MusicBox - T.Rex - The Jurassic Era of Glam Rock

May, 7 2025

London, 1967, and while we were all getting acquainted with the rock and roll era a mysterious musician emerged known as Marc Bolan who founded -  Tyrannosaurus Rex.

This was an early incarnation of his band that combined of folk music, a softer more gentler side which complemented Bolan’s ethereal outlook.

As time progressed Tyrannosaurus Rex transitioned into introducing more electric guitars and developing a rockier sound.

Bolan decided to shorten the band’s name as they made their entry into the pop charts under the new moniker – T.REX with their first hit single ‘Ride a White Swan’. It reached number two in the UK and a subsequent album soon followed.

By the early 70’s Bolan’s appearance changed from his previous hippy image to a radical glitzy look which included a silver velvet/satin sailor suit introducing the birth of glam rock.

By September 1971 – T.Rex released ‘Electric Warrior’ – it received commercial success and described by many as their absolute classic. It was this album that created a fever amongst fans running parallel to Beatlemania the previous decade. Publicist BP Fallon coined the term – T.Rextasy to honour the band’s popularity.

March 1973 – T.Rex released the stand alone single – ‘20th Century Boy’ –It was another commercial success reaching number three in the UK Singles chart.   

According to Marc Bolan, the lyrics are based on quotes taken from notable celebrities such as Muhammad Ali. This can be seen through the inclusion of the line "sting like a bee", which is taken from one of Ali's 1969 speeches.

This is the band performing the song on Top of the Pops - 28th February 1973 – 

The years that followed this song saw the band venture into blue eyed soul and funk. Bolan’s life was tragically cut short though on 15th September 1977 when he was driving with his then girlfriend Gloria Jones. Jones survived the collision with a tree but Marc sadly didn’t. He was just 29.

Since Bolan's death, there have been two known public attempts by former members to reform the band. These have drawn strong criticism from fans and former associates of Bolan who contend that without a living Bolan, no such band can be an authentic lineup.

Although he is no longer with us you can explore Bolan merchandise at the following website link –

https://officialmarcbolanmerchco.com/music/

The band’s influence and legacy has spanned a generation of new artists and crossed genres. From acts such as –

• New York Dolls
• The Ramones
• Kate Bush
• Siouxsie and the Banshees
• Joy Division
• The Smiths
• The Pixies
• Tricky

They are even referenced in a number of popular songs. Their popularity has continued long after Bolan’s death and it’s fascinating to know that it was just a simple folk duo that transformed into an amazing pop act and introduced the world to the glam rock era. What Bolan started has endured and continued long into the artists mentioned above.

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger