Glam Slam Guide

The cosmic yob who took a whispery hippie duo, plugged in the electricity, grew the curls, and accidentally invented glam rock overnight.

One minute he’s a bongo-playing Tolkien elf called Tyrannosaurus Rex, strumming acoustic fairy tales about unicorns. The next he’s Marc Bolan in satin and glitter, getting it on straight to number one and turning every teenage bedroom in Britain into a shrine.

The Glam Slam Essentials

Electric Warrior (1971) – Album Release (1971) – UK #1

The blueprint for glam – “Get It On”, “Cosmic Dancer”, “Jeepster”, “Mambo Sun”.

The Slider (1972) – Album Release (1972) – UK #4

Even better – “Metal Guru”, “Telegram Sam”, “Children of the Revolution”, “Ballrooms of Mars”.

Tanx (1973) – Album Release (1973) – UK #4

Funkier, hornier – “20th Century Boy”, “The Groover”, “Born to Boogie”.

Where to Start Listening Today (5 tracks)

Get It On (Bang a Gong) – the riff that launched a million air guitars

20th Century Boy – pure sexual electricity

Children of the Revolution – the ultimate glam war cry

Metal Guru – #1 and mystical as hell

Telegram Sam – the sound of 1972 in three minutes

T.Rex didn’t follow glam – Marc Bolan was glam: feather boas, cheekbones, and lyrics about cars, stars, and wizards.

Turn it up, wear your hair long, and remember: you’re never too old to boogie.

Deep Dive:

Formed in London in 1967 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Marc Bolan. Here's a comprehensive overview based on available information:

Initially named Tyrannosaurus Rex, the group was a duo consisting of Bolan and percussionist Steve Peregrine Took. They were known for their psychedelic folk music.

Name Change: In 1970, after Took left and Mickey Finn joined as a percussionist, they shortened their name to T. Rex, marking a shift towards electric rock.

T. Rex became one of the key figures in the glam rock movement with their flamboyant style, catchy tunes, and Bolan's charismatic presence. Their music was characterized by Bolan's distinctive guitar work and lyrical content that mixed whimsy with sensuous grooves.

Hit Singles: From 1970 to 1973, T. Rex had a string of hits in the UK, including "Ride a White Swan," "Hot Love," "Get It On," "Telegram Sam," and "Metal Guru." Four of these singles reached number one on the UK charts.

Electric Warrior (1971): Often cited as one of the quintessential glam rock albums, it was critically acclaimed and reached No. 1 in the UK.

The Slider (1972): This album also saw success, entering the top 20 in the US, showcasing a blend of rock with soul and funk influences.

Tanx (1973): Followed with top 5 positions in various countries, showing further musical exploration.

After 1973, the band's popularity began to wane, although they continued to release albums that experimented with different musical styles including R&B and disco.

End of T. Rex: The band effectively ended with Marc Bolan's tragic death in a car accident in 1977, just months after their final album "Dandy in the Underworld" was released.

Posthumous Influence: T. Rex has left a significant mark on music, influencing numerous artists across genres. Their music continues to be celebrated with bands like The Smiths, Guns N' Roses, and Oasis citing Bolan's influence. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.

The term coined to describe the fan frenzy and cultural impact similar to Beatlemania, highlighting Bolan's massive popularity in the UK during the early '70s.

Visual and Performance Style: Bolan's fashion sense, including glitter and makeup, contributed significantly to the glam rock aesthetic, influencing not just music but fashion and performance art.

Bolan had a tumultuous relationship with record labels and management, which affected album releases and commercial success in some regions like the US.

Live Performances: Known for energetic live shows, Bolan's onstage charisma was a key element of T. Rex's appeal.

T. Rex's legacy remains vibrant, with their music still resonating with new generations, and their style setting a precedent in rock music's visual and sonic evolution.