Queen Elizabeth Hall: 1969

Tyrannosaurus Rex
Jan 12, 1969
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Tyrannosaurus Rex performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London on the January 13, 1969

They were supported by John Peel and Vytas Serelis.

The programme contains 12 inside pages with song lyrics, images and various advertisements for EMI, NEMS and Apple.

The programme measures 25.4cm x 20.3cm (10 inches x 8 inches)

Two shows were performed on this evening, the first at 6.15 p.m. and the second at 9.00 p.m.

Setlist: 'Conesuala', 'The Seal of Seasons', 'One Inch Rock', 'Eastern Spell', 'Wind Quartets', 'Mustang Ford', 'Salamanda Palaganda', 'Strange Orchestras', 'Evenings of Damask', 'Chariots of Silk', Pewter Suitor', "The Travelling Tragition' (only the second show)

Chris Welch, a journalist for Melody Maker, wrote a live review published in the January 18, 1969, issue of the magazine.

In his review, Welch described the performance of the folk-rock duo, which at the time consisted of Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took.

He noted:

Marc Bolan "sat on the floor in a black vest and sang with fervour strumming a competent, if not exactly advanced guitar".
Steve Peregrin Took "juggled with a rare selection of African talking drums, pixie phones and bongos".

The concert was also notable for featuring a guest appearance by American singer Melanie. The event was a significant moment for the band, who were supported by radio DJ John Peel and were still performing in their original acoustic, psychedelic folk style before transitioning to electric glam rock in the early 1970s.

Full review:

"A handful of musical fairy dust was thrown in the air which baffled some and choked others.

Tyrannosaurus Rex with John Peel at the wand, conducted us on a tour of a land of rattles, plinks, plonks and poetry, and the applause was rapturous. Some young mods in the audience were not quite sure how to take John Peel reading poetry to prove the existence of the fair-ies, but remained politely silent.

Marc Bolan squatted on the floor in a black vest and sang with fervour strumming a competent, if not exactly advanced guitar. Steve Peregrin Took juggled with a rare selection of African talking drums, pixie phones and bongos.

There was a touch of Noddy Meets Pete Townshend when Steve stopped rattling pots and began roughly using a Chinese Gong which collapsed. This was during the climax of the evening on 'The Wizard' - a freak-out designed to make the most miserable Hobgoblin jive in the aisles.

A pretty evening of wafer-thin material presented in such a civilised way it became charming and satisfying."

Chris Welch, Melody Maker

QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL

MONDAY, JANUARY 13th, at 615 pm. and 9.00 p.m.

Nems presents an evening with

TYRANNOSAURUS REX and JOHN PEEL and FRIENDS

AND INCREDIBLE SURPRISES!

Tickets: 6.15 show 12/6, 10/-, 7/6 9.00 show 20/- 15/-, 12/6

Both shows have the same value but the first show is primarily for students and kids with less money Buy tickets in advance from all agencies or direct from the Queen Elizabeth Hall [next to Royal Festival Hall), London, SE1 Tel. WAT 3191.

Text from advert for the event