Where the Glitter Began From grey Britain to a technicolour explosion – the story of how rock got fabulous. Glam rock didn’t just happen – it erupted in the UK at the start of the 1970s like a sequinned volcano, turning drab streets into catwalks and ordinary lads into peacocks. The Spark That Lit the Fuse The drab backdrop: Three-day weeks, power cuts, strikes, and post-war austerity still hanging in the air. Britain needed colour, escape, and a damn good kick up the backsid

Albums and singles released under the name Alvin Stardust

Alvin Stardust’s 1977 single “Growin’ Up” marked an unexpected detour into American heartland rock, with Stardust covering Bruce Springsteen’s 1973 track from *Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.* Released on April 8 1977, the single paired the Springsteen cover with the self‑penned B‑side “A Hobo’s Life.” Produced by Jonathan King and arranged by Johnny Arthey, the release showcased Stardust in a more narrative, singer‑songwriter mode than his earlier glam‑rock persona. Althoug

Released in the UK on April 2, 1976, Alvin Stardust’s “It’s Better To Be Cruel Than Be Kind,” backed with “Here I Go Again,” appeared as a 7-inch vinyl single on Magnet Records (MAG 62). Written by Geoff Stephens and Roger Greenaway, and produced by Greenaway with arrangements by John Fiddy, the A-side was taken from Alvin’s 1975 album *Rock with Alvin*, which entered the UK Albums Chart on October 4, 1975, peaking at No. 52 during a brief two‑week run. Despite strong pedigre

A witty meditation on how pop’s shifting moods — from rock ’n’ roll grit to psychedelic bliss — left their fingerprints on the names musicians chose.

A glam icon unmasked — Stardust’s chocolate‑bar wisdom and Charone’s sharp eye reveal the man beneath the myth.

on February 24, 1975, and a second show at Mecca Stevenage on February 23. Both feature bold typography, list DJs and Hellraisers as support, and offer tickets via box office, door sales, or mail‑order through B.N.A. The posters reflect the promotional style of mid‑1970s UK live music advertising.

A fun, festive Music Star magazine cover featuring Gary Glitter dressed as Santa Claus, promoting his “lonely Christmas” alongside seasonal teases for Osmondmania, David Essex, and a Bill Oddie Christmas special. Gary Glitter brings glam to the North Pole — Santa never looked so glittery! Music Star Date: December 28, 1974 Length: 3 min read 📰 Key Highlights • Gary Glitter in full Santa Claus costume with white beard and dramatic expression • Festive headlines includi

Alvin Stardust’s 1974 self‑titled album peaked at No. 37 on December 21, 1974, spending 3 weeks on the Official Albums Chart.

Publication: Look‑in – Junior TV Times Issue: Number 17 Date: Week ending May 4 1974 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Front Cover Title: Alvin Stardust – Free Pop Extra! Overview This Look‑in cover from May 4 1974 features a striking illustrated portrait of Alvin Stardust, the glam‑rock icon whose distinctive black leather look and theatrical stage presence made him one of Britain’s most recognisable performers. The artwork captures Stardust’s trademark sideburns an