T. Rex: Glam Rock’s Glittering Revolutionaries
T. Rex. Origins: From Psychedelia to Electric Boogie
T. Rex began life as Tyrannosaurus Rex, formed in London in 1967 by:
- Marc Bolan – Vocals, guitar, principal songwriter
- Initially with Steve Peregrin Took, later replaced by Mickey Finn
In its earliest form, Tyrannosaurus Rex was a psychedelic folk duo, known for:
- Mystical lyrics
- Bongos and acoustic instrumentation
- Cult success among underground audiences
Albums like My People Were Fair… (1968) and Unicorn (1969) captured Bolan’s Tolkien-inspired, whimsical lyrics and established a devoted fan base — including John Peel, who championed their work.
T. Rex. The Glam Rock Transformation (1970–1973)
The shift from Tyrannosaurus Rex to T. Rex in 1970 marked a profound reinvention:
- Electric guitars replaced acoustic mysticism
- The lyrics turned more seductive, surreal, and pop-conscious
- Bolan embraced flamboyant fashion and glitter — becoming glam rock’s first star
✦ T. Rex (1970)
- Included “Ride a White Swan” – A UK Top 10 hit and the beginning of glam rock
- “Jewel” and “The Time of Love Is Now” showed his transition from folk to rock
✦ Electric Warrior (1971)
Their breakthrough and definitive glam rock album
Key tracks:
- “Get It On (Bang a Gong)” – U.S. Top 10 hit; a sensual, swaggering anthem
- “Jeepster”
- “Cosmic Dancer” – An ethereal, melancholic standout
- “Mambo Sun”
With a mix of sleaze, sensuality, and mysticism, Electric Warrior made Marc Bolan a pop icon in the UK.
✦ The Slider (1972)
Produced by Tony Visconti and featuring hits like:
- “Telegram Sam”
- “Metal Guru” – A UK #1
- Continued Bolan’s streak of catchy riffs and surreal wordplay
✦ Tanx (1973)
More diverse but less commercially explosive, showing hints of soul and gospel influences.
T. Rex. Decline and Final Years (1974–1977)
As glam rock faded and the pop world shifted, T. Rex’s chart dominance waned.
T. Rex. Later albums include:
- Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow (1974) – Soul-influenced, misunderstood at the time
- Bolan’s Zip Gun (1975)
- Futuristic Dragon (1976)
- Dandy in the Underworld (1977) – A critical return to form, showing Bolan adapting to punk’s energy
By 1977, Bolan was courting the new punk generation, even hosting TV show Marc, which featured bands like The Jam.
T. Rex. Tragic End
Marc Bolan died in a car crash on September 16, 1977, just two weeks shy of his 30th birthday.
His death marked the end of T. Rex, and a tragic closing of one of glam rock’s most dazzling careers.
Legacy and Influence
T. Rex and Marc Bolan are remembered for:
- Inventing glam rock, predating Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona
- Marrying Chuck Berry boogie, psychedelia, and androgynous glamour
- Writing some of rock’s most hypnotic and rhythmically seductive hits
Influenced:
- David Bowie (who cited Bolan as a rival and inspiration)
- Roxy Music
- Prince
- The Smiths (Johnny Marr’s guitar style owes much to Bolan)
- Oasis, The Strokes, and countless Britpop and indie rock acts
Interesting Facts
- “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” was covered by Power Station (with Robert Palmer) in 1985
- Bolan was afraid of driving — he died in a car crash while being driven by his girlfriend, Gloria Jones
- T. Rex had four UK #1 singles and 11 Top 10 hits in under four years
- Their concerts sparked “T. Rextasy”, a level of fan hysteria likened to Beatlemania in the UK
Posthumous Recognition
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020
- Electric Warrior and The Slider are now considered essential albums of the glam era
- Marc Bolan is seen as a poet, showman, and one of British rock’s most unique voices
