Make-up and face paint have always been part of many cultures and civilizations. From the pharaohs in Egypt and the Amazonian Indians wearing face and body paint, to the native Maori of Polynesia with their symbolic imprints, the aristocrats in the Victorian era; and the ancient Greeks to the Hindus in India, Make-up has been used to enhance the face in many different ways around the world.
In the western world, music has generated many different cults and symbolic icons-remember the 70's soul music and punk rock movement? Or even the 90's grunge, and the 70's glam rock scene? Commercial music is defined not only by the sound but also the appearance. This gives musicians an artistic license to express and define themselves through their image. When I think about music and make-up, the band kiss instantly comes to mind. Thanks to their catchy tunes, white faces, buffed up black hair, spacy latex clothing, and exciting stage displays, they skyrocketed to fame without a hitch.
Glam rock was a pinnacle of fashion make-up in the music world. Also known as glitter rock this genre came from England in the early 70s. Singers and musicians had extreme hairstyles, and dazzling make-up. Artists like David Bowie, T Rex, Gary Glitter, The New York dolls and Lou Reed were famous for such.
Punk rock developed around 1974 when the music became very hard-edged and political. With it came anarchy, a deliberate lawlessness in society. The youths needed a voice and this music and attitude represented it. The idea of punk rock was evident in their fashion, with their shaved heads, Mohawks, thick eyeliners, and leather jackets. Bands famous for this were the Cash, the Sex pistols, and the Ramones.
Additionally, make-up easily became a way to trademark artists: Slipknot (metal), the Cure (Dream pop goth), Marilyn Manson, Ozzy Osborne and Misfits (rock), Boy George (new wave), and Prince (soul).
