📰 Glam-Rock Moves Men’s Makeup – News: Apr. 1973
- Alice Cooper Group
- Apr 27, 1973
- 2 min read
A fun, trend-spotting article from the height of the glam explosion celebrated how British rock stars were making makeup cool for men — turning the bathroom shelf into a stage essential.
Published on 27 April 1973 in The Cleveland Press, this wire story captured the cultural shift sparked by the glam-rock movement.
đź“° What the Clipping Shows
A lively newspaper feature under the headline “Glam-rock moves men’s makeup” with two striking black-and-white photos: Alice Cooper in heavy eye makeup and David Bowie with his signature look. The text discusses the boom in cosmetics sales thanks to stars like Marc Bolan, Alice Cooper, and David Bowie, and includes quotes about men embracing mascara, eyeshadow, and rouge.
This clipping perfectly encapsulates the mainstream media’s fascinated reaction to glam rock’s gender-bending aesthetic in 1973.
đź“° The Story Behind It
As glam rock reached its peak in 1973, British cosmetics companies noticed a sharp rise in business. Young men — inspired by the flamboyant looks of Marc Bolan, Alice Cooper, and David Bowie — were openly wearing makeup on stage and television.
The article notes that the trend was moving from the stage into everyday life, with hairdressers, male models, and even waiters experimenting with eyeshadow and mascara. Bowie is quoted saying, “It started out as a joke a couple of months ago,” while proudly describing his pale blue eyeshadow, mascara, and bleached streaks.
The piece highlights how glam rock was challenging traditional ideas of masculinity and making “feminine” beauty products acceptable — even desirable — for young men.
đź“° Publication Details
Publication: The Cleveland Press
Date: April 27, 1973
Country: United States
Section / Page: Page 22 (Carnaby Corner column)
Format: News Feature / Trend Article
đź“° Related Material
• Related glam-rock coverage featuring Marc Bolan, Alice Cooper & David Bowie
• 1973 glam explosion entries
Additional material connected to this entry is listed in the tag index at the foot of the page.
đź“° Visual Archive
Two black-and-white photos side-by-side: Alice Cooper with dramatic eye makeup and David Bowie in his signature glam look, accompanying the headline “Glam-rock moves men’s makeup.”
Alice Cooper and David Bowie showcase the glam-rock makeup trend — The Cleveland Press, April 27, 1973.
đź“° Closing Notes
This 1973 clipping is a wonderful time capsule of the glam-rock revolution. It shows how Bolan, Bowie, and Cooper didn’t just change music — they helped redefine masculinity and beauty standards for an entire generation. A fun, insightful look at one of the most visually bold eras in rock history.
đź“ť Copyright Notice
All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.
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