Marc Bolan: Ready Steady Go (1965)

On November 12, 1965, the British music television program Ready Steady Go!, broadcast on Rediffusion, featured an eclectic lineup of performers capturing the vibrant mid-1960s pop and soul scene. This episode marked the television debut of Marc Bolan (then performing under his newly adopted stage name, born Mark Feld), who lip-synced his debut single "The Wizard" – a psychedelic pop track with soul influences, backed by session musicians including Jimmy Page on guitar and produced by Jim Economides. Released by Decca Records on November 19, 1965 (with "Beyond the Rising Sun" as the B-side), the song drew from Bolan's fascination with fantasy and mysticism.

The performance was Bolan's first major TV exposure,, it was a pivotal moment for the 18-year-old former model and aspiring poet, who had signed with Decca earlier that year after a stint modeling for John Temple suits. Bolan would go on to appear on the show again, including a December 1966 episode performing "Hippy Gumbo."

Joining Bolan on the bill were:

Tom Jones, the Welsh powerhouse vocalist riding high with hits like "It's Not Unusual," delivering his signature soulful charisma.

The Nashville Teens, a British beat group fresh off their 1964 hit "Tobacco Road," bringing raw R&B energy.

Wilson Pickett, the American soul sensation making a transatlantic splash with tracks like "In the Midnight Hour," showcasing Stax/Volt-style grit.

The Small Faces, the mod icons (featuring a young Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane) who were building buzz ahead of their debut album, embodying the sharp-suited British Invasion sound.

Sylvie Vartan, the French pop-yé-yé star known for her glamorous hits like "La Plus Belle Pour Aller Danser," adding a continental flair to the international mix.

Ready Steady Go! (often abbreviated RSG!) was a groundbreaking live-to-air show hosted by Cathy McGowan, famous for its "the weekend starts here" vibe and featuring emerging acts alongside global stars – this episode exemplified its role in bridging British mod culture with American soul and European pop. No full footage survives publicly, but the event underscores Marc's early hustle before his 1967 pivot to acoustic folk with Tyrannosaurus Rex and eventual 1970s glam superstardom.

Sources

IMDb Biography of Marc Bolan – Details on the debut single and RSG! appearance.

Concerts Wiki on T. Rex / Marc Bolan Solo TV Appearances – Specifics on the episode, sync issues, and co-performers.

Episode Guide for Ready Steady Go! S3E11 – Full performer lineup and song for Bolan.

Wikipedia Entry on Marc Bolan – Context on the single's recording and release.

YouTube: Marc Bolan – "The Wizard" (1965) – Audio of the track for reference.