Despite the fact that he is said to have sold 40 million records and his albums sit atop the Italian pop charts for half a year, every year, going platinum five times over, outside of Italy, few people have heard of camp superstar Renato Zero. In some respects, Zero could be said to be the inventor of glam rock. He was, you know, just being himself even before Bolan or Bowie put on eyeliner or platform heels.

He even had a punk nickname long before Sid Vicious or Johnny Rotten!

So flamboyant that he makes Freddie Mercury (or even Jobriath Boone) seem positively macho, Zero has steadfastly refused to either confirm or deny that he is gay throughout his now five decade long career (as if there would be much speculation.) From what I can tell, his lyrical themes are matters like “don’t give up on your dreams,” “fight to live the life you want to lead” and so forth.

Often called “The Emperor of Rome,” Renato Zero is still a huge star today, performing spectacular diva-like concerts that would make Lady Gaga jealous to a devoted fanbase. Ladies and gentlemen, take a look at pioneering genderbending Italian mega-performer, Renato Zero!

Below, Renato Zero as Mephistopheles, seller of happiness, singing “Vendo Felicita” in the pioneering Italian rock opera, Orpheus 9
 

 
“Madame” performed on Piccolo Slam, 1976. He’s like a weird combination of an awkward young Celine Dion and “drag terrorist” Christeene here, is he not?
 

 
On Fantastico 3 in 1984:
 

 
“Triangolo” from 1978:
 

 
“Meglio per te,” a colorful production number on Fantastico 3 in 1982: