Blog #1 The British Music Experience

Music has always been a large part of life, for almost entirely every culture. It is a form of expression that can impact many, and say powerful messages often without the sense of threat. Music is in Britain seemed to be along a similar but slightly faster pace than in America. The British Music Experience taught me about the pace the music changed compared to the music I already know, in the U.S. Along with the music changing in Britain the rock and rollers of Britain also changed. One trend in particular that changed as often as the stars that sang was the clothing the singers wore. From simple suits to BIZARE patterns, clothing and fashion was definitely a factor that was important to the Rock and Rollers for their image to their fans.

The Beatles had very interesting fashion. Everything from their hair to their clothing was unique. The Beatles peaked in the Early 60’s. When The Beatles started they were very uniform, like the other bands in the culture, their hair was just at their ears, and their wore very similar if not identical suits to one another. As they continues to perform and grow in popularity, each member also grew more individually, each member had fans who dubbed them their favorites, and each “Beatle” had their own sense of style. They sported different hair trends from long to short, and their suites or outfits were even very diverse, in color AND in material.

In the 60’s Keith Richards had a very interesting and “inspiring” fashion sense. Here seen in pony-skin pants and yellow shirt:

He was known for bizarre and eye catching outfits, but they were just apart of him, as though he didn't have to "try" to stand out. He was once quoted saying, "fashion thinks more about me than I think about it."

He has even been said to have inspired everyone’s favorite Pirate Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow. With the black eye-liner and his drain pipe trousers, the two could have been brothers.

One character that seriously turned heads with his fashion would have to be David Bowie, Of all of the displays I saw during the BME tour his was definitely the most outrageous. He meant to make statements with his outfits. I would not be surprised if David Bowie is a part of inspiration of today’s Lady GaGa and Ke$ha. Especially with these two outfits that were displayed :The Ziggy star dust outfit and a Japanese inspired jumpsuit.

Roger Daltrey known for his microphone swinging also had a very eclectic sense of style. He was bold and wore suits made of suede and fringe.

Even if you can’t name a song right off the top of your head, EVERYONE has at least head of The Who, and probably seen someone wearing a famous T-shirt designed after them. Daltrey was a leading frontman for music and fashion in his time.

Led Zeplin from the 60’s and 70’s is still listened to and loved by so many rockers today for their crazy guitars. Although this particular tunic is quite odd, the tunic was very popular, and Rock Stars always have inspired a tamer public version of clothing just like the tunic. Snakeskin boots which he wore with this outfit are STILL popular today!

This particular outfit worn by Freddie Mercury of Queen, was my favorite, and I actually know quite a few queen songs—so that was exciting. Queen is still adored today, and back in the 70’s. Today men and women’s fashion has versions of the jacket can be seen in stores, and the very outfit is a known popular Halloween costume. There is no doubt that queen has influenced fashion and rock and roll.

It might be a bold statement, but without The Beatles non of the previously stated rockers could have expanded as they had. The Beatles set a pace to beat, and are probably THE best known band of all time. Their music was different and risky compared to the music before it, which allowed other bands to have risky music as well, and They really branched out the nice guy look that had been done so many times before them.

The Beatles very quickly took baby steps to change culture through “music evolution” They paved the way that many were afraid to take, and did it with style. In a time when people were shaken up and vulnerable the Beatles only shook them up more, and added more diversity and energy. THeir songs were racey, their attitudes were bold, and they didn't care of your parents didn't like it.