Truck On, Zinc Article: 1974

Bolan's Zinc Alloy Reveal Tease

Published in the UK on January 19, 1974, Melody Maker’s one-page small article “Truck on, Zinc” announced Marc Bolan’s upcoming persona shift to Zinc Alloy — a playful, prophetic name he had mentioned years earlier: “If ever I get into the chart, I'm going to change my name to Zinc Alloy.”

The piece recapped T. Rex’s hits (“Telegram Sam,” “Truck on Tyke”), noted Bolan’s two-year absence from touring, and teased the launch of his first major tour in years. It promised an interview next week where Bolan would discuss Zinc Alloy, the new direction, and “all the heavy metal kids.” The article celebrated Bolan’s enduring magic and charisma, even among cynics.

Article Overview

Publication Details

Magazine: Melody Maker (UK).

Date: January 19, 1974.

Format: One-page news/feature article.

Exact Text from the Article

We've telegrammed Sam, trucked on Tyke and now it's time to go ape with Alloy.

Zinc Alloy to be precise. Years ago when Marc Bolan was chatting to MM he uttered the immortal pronouncement: "If ever I get into the chart, I'm going to change my name to Zinc Alloy." Weil he's been in the chart a few times since then, and now the Great Hitmaker of the Seventies is about to launch his first tour in two years. Even cynics must admit, the likeable lad still has magic and charisma. Next week, Boley talks about Alloy, Zinc and all the heavy metal kids.

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