T.Rex: "Children of the Revolution" Single (1972)

T.Rex’s "Children of the Revolution" backed with "Jitterbug Love" and "Sunken Rags", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by EMI Records under Marc Bolan’s T. Rex Wax Co. (catalog number T. REX 101) on September 8, 1972.

Chart Performance:

UK Singles Chart: Peaked at number 2, held off the top spot by Slade’s “Mama Weer All Crazee Now" for one week and David Cassidy's "How Can I Be Sure" for two weeks.

It spent 4 weeks in the Top 10 and 10 weeks in the charts.

Ireland: Reached number 3.

Germany: Peaked at number 7, with 7 weeks in the Top 10 and 15 weeks in the charts.

Austria: Reached number 15.

The single was a global hit, also charting in countries like France, Australia, and New Zealand.

Album Context:

“Children of the Revolution” was a standalone single, not included on T. Rex’s 1972 album The Slider (released July 1972), though it was recorded during the same sessions. It later appeared on compilations like Great Hits 1972–1977 (1997) and Born to Boogie (2005 soundtrack). “Jitterbug Love” and “Sunken Rags” were also non-album tracks, with “Sunken Rags” later included on the Tanx album reissue (2002).

A-Side:

Children of the Revolution

A quintessential glam rock anthem, “Children of the Revolution” includes lush string arrangements by Tony Visconti and backing vocals by Flo & Eddie (Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan of The Turtles), adding a dramatic flair.

Recording:

Recorded at Château d’Hérouville, France, during The Slider sessions in March–April 1972, with additional work at Rosenberg Studios, Copenhagen.

Musicians: Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar), Mickey Finn (percussion, congas), Steve Currie (bass), Bill Legend (drums), plus Flo & Eddie (backing vocals) and a string section.

Cultural Significance:

The song captured the peak of “T. Rextasy,” the fan frenzy surrounding T. Rex in the UK, rivaling Beatlemania. Its release followed hits like “Telegram Sam” and “Metal Guru” (both UK number 1s in 1972).

It was featured in the 1972 film Born to Boogie, directed by Ringo Starr, which documented T. Rex’s live performances and Bolan’s stardom. The song’s iconic status was cemented by its use in the film’s concert scenes at Wembley Empire Pool (March 18, 1972).

The track has been widely covered, including by Elton John, Marianne Faithfull, and The Violent Femmes, and was sampled by Kesha in her 2010 single “Sleazy.” It also appeared in films like Billy Elliot (2000), Dogma (1999), and Moulin Rouge! (2001, as part of a medley with Bono, Gavin Friday, and Maurice Seezer).

B-Sides:

Jitterbug Love and Sunken Rags

Jitterbug Love:

Recorded during the same The Slider sessions, it was a non-album track exclusive to the single until later reissues.

Later covered by The Polecats (1981) and included on T. Rex compilations like The Definitive T. Rex (1987).

Sunken Rags:

Also recorded during The Slider sessions, it was another non-album track, later included on the 2002 Tanx reissue as a bonus track.

Cultural and Historical Context

Glam Rock Peak:

Released in 1972, “Children of the Revolution” was part of the glam rock explosion, alongside acts like David Bowie, Slade, and The Sweet. Its heavy riff and theatricality aligned with the genre’s emphasis on spectacle and rebellion, while Bolan’s androgynous image and charisma made T. Rex a defining act of the era.

T. Rex Wax Co.: The single marked one of the first releases under Bolan’s own label imprint, a move reflecting his desire for creative and financial control after disputes with Fly Records (e.g., the unauthorized release of “Jeepster” in 1971). EMI’s backing gave Bolan greater autonomy.

Live Performances:

The song was a staple of T. Rex’s 1972–1973 live shows, notably featured in Born to Boogie and performed on Top of the Pops (September 21, 1972). The Wembley concerts captured in the film showcased Bolan’s star power, with guest appearances by Ringo Starr and Elton John.

Legacy:

“Children of the Revolution” remains one of T. Rex’s signature songs, frequently included in greatest-hits compilations and cited as a glam rock classic. Its influence extends to punk, new wave, and later pop artists, with its riff and attitude inspiring countless covers and tributes.

Related Media:

The Born to Boogie film and its 2005 restored soundtrack (including studio and live versions of the song) are key artifacts for fans. The song’s use in modern media, like Grand Theft Auto V’s radio playlist, underscores its enduring appeal.

Release Date: September 8, 1972, in the UK.

One- Page Avert in Melody Maker, September 16, 1972.

Release Details

Format: 7-inch vinyl single, 45 RPM.

Label: T. Rex Wax Co./EMI Records (UK catalog number T. REX 101). In the US, it was released by Reprise Records (catalog number REP 1108) in October 1972.

Tracks:

A-side: “Children of the Revolution” (2:30).

B-side: “Jitterbug Love” (2:58) and “Sunken Rags” (2:53).

Production:

Producer: Tony Visconti.

Songwriter: Marc Bolan for both A-side and B-sides.

Publisher: Wizard Artists Ltd.

Matrix Numbers (UK pressing):

Side A: T REX 101 A-1U.

Side B: T REX 101 B-1U.