Video: Jobriath Rock of ages

In the latest edition of 'Under The Influence', Duane The Teenage Weirdo talks us through five songs from five artists/bands that have influenced his music in some way. With such a bold look and sound, it will come as no surprise that Duane's choices would reflect that. From Bowie to Madonna by way of Klaus Nomi, he sure has great taste. Madonna: Like a Virgin This is my favorite song of all time. And I [...]

"So what you are about to see and hear is an unusual and exciting theatrical event," Gladys Knight said, with extra emphasis on the word 'unusual', when introducing a performance by Jobriath on the Midnight Special that aired March 8, 1974. "This young man, uh, you're about to see this morning is the act of tomorrow." Knight, of course, couldn't have been more wrong although, judging from her delivery of the introduction (see video below), it's clear the soul legend didn't believe a word she was saying. Just over 12 months later, this 'star of tomorrow' would see his glam-rock [...]

• Okkervil River - Bruce Wayne Campbell Interviewed On The Roof Of The Chelsea Hotel, 1979

Here's Jobriath with Rock of Ages from his 1973 eponymous LP. While Bowie flirted with homosexuality, Jobriath's stage persona was courageously and defiantly gay. Todd Haynes' dissapointing 1998 film Velvet Goldmine , featured lead character Brian Slade who was clearly an amalgam of Bowie and Jobriath , but the film was a muddled mess [...]