A Stadium Anthem Tarnished, A Foot-Stomping Echo of Complex Legacy.
“Rock and Roll (Part 2),” an instrumental glam-rock stomp from Gary Glitter, once a ubiquitous stadium anthem, now stands as a stark reminder of the chasm between artistic creation and the artist’s personal transgressions. Released in 1972 as a single, and later included on the album “Glitter,” the track reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and number 7 on the Irish Singles Chart, cementing its place in the sonic landscape of the era. However, its legacy is now inextricably linked to the artist’s subsequent convictions for child sexual abuse, casting a dark shadow over its once-celebrated status.
The story of “Rock and Roll (Part 2)” is a tale of two starkly contrasting narratives. On one hand, it’s a testament to the power of a simple, repetitive riff, a driving beat that ignited crowds and fueled sporting events for decades. That distinctive, almost primal rhythm, built around a basic saxophone line, was designed to be infectious, a sonic call to arms that resonated with the celebratory spirit of the 70s. It became a staple of sporting arenas, a soundtrack to victory and collective exuberance. The song’s power to get a crowd moving was undeniable.
For those of us who lived through the glam rock era, Gary Glitter was a larger-than-life figure. His flamboyant costumes, his theatrical stage presence, and his catchy, foot-stomping tunes epitomized the era’s rebellious spirit. “Rock and Roll (Part 2)” was the quintessential Glitter track, a distillation of his musical formula. It was a song that, in its time, was pure, unadulterated fun, a celebration of the raw energy and uninhibited joy of rock and roll. The song’s simple structure and repetitive nature made it easy to remember and sing along to, contributing to its widespread popularity. It’s important to remember the song’s popularity, because that makes the fall so much greater.
Think back to the packed stadiums, the roar of the crowd, the flashing lights, and the unmistakable beat of “Rock and Roll (Part 2)” echoing through the stands. It was a moment of collective euphoria, a shared experience that transcended individual differences. However, the subsequent revelation of Glitter’s heinous crimes has irrevocably altered the song’s perception. The once-joyful anthem is now a haunting reminder of the dark side of fame, a cautionary tale about the dangers of separating the artist from the art. It’s a complex and deeply troubling legacy, a stark reminder that even the most seemingly innocent and celebratory creations can be tainted by the actions of their creators. The song itself is not evil, but it is now impossible to listen to without the weight of the artists actions. It is a song that will always be a reminder of a dark side of humanity.