Classic Rockstars and Gender Expression
From Prince’s high heels to Bowie’s extravagant beat every concert, the 70s and 80s were a complete fever dream. A time where even the manliest of men were dressed down in crop tops and flared jeans. And most of the time it was never even about the music. Their expression of self was genuinely their presentation to the world. It was never an act, or a ploy to get more album sales. They toyed with the useless roles of gender and mesmerized everyone in the process.
Most rockstars of this time changed up their look so much, we could barely keep up. Each album introduced a new look. Which further proves their gender expression was truly a part of them. With David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” and “Aladdin Sane” completely taking over the rock scene of the 70s. His costumes featured one-legged unitards and silk designed kimonos with a bright red mullet to match. Freddie Mercury of Queen often showing up to concerts in leotards and ballet flats. The fluid nature of this era allowed them the freedom to truly express themselves. Everyone was in tune with their inner-self and how they wanted to present to the world.
But, of course with any movement there was some pushback from the traditional conservatives who were stuck in the past. But, who could blame them? Just ten years before The Beatles and The Beach Boys were dressed in suits and ties singing about Surfin in the USA. Their life was completely turned upside down. And, with Prince being the most controversial of them all. He often pushed the envelope just to see how far he could take it. His risqué wardrobe greatly reflected his music. But, he just didn’t care because that was Prince. It wasn’t an act. He no longer cared to uphold the forged image of a “professional” music artist. And for that, he ultimately paved the way for artists like Steve Lacy, Blood Orange, Frank Ocean, and so many more. These spaces wouldn’t even exist for black artists if he didn’t wear lace, ruffles, and heels everywhere for a decade.
The 70s were a time of fluidity, experiments, and music. Everyone was doing everything and everyone. There were no rules on this side of society. And the 80s were a more-developed child of that. Fashion, music and technology were all advancing and were very interlinked with each other. The musicians of these eras completely shaped society with the clothes on their back and the music they produced. But unfortunately, this type of pure authenticity is hard to recreate with everything being so scripted and forged now. However, there are still some very talented artists who are passionate with their craft and in tune with the way they express themselves. I truly hope we can somehow bring back that type of freedom of expression, and implant it into the mainstream again because that was a true movement.
