Action and Reaction

All things must pass, and the post-war economic boom which had fuelled record buying literally ran out of gas. The ready availability of quality home recording equipment, like the coming of radio in the 1930s, had a negative impact on record sales. Even the mighty EMI was only saved from bankruptcy by a merger with the electrics and engineering conglomerate Thorn Electrical Ltd.

Pop music responded to the uncertain economic situation by retreating into itself. Rather than comment on the real world, music sought to create its own fantasy world. This was true of 'glam rock' which emphasised style over content with artists, most notably David Bowie, creating their own alter ego.

Overtly fashion-conscious and deliberately outlandish, glam rock's tongue was firmly in its cheek, but it produced some memorable bands and albums. Marc Bolan and T-Rex's ability to clock up the hits was only ended by a tragic car accident. The theatrical Queen transcended the glam rock era selling 40 million records world-wide until the flamboyant Freddie Mercury succumbed to AIDs in 1991. Queen's 1980s hit 'Bohemian Rhapsody' stayed at the top of the singles chart for two months, but its groundbreaking promotional video sparked an enduring trend in music marketing.

The other response became known as 'progressive rock'. New technology was used to the full by a succession of bands who produced longer tracks. Who can forget those 17 minute moogsynthesizer solos, or even full 'concept' albums.

One 1960s EMI band which harnessed the capability of the 48 track recording technology was Pink Floyd. They added layer of sound upon layer to produce their 1973 album 'Dark Side of the Moon'. An artistic and commercial triumph, it remained in the album chart for more than 300 weeks.

music 100 glams it up with a display of the sparkly suits and accessories worn by artists such as T-Rex, Elton John, Roxy Music, Slade, Garry Glitter, Mud, David Bowie and Queen. Also on display is original artwork for some of the more elaborate album covers of the progressive rock era, including cartoonist Gerald Scarfe's original sketches for Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' album. Musical instruments of the period include the guitars of Brian May (Queen) and Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd).