glam rock
noun
: rock music characterized by performers wearing fanciful costumes and flamboyant makeup
It was 1972 and a new musical craze, glam rock, was on the rise. Characterised by glittery flamboyant outfits, extravagant make-up, androgynous stage personas, and loud anthemic songs, its prime exponents included David Bowie, Slade, Sweet, Alice Cooper, Roxy Music, Suzi Quatro and Mott The Hoople.—David Morton
—often hyphenated when used before another nounTaking their inspiration from the old glam-rock bands like Alice Cooper and the New York Dolls, today's metal bands … arrived in carnival costumes and heavy make-up, singing catchy melodies and riding any one of the ever-popular bad boy myths.—Divina Infusino
called also glam, glitter rock
Cite this Entry
“Glam rock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glam%20rock. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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