July 22, 1967:

Tyrannosaurus Rex first outing.

After leaving John's Children, Marc Bolan formed Tyrannosaurus Rex, initially as a four-piece electric rock band. The original lineup included Bolan on vocals and guitar, Ben Cartland on guitar, an unknown bassist, and Steve Porter (later known as Steve Peregrin Took) on drums. This lineup performed a single, poorly received concert on July 22, 1967, at the Electric Garden in Covent Garden, London. The performance was described as a "shambles" due to insufficient rehearsal, leading to the immediate disbandment of this initial configuration.

Following this, Bolan and Porter (who adopted the stage name Steve Peregrin Took and switched to percussion, including bongos and other instruments) reformed Tyrannosaurus Rex as an acoustic folk duo. Influenced by Bolan’s exposure to Ravi Shankar’s performance style during a tour with John's Children in West Germany, the duo adopted a psychedelic folk sound characterized by Bolan’s acoustic guitar, distinctive vocals, and Took’s eclectic percussion. This new direction resonated with the UK’s underground hippie scene, earning them a devoted following, particularly through the support of BBC Radio One DJ John Peel.

The earliest documented promotion of Tyrannosaurus Rex came through John Peel’s advocacy, including mentions in his International Times column and on his Radio London show The Perfumed Garden. Peel’s support was instrumental in building the band’s early underground following.

After the failed Electric Garden gig, Bolan and Took performed their first show as a duo on September 23, 1967, at Middle Earth (formerly the Electric Garden), supporting Denny Laine’s Electric String Band and The Piccadilly Line. John Peel, who was DJing the event, praised the duo in his International Times column, referring to their “strange and tomorrow songs.” This performance marked the beginning of their underground popularity. Subsequent gigs in late 1967, including appearances at Middle Earth and other venues, helped establish their reputation.

Additional Notes

Cultural Context: In mid-1967, London’s music scene was vibrant, with the psychedelic and underground movements in full swing. Tyrannosaurus Rex’s acoustic, folk-inspired sound, infused with Bolan’s poetic and mythological lyrics, filled a niche for audiences seeking an alternative to mainstream pop and heavier rock.

John Peel’s Role: Peel’s early endorsement was critical, as he not only promoted the band but also contributed to their first album by reading a Bolan-written fairy tale on the track “Frowning Ataour.” His support helped secure their recording contract with Regal Zonophone.

Evolution of the Band: Tyrannosaurus Rex evolved significantly by 1969–1970, with Bolan incorporating electric guitars and eventually shortening the band’s name to T. Rex, marking their transition to glam rock with the 1970 hit “Ride a White Swan.”

Conclusion Tyrannosaurus Rex was formed in July 1967 by Marc Bolan, initially as a four-piece that quickly dissolved after a disastrous debut gig, reforming as a psychedelic folk duo with Steve Peregrin Took. While there is no direct evidence of a Record Mirror press release from July or August 1967, the band’s formation was likely publicized through underground channels, particularly via John Peel’s advocacy.