T.Rex: "Celebrate Summer" Single (1977)
- T.Rex
- Aug 4, 1977
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 23
T.Rex’s "Celebrate Summer" backed with "Ride My Wheels", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by EMI Records under T. Rex Wax Co. (catalog number MARC 18) on August 5, 1977.
This standalone single featured "Ride My Wheels" or "Tame My Tiger" as the B-side, varying by the country of release.
Released after T. Rex’s twelfth studio album, Dandy in the Underworld (March 1977), the single came during a period of resurgence. Bolan was navigating the punk rock wave of 1977, aiming to adapt his sound to stay relevant. He acknowledged a “new wave feel” in the song, suggesting a deliberate nod to punk influences.
The track was recorded at AIR Studios in London in April 1977, following sessions at Decibel Studios.
The recording featured Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar), Herbie Flowers (bass), and Tony Newman (drums), the core T. Rex lineup at the time.
Written and produced by Marc Bolan, the song was crafted to capture a vibrant, summery vibe with a punk-inflected edge. Bolan remixed and partially re-recorded material from the Dandy in the Underworld sessions during this period, indicating a hands-on approach to refining his sound.
The song blends T. Rex’s classic glam rock sound—characterized by catchy guitar riffs and Bolan’s distinctive vocals—with a raw, energetic feel influenced by punk rock. Reviewers noted its “pulsing guitar” and “heart-attack percussion,” combining Bolan’s early 1970s style with a contemporary twist.
Issued as a 7” vinyl single with a special picture sleeve bag, a notable feature for collectors. The B-side was typically “Ride My Wheels” (2:29) or, in some releases, “Tame My Tiger” (2:47).
T. Rex performed “Celebrate Summer” on Bolan’s British TV series Marc on three episodes (August 24, August 31, and posthumously on September 21, 1977).
The September 7 episode featured the dance troupe Heart Throb performing to the song.
Despite critical praise, the single did not achieve significant commercial success, failing to chart notably. Reviewers later suggested it “should have been enormous” given its quality.
Edwin Pouncey (Sounds, 1977): Praised the song’s “strong punk influence” and called it Bolan’s “best [single] for ages.”
Robin Smith (Record Mirror, 1977): Described it as a return to Bolan’s “former glories,” likening its sound to his early days.
Stan Sayer (Daily Mirror, 1977): Noted its “chirpy little rock ‘n’ roller” vibe, questioning if Bolan was nostalgic or playfully retro, but praised the combination of modern lyrics and classic beat.
Dave Thompson (AllMusic): Called it a “thunderous re-creation of Bolan’s classic old sound fed through the fiery updating of its punk rock legacy,” highlighting its simple yet powerful elements and anthem-like quality.
Rate Your Music (RYM): Users noted Bolan’s strong performance despite a “mediocre” band, calling it his best single since “Hot Love” (1971).
In the 1977 Record Mirror Reader’s Poll, the single’s picture sleeve reached number 4 in the “best single/album sleeve” category.
As T. Rex’s last single before Bolan’s death, “Celebrate Summer” holds a poignant place in the band’s discography. Recorded just a month before his fatal car accident, it showcased Bolan’s enduring creativity and adaptability.
The song’s punk influence reflects Bolan’s attempt to bridge glam rock with the emerging new wave and punk scenes, a move that resonated with critics but didn’t fully connect with audiences at the time.
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