Fact check: What is Glam Rock? Who are most popular glam-rock bands?

1. Summary of the results

Glam rock emerged as a distinctive music genre in the UK in the early 1970s, characterized by its theatrical and flamboyant approach to both music and visual presentation ^{[1] [2]}. The genre is defined by its emphasis on extravagant clothing, makeup, and hairstyles, combined with androgynous and theatrical aspects that challenged conventional gender norms ^{[2] [3]}.

Most Popular Glam Rock Bands and Artists:

The foundational figures of glam rock include:

• Marc Bolan (T. Rex) - identified as a key figure who helped shape the genre ^{[1] [4]}
• David Bowie - consistently mentioned as a central figure in the movement ^{[1] [4] [2]}
• Roxy Music - noted as one of the key early bands ^[1]
• New York Dolls - mentioned for their influence on the punk scene and connection to glam rock ^[5]

International and Later Bands:

• Hanoi Rocks - a Finnish glam rock band that gained significant influence in the rock scene ^[6]
• Måneskin, Steel Panther, and Vixen - mentioned as examples of bands continuing the glam rock tradition ^[7]

The genre's core characteristics include theatricality, self-expression, and excess, with a focus on visual spectacle and rebellion against societal norms ^{[8] [3]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several important contextual elements:

• Historical timeline and decline: The sources reveal that glam rock had a rise and fall pattern, with the genre declining after its peak in the early-to-mid 1970s ^{[4] [9]}
• Geographic scope: While the genre originated in the UK, it had international reach, including significant scenes in places like Finland with bands like Hanoi Rocks ^[6]
• Genre evolution and influence: Glam rock influenced later genres including punk rock, gothic rock, new romantic, new wave, and glam metal ^{[2] [8]}. Some band members, like those from Hanoi Rocks, have expressed mixed feelings about being credited with starting the "hair metal scene" ^[6]
• Contemporary relevance: The genre remains active today with modern bands continuing the tradition, indicating it's not merely a historical phenomenon ^[7]
• Cultural impact: The sources emphasize glam rock's role in challenging societal norms and pushing boundaries, particularly regarding gender expression and conventional masculinity ^{[3] [9]}

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself contains no misinformation or bias - it's a straightforward informational query about a music genre. However, there are some potential areas where incomplete information could lead to misunderstanding:

• The question's phrasing "most popular glam-rock bands" could be interpreted narrowly, potentially missing the genre's broader cultural significance beyond just commercial popularity ^{[8] [3]}
• Without historical context, one might assume glam rock is purely a past phenomenon, when sources indicate it continues to influence contemporary music and has active modern practitioners ^{[7] [8]}
• The focus on "bands" might overlook the importance of individual artists like David Bowie who were central to the movement but often performed as solo acts rather than traditional bands ^{[1] [4]}