10 Most Iconic British Frontmen In Rock Music History
9. Marc Bolan - T-Rex
Before Ziggy Stardust there was Marc Bolan, the man who started the British glam-rock scene.
Not only did he pioneer the aesthetic that would define a decade, but he also gave the world some of the most iconic music from the 1960s and '70s. The tracks he released with T-Rex screamed '70s Britain, and were oozing with swagger and sex appeal. From the moment that instantly recognisable guitar hook dropped, in Get It On, who could resist moving some part of their body?
Bolan's approach to singing gave his music an other worldly quality, accenting certain lyrics with a hint of vibrato, which is particularly noticeable on the 1971 track Cosmic Dancer. It's no wonder that when Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars landed a year later, people were receptive to their out-of-this-world vibe. Bolan had already constructed the landing platform they were set to touchdown on.
But it wasn't just his music that injected a bit of flare and sparkle into British culture, Bolan became known for defying the classic idea of what men in rock should look like, adopting glitter, women's clothing and a healthy dose of the feminine.
On the 16 September 1977, Bolan would die tragically in a car crash, but his legacy was continued by the likes of David Bowie, Bryan Ferry and Elton John, all of whom have announced their admiration for the fuzzy haired cosmic dancer.