1970s
1972 in British Music
Ziggy Stardust lands — Bowie, Bolan, and glam at its glittering peak.
The Story of 1972
Glam rock ruled Britain. David Bowie transformed into Ziggy Stardust, releasing 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars', a concept album about a bisexual alien rock star that became the defining statement of the glam era. 'Starman' brought Ziggy to the nation on Top of the Pops, Bowie pointing at the camera in a moment that changed lives. T. Rex were unstoppable – 'Telegram Sam', 'Metal Guru' and 'Children of the Revolution' were number one hits, Marc Bolan's glittering image dominating the pop landscape. Roxy Music's self-titled debut was art-school glam for intellectuals, Bryan Ferry's suave crooning and Brian Eno's synthesiser experiments creating something genuinely new. Slade were the people's glam band – 'Mama Weer All Crazee Now' and 'Cum On Feel the Noize' were raucous, working-class anthems. Mott the Hoople, rescued by Bowie, released 'All the Young Dudes'. The charts were awash with glitter, platform boots and gender-bending. Elton John released 'Honky Château' and was working on his next masterpiece. The glam explosion was pop music at its most theatrical, colourful and distinctly British.
Key Events
David Bowie unveils Ziggy Stardust — a transformative moment in pop history
Deep Purple release 'Smoke on the Water' — the riff that launched a million guitarists
Roxy Music debut with a sound and style uniquely their own
Dominant Genres
Notable Trends
- →Theatricality in pop reaches new heights with Bowie and Bolan
- →Heavy rock goes mainstream as Deep Purple, Sabbath, Zeppelin dominate
- →Art school influence on pop becomes increasingly visible
Key Artists of 1972
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