The Song Planner

Glitter Rock

tagStarted 1972Peak 1972-1975Last big hit 1984From United Kingdom

Located in 1 route

Rock → Glam / Sleaze / Theatrical Rock

The chant-and-stomp pop wing of UK glam: thunderous double-tracked drums, hand-claps, gang-vocal football-terrace choruses and crunchy, repetitive riffs. Lyrics are pure party nonsense built to be roared back. Mixes are loud, compressed and percussion-forward, prizing the singalong hook over any subtlety or artistic pretension.

History

Named for Gary Glitter, whose 1972 instrumental Rock and Roll Part 2 popularized the booming glitter drum sound soon borrowed by The Sweet, Slade and Wizzard. These acts ruled the 1972-75 British singles charts with maximalist novelty stompers, and the chant-along template echoed forward into 80s arena and football anthems.

Defining artists

Essential listening

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Sources

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glam_rock
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_and_Roll_(Gary_Glitter_song)
  • https://www.britannica.com/art/glam-rock