Fashion
Jeans vs. Leather
Kiss and Judas Priest: Scare Tactics
A cross between glam and camp, Kiss ruled the rock roost in the '70s with unlikely get-ups including leather batwings, studded leather codpieces and, of course, elaborate make-up. The goofily menacing effect scared conservative adults and entranced kids, as did heavy metal pioneers Judas Priest. Their lead singer Rob Halford's perennial stage outfit of studded black leather is occasionally augmented by an entrance on a Harley. His style, immortalized in the 1979 album title Hell Bent for Leather, has influenced countless other bands, from Iron Maiden to Pantera.
Suzi Quatro And Joan Jett: Hard-Headed Women
There are some who only know Quatro for playing Leather Tuscadero on Happy Days in the late '70s, but she is regarded by others as the first badass rock chick. Quatro's three-chord glam rock tunes, skin-tight black leather get-ups and bass-playing skills paved the way for other female rockers—among them Joan Jett—when she released her debut album in 1973. Jett arrived on the rock scene in 1976 as part of girl group the Runaways, but she came into her own as a solo artist in the '80s, complete with studded leather stage outfits and an infectious "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" attitude.
Chrissie Hynde: Reformed Character
Chrissie Hynde sang "I'm special, so special" on the Pretenders 1980 debut, and with her dark eyeliner, dark bangs and zippered red leather jacket, it was easy to see why. Hynde was a pioneering female rocker, with a look that perfectly captured the punk mood of the times. Now that she's an outspoken advocate for PETA, Hynde probably won't be donning the iconic red leather again anytime soon.
Grace Jones: Surreal Chic
Jones' critically acclaimed 1980 album Warm Leatherette took her out of the stagnating disco scene, and into a new style that fused rock, funk and reggae. The lyrics to the album's title track show the unique mindset of the androgynous, dangerous, passionate singer: "A tear of petrol/ Is in your eye/ The hand brake/ Penetrates your thigh/ Quick—Let's make love/ Before you die/ On warm leatherette."
