The Big Apple Advert: 1970

A T. Rex Brighton Boogie Blitz

Published in the UK on December 12, 1970, Melody Maker’s page 40 full-page advert “BIG APPLE” announced T. Rex’s first England appearance since shortening the name — co-headlining with Pink Floyd and Status Quo at the Regent Theatre Concert Hall (Big Apple), Brighton on Friday, December 19, 1970 (advance 25/-). The ad also listed upcoming shows including East Of Eden (Christmas Eve) and Groundhogs (New Year’s Eve). A rare snapshot of peak T. Rextasy meeting prog.

Advert Overview

Publication Details

Magazine: Melody Maker (UK).

Date: December 12, 1970.

Format: Full-page venue advert (page 40).

Exact Text from the Advert

BIG APPLE

OFF NORTH ST., BRIGHTON Brighton (0273) 29990

(Regent Theatre Concert Hall) 2 mins. Brighton Station

Friday, 11th Dec. (advance tickets 25/-)

First appearance in England of

PINK FLOYD T. REX + STATUS

Send s.a.e. and P.O. to: BIG APPLE, QUEEN’S ROAD, BRIGHTON

Saturday, 19th Dec. (advance tickets 12/6)

UMA Lights

Advance tickets from:

BRIGHTON – Regent Theatre, Queen’s Road · Expansion Records, 40 Middle St.

HASTINGS – The Disc Jockey, 2 Queen’s Road

EASTBOURNE – Central Radio, 15 Langley Road

LEWES – Tansley & Cooke, 170 High St.

PORTSMOUTH – Expansion Records, 1.24 Elm Grove

WORTHING – Tansley & Cooke & Mansfield 10 Liverpool Road

LITTLEHAMPTON – Nova, 9 Surrey Street

CRAWLEY – Music Shop, 38 High Street

CHICHESTER – Guy’s, 1 North Street

CROYDON – Record Centre, St. George’s Walk

REDHILL – Record Centre, 2 Central Parade 5 London Road

Thursday, 24th Dec. (Christmas Eve)

EAST OF EDEN

Thursday, 31st Dec. (New Year’s Eve)

GROUNDHOGS

Bar Extension Both nights 12.30

Legacy and Collectibility

“The Big Apple” advert is a legendary T. Rex/Pink Floyd co-headline moment — early glam meets prog. Original December 12, 1970 Melody Maker issues fetch £40–£100 on eBay (higher if mint). A must-have for T. Rex and ’70s gig collectors.

Do you have this Melody Maker advert in your archive? Were you at the Big Apple boogie? Share in the comments!