8 Creative Influences:

 

1. Ziggy Stardust

David Bowie’s androgynous, extra-terrestrial, persona that he preformed on stage as is a very eye catching creature. With “screwed up eyes, and screwed down hair-do”, Bowie mixed acting, sexuality, and glam rock music to create one of the most entertaining stage shows of the early 1970’s. The totally far-out and inhuman appearance of Ziggy, with multi-coloured space suits, and mile high platform shoes turned a lot of individuals on to a different set of fashion, including myself. The fact that his character was so complete with an unheard of hair cut and shaved eyebrows made things seem to me that, in some way- everything can be attractive with a little help. Ziggy made sex an  interesting factor in the show as well. The dynamic sexual tension between him and Mick Ronson (One of the ‘Spider’s from Mars’) was electric enough to feel in the air, as they sung together, with Ziggy’s passionate eye contact, or him going down on Mick’s guitar. Although it was an act from the both of them, it was so thrilling and appealing to all sexes, that it almost makes you step outside of your sexual orientation to get a better view.

David Bowie put an end to Ziggy after only preforming as him for about a year. It was as if Ziggy, the effectual alien creature, was fighting for control of David’s own mind. It was only best that David should jump right out of his alternate persona before it took over of his personality completely. As David had already prophesized in his ‘Ziggy Stardust’ album, Ziggy was destroyed by the energy of his fans. But he still is very influential on all sorts of people today. The style, music, and general energy of Ziggy is still completely unforgettable and inspiring.

2. Syd Barrett

Syd Barrett’s short lived music career as part of ‘Pink Floyd’ in the late 1960’s and brief solo career in 1970 is still remarkable unforgettable and influential on all sorts of people today. His unfortunate mental abnormalities that caused him to stop preforming effectively, and made recording difficult as well ended his career, but his peculiar way of thinking only made his music seem more interesting while he was still able to successfully write and preform. His songs were psychedelic and whimsical, his voice was strong and sweet, and his guitar playing was mind-expanding and original. Aside from his music, he had a distinctive way with words and a delightful and content personality that caused him to be well liked by many, leaving quite a mark on those he knew, and even perfect strangers through his music. Although it’s terribly sad to hear the stories and rumours of his post-mental-breakdown life of seclusion, and the theories that his friends, and acquaintances have tried to put together to answer the question “What is the matter with Syd?”. After 30+ years of a peaceful solitude spent with his close family, Syd (now preferring to be addressed as his name ‘Roger’) passed away in 2006, but his music and charisma from his young adult life will live on forever as his music continues to be shared from one to another.

3. David Bowie

Although Ziggy Stardust was mentioned earlier, it was made very clear by David himself that there is a definite difference between the alter-ego character of Ziggy and David Bowie.

David Bowie is a kind man who tried many things in his life. Acting, singing, miming, dancing, it almost seems that he was built for fame. He was described by people who knew him as unpredictable, and has kept the interest of fans for decades. Currently, he lives with his beautiful wife and daughter, not preforming since having a sudden heart attack in 2004, but recently producing another album called ‘The Next Day’. His pre-Ziggy life was more laid back, and personal, and happens to be very inspiring that way. His personality is strong and unforgettable as he awes people with his dazzling way of words. His long career full of ups and downs will be common music knowledge for quite sometime.

4. Mick Jagger

Just like Bowie, Jagger managed to keep audiences attention for decades. He was a part of the popular British Invasion band ‘The Rolling Stones’ and is just as memorable as ‘The Beatles’ but with a more down to earth and straight to the point tone. His way of dress was fascinating, and his use of sexual vibes in his shows were just as alluring as the Ziggy Stardust concerts.

He had a strong, recognizable voice that made his songs easy to point out. The clothing he wore was also very inspiring. It was almost able to be described as basic, but it memorable enough to love. His personality was also notable. It was able to take everything that happened around him. Although he sometimes quarrelled with Keith Richards and other people he was with. He was so realistic that way.

5. Roger Waters

Roger Waters was a singer/songwriter also for the band Pink Floyd. Along with writing a lot of music with strong lyrics to match his strong singing, he wrote a film called ‘The Wall’ based off one of his stage shows/albums.

It is also clear that he was deeply affected by the ‘breakdown’ of his long time friend Syd Barrett, and based many of the themes of his songs and albums off of mental illness and insanity. He still occasionally preforms even though he is no longer a part of Pink Floyd. He’s a deep thinking individual with the ability to successfully transfer his inner thoughts and feelings through his music. He seems so realistic and enthusiastic on stage which makes him an easy to like as a person.

6. Marc Bolan

Another glam-rock icon, Marc Bolan is a singer and guitar player. His concerts were very alive and energetic. His music was bouncy and easy to move and dance to. His style was inspirational too (I love his hair & blazers).

Oddly enough, at one point, he married a girl named June Child who was a former secretary/manager to Syd Barrett.

Unfortunately his music career began to slow down, and tragically, in 1977, he died in a fatal car crash. It doesn’t matter how many years ago the horrible crash occurred, it still saddens me to remember how unfortunate poor Marc’s wonderful life came to an end.

7. Andy Warhol

What’s there to say about him? Isn’t he great? He knew how to just sit back and be entertained by the world around him.

 

8. Joey Ramone

Lead singer and frontman for the punk band ‘The Ramones’, Joey was another energetic stage performer. His realistic personality was a very fun thing to watch. His constant humour and joking in interviews made him feel like a realistic and down to earth kind of guy.

His (and The Ramones)’s music was fast paced, loud with heavy and guitar that was easy to jam too, and surprisingly simple, yet incredibly entertaining. He was six feet, six inches tall, and thin as a pole, wearing bright red coloured glasses hidden under his long black hair. His distinctive looks made him stick out from the rest of the band members.

He unfortunately passed away in 2001 of lymphoma, but his music is still enjoyed by many today. It kicked off the start to the ‘punk rock’ music genre. Although I’m not that much into the punk style, Joey was a big influence on my life.