PHOTOS: A Visual History Of Music’s Most Iconic Costumes

by Rika Nurrahmah | 1:32 pm, August 11th, 2010

All artists know that exciting the eyes is equally important as stimulating the ears. But it wasn’t the pyro shows or 80-foot LED stage screens that inspired us to make this gallery. It’s the fashion, of course — particularly the most outrageous, show-stopping, and waggish of stage costumes. We thank Liberace for his endless collection of sparkling suits and praise David Bowie for distorting gender lines through his garments and artist persona.

The stage is a canvas, and the artists below made it a work of art. Any particular show stoppers or outrageous outfits that we missed?

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1.David Bowie As Ziggy Stardust

David Bowie started his career by blurring gender lines. As alter ego Ziggy Stardust, he not only incorporated body-hugging suits and frilly blouses into his performances, but also moved in a very effeminate manner.
Source: Keithianmusic.com

2.Elton John

Who other than Elton John would wear a Donald Duck costume while standing atop a grand piano, or resemble an exotic bird so well? Sources: frankontheroad.com and librarything.com

3.Cher

With the help of Bob Mackie, Cher's costumes will go down in music fashion history.

4.Grace Jones

Lady Gaga who?

5.Michael Jackson

Becoming an international pop star is hard work, but upgrading to icon status involves leaving a lasting impression. When Michael Jackson took the stage with his silk shirt and bondage pants, adorned head-to-toe in belts, the subtly opulent ensemble branded his place in pop culture history.

6.Madonna

You can not think of memorable stage costumes without thinking of Madonna's infamous wedding dress during her MTV "Like A Virgin" performance.
Source: MTV.com

7.KISS

The only rock and roll band that we prefer to see in costume than without. Have you seen them without the armor and make-up? Case closed.

8.Backstreet Boys

It's not the most ridiculous of stage ensembles, but it is an example of an era when boy bands incorporated themed costumes into their live performances. Whether it's dressing like Matrix characters, futuristic robots, or kung-fu masters, our tween selves somehow swooned over the singing men in odd uniforms.

9.Britney Spears

Britney Spears' seductive belly dancer ensemble wouldn't have climbed up the chart of pop culture's most talked about moment without its vital accessory: a boa constrictor.

10.Peaches

Naturally, stage costumes are supposed to be out there, but leave it to Peaches to go far out. Is this the marriage of the Mcdonalds' Grimace mascot and a gimp? From what we see, that seems to be the case.
Source: Gigwise.com

11.Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Karen O stunned Lollapalooza onlookers with this colorful, paper appliqued costume decorated in the Eye in Hand symbol.

12.Lady Gaga

Never in our generation's history have we gone from bewildered to grossed out within a swift wardrobe change -- which in Lady Gaga's case, involved letting a blood-filled bubble burst onto her white number.