Rock and pop star biographies are all the rage at the moment. There’s the upcoming Rocketman, a musical fantasy detailing Sir Elton John’s initial breakthrough years, and there was last year’s runaway success Bohemian Rhapsody, which is still being shown in some smaller, hotel and independent cinemas. Expect lots of rock star-themed parties and gatherings this summer, so here’s some ideas to help you out.
- Sir Elton John
Rocketman is set to be released UK-wide on Wednesday 22nd May, so we have to start with the legendary, Grammy Award-winning Sir Elton John. If you can’t be bothered with the now instantly-recognisable purple suit, you can go with just the superstar glasses and the wig. Of course, we won’t blame you if you want to look every bit as fabulous as Sir John and decide to go the whole hog!
2. Freddie Mercury
Another recently-made rock biopic, this Freddie Mercury recreation of his iconic Live Aid 1985 stage costume is bound to be one of the better and most accurate of costumes for any rock star-themed party this year and beyond.
3. Prince
We already mentioned the purple suit for Elton John. However, you can actually double-up the purple suit for a Prince/Artist Formerly Known as Prince costume. All you need to change up is the wig, and you can get one of those here at Escapade as well. Or you could go with the more ruffled shirt look he was famous for in Purple Rain and beyond. Any which way you decide to dress as Prince, you are sure to garner some kudos for dressing as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
4. David Bowie/Ziggy Stardust
Another legend who has left us rather recently, David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust is one of his most popular, endearing and critically-acclaimed creations. Our Ziggy Stardust costume is similarly well-received, and is loved by all those who love a well-made, great value, versatile costume that can be used for all sorts of events. Complete the look with the Glam Rocker wig. Also makes a great Pride costume!
5. Guns N’ Roses’ Slash
Another easily-recognisable look that’s simple to pull off. All you need to do is dress in black (preferably with a black waistcoat), a long curly wig, some aviator-style glasses and Abraham Lincoln-style stovepipe hat (which can also be adapted to be used for Slash’s guitar inspirations, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan).
6. John Lennon
2009’s Nowhere Boy perhaps the film that started the current wave of biopics on British Rock Royalty, and there are few that have had the impact on music and culture in general that John Lennon has had. Moreover, his look is not hard to recreate. All you need is the glasses and the wig - and possibly the jacket if you want to go for the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band era, rather than the brown suede suit of the Rubber Soul era!
That is all. And if you get stuck for finding something original, sometimes all you need is a hippy wig, a bandana and a pair of blue denim jeans (and possibly a ZZ Top beard), and you can go as any number of rockers between the 60s and 90s!