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10 Best Classic Rock Halloween Costumes and How to Pull Them Off

A classic rock themed Halloween costume is… well, a classic. But a boring, off-the-shelf, out-of-the-box costume is no way to impress. Dig through your closets or make a quick stop at a thrift store and I bet you can pull together any of these classic rock costume ideas with just a few bucks and not a ton of work.

10 Joan Jett

Joan Jett’s punk rock look is instantly recognizable yet easy to put together. Pair black eye make-up with a black wig and black leather jacket. Add a Sex Pistols or Ramones shirt and some studded jewelry to top it off.


09 Slash

Slash
Slash

Slash‘s signature top hat, sunglasses and long, curly black hair make his look easy to replicate for Halloween. Add a leather jacket and electric guitar to round out the look.


08 Debbie Harry

Debbie Harry with Blondie in 1977

If you’re more into glamour than gore for Halloween, Debbie Harry’s look is the way to go. Pair big blond hair, heavy eye makeup, bright red lips and accentuated check bones with a simple, sleek party dress. Think 80s sophistication with a tinge of punk rock.


07 Rob Zombie

Rob Zombie
Rob Zombie. Photo by Dylan Wilks.

Rob Zombie’s look is easily achievable with a quick trip to the thrift store and some zombie-esque make-up and accessories you’ll find at just about any big box store leading up to Halloween. Think: zombie. Add: arm tattoos and long hair.


06 Gene Simmons

Gene Simmons performing with Kiss at the Azkena Rock Festival in 2010
Gene Simmons performing with Kiss at the Azkena Rock Festival in 2010. Photo credit: Alberto Cabello from Vitoria Gasteiz

The stage outfits worn by Kiss are so iconic, you can probably just find this costume in store. But if you want to go the DIY route look for platform boots, a black choker and some sort of black body suit. The white and black face make-up paired with frizzy black hair and a top, half ponytail are a must.


05 David Bowie

David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust
David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust

David Bowie had a number of looks throughout his career but none more easy to pull off for Halloween than his Ziggy Stardust/Aladdin Sane look. This one’s all about the face paint and coiffed hair. For the outfit, think glitter and glam.


04 Keith Richards

Keith Richards with the Rolling Stones
Keith Richards performing with the Rolling Stones in 2012. CC BY 2.0. Credit: SolarScott

Keith Richards’ look might be more subdued than some of the rockers on this list, but a few key items will make you instantly recognizable as the Rolling Stones guitarist. A bandana (preferably red) wrapped around your head with your hair sticking out is a must. Wear a suit jacket layered over a button up shirt (left unbuttoned at the top). Add a handful of beaded necklaces, bracelets and gaudy rings.


03 Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin’s look is a Halloween classic but it never gets old. Go for long, teezed hair, large round sunglasses, flowery or fur headware and  bellbottoms. Think flowy, patterned and layered.


02 Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury

Since 2021 marks what would have been the Queen singer’s 75th birthday, Freddie Mercury is both a classic costume idea and well-timed for this year’s Halloween party. Pair tight white pants (or bleached jeans) and a white tank top with slicked-back hair and a dark mustache. Add a toy microphone to round it out.

8 Great Things You Might Not Know About Freddie Mercury


01 Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper in 2012
Alice Cooper in 2012. CC by SA 3.0. Credit: Kreepin Deth

With his affinity for horror themes, it’s no surprise that the Godfather of Shock Rock tops our list of the top 10 classic rock Halloween costumes. “Grease paint” eye make-up and a messy, long black wig will make you instantly recognizable as Alice Cooper. To top it off add leather gloves, a black cane, some gothic jewelry and a striped suit.

10 Things You Might Not Know About Alice Cooper

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