In one particular performance of his, I remember him dressed as Daffy Duck covered in sequins and glitter. Elton's face peeking out of the duck bill of Daffy, screaming musical magic into the microphone; all while playing the piano. .
Much more conservative artists were still performing, but Elton John was far from conservative. He, with his over-sized glitter spectacles, rhinestone and velvet suits, and his larger than life glitter shoes he wore during performances, shadowed in comparison to his perfect performance and the quality of his music. I'm sure in the beginning of Elton's career it was difficult to be an openly homosexual man, and be so flamboyant in performances. Elton's flashy talents would insure most fans would accept his sexual preference, and see it as part of his sensational persona on and off the stage. During many years of his career he would also battle his addiction to drugs and alcohol in the eye of the public. To this very day Elton John is one the most respected musicians I enjoy. Elton John was the father of outlandish costumes and, in my opinion will remain the king. Elton makes Lady GaGa look like she is wearing a school uniform in comparison to him. .
Aerosmith, a overly flashy loud new look as well as sound. They too also formed in the early 1970's. Aerosmith was quickly recognized as the bad boys of rock. They were loud, rambunctious, and buzz from one end of the stage to another during performances. Just watching their activity during a performance exhausts me. All members dabbled in drugs to the point of addiction that carried onto the stage performances. Their performances were often driven by drugs and could clearly be seen by fans. Aerosmith started a cutting edge appearance for rock and roll. They all had ratty, long and wild hair. The lead singer, Stephen Tyler, wore excessive jewelry during each performance. Flashy rings on each finger, a scarf around his neck and several on his microphone; of which soon became his signature look.
