrying that kind of cold hard cash around looks great every day, everywhere, and is always in style.

As Djokovic and Kerber were awarded their prize money, they personified what's best in the sport. Observing tradition, winners politely thanked the sponsors, the fans and fellow tournament competitors. Sweat wiped away, the victorious ones glowed, taking in the adoration of their peers and club level players who wish as much for their grace as their pace. Playing tough on urban courts, playing prissy on private courts, wherever in the world one plays, it takes more than spin to win. It also takes drive.

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