Dressing outrageous, in fact, became a prerequisite for a rock star in this era and their style became iconic.
In the history of music, there have been some of the most outrageously dressed pop and rock stars, especially in the 70’s and 80’s, yet they were icons for that very outrageous style statement. Dressing outrageous, in fact, became a prerequisite for a rock star in this era and their style became iconic.
Look at Freddie Mercury. He wore white hot pants showing off his skinny legs and bared his chest in skinny vests. Axl Rose, with his tight leather pants and bandana, is one of the most iconic stars in this list. Who can forget to add Prince with his burgundy and red suits and strange head gear or his lizard shirts, hoods, hats and coral neck piece!
“For me it has to be James Brown for the way he used to present himself on stage. He had that energy till the time he died. At the end, it is all about the music. He is the rock star for me! Even Michael Jackson used to worship him,” says composer Shekhar Ravjiani. James Brown though not as outrageous as the ones that followed him, did bare his chest, with no shirt— only a coat or blazer on.
Cher, who is often also referred to as a fashion disaster at times, had an extravagant style. Marilyn Manson, with his black and blood red outfits and heavy black eye make-up, shocked people. He recently even wore a net on his face inspired by Lady Gaga. Today, we have the likes of Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga who dress outrageously too. But it’s more about portraying an image through public appearances. Earlier, it came more as an expression of self on stage, and it was about being larger than life.
“I think Kiss (with their coloured faces, black tights and silver boots) were outrageous and it made them what they were. Elton John too with his weird shaped sunglasses was quite an icon in the 80’s. That era has really passed. It is not about creating spectacle and being larger than life anymore. Today we have pop stars like Justin Timberlake or Usher coming up on stage all stylized. The time for the truly outrageous seems to have gone,” says Luke Kenny.
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