T. Rex: 40th Anniversary Picture Disc Collection EP (2017)

Celebrating T. Rex's Glam Legacy.

T. Rex’s 40th Anniversary Picture Disc Collection 7-inch vinyl EP, was released in the UK on October 13, 2017, on Demon Records (catalogue: TREXSEV001X). This limited-edition 10-track picture disc set, featuring five A-sides and their corresponding B-sides from T. Rex’s glam rock peak (1972–1976), celebrated the band’s 40th anniversary of Marc Bolan’s tragic passing. Produced by Tony Visconti for most tracks, the collection showcased Bolan’s electric swagger, with hits like “Telegram Sam” and “Metal Guru.” Housed in individual picture disc sleeves, it’s a collector’s treasure for glam rock enthusiasts.

EP Overview

Release Details:

Label: Demon Records (UK).

Format: 7-inch vinyl picture disc EP (5 discs, 10 tracks), each with unique artwork featuring Bolan’s iconic imagery.

Notes: ℗ 2017 Spirit Music Group, under license to Demon Records. Remastered for clarity, part of a numbered limited edition. Matrix numbers (e.g., TREXSEV001X A-1) confirm authenticity.

UK Release Formats and Track Listings

The 40th Anniversary Picture Disc Collection was released as a set of five 7-inch picture discs, each featuring one A-side and one B-side:

Picture Disc 1:

Side A: Telegram Sam (3:45) – Written by Marc Bolan.

Side B: Metal Guru (2:25) – Written by Marc Bolan.

Picture Disc 2:

Side C: Children Of The Revolution (2:29) – Written by Marc Bolan.

Side D: Solid Gold Easy Action (2:21) – Written by Marc Bolan.

Picture Disc 3:

Side E: 20th Century Boy (3:41) – Written by Marc Bolan.

Side F: The Groover (3:24) – Written by Marc Bolan.

Picture Disc 4:

Side G: Truck On (Tyke) (3:07) – Written by Marc Bolan.

Side H: Teenage Dream (5:50) – Written by Marc Bolan.

Picture Disc 5:

Side I: New York City (3:56) – Written by Marc Bolan.

Side J: I Love To Boogie (2:14) – Written by Marc Bolan.

Packaging: Five 7-inch picture discs, each in a custom sleeve with vibrant Bolan imagery, housed in a collector’s box. Includes a booklet with liner notes and photos.

Production and Context

Produced primarily by Tony Visconti, the tracks were recorded between 1972 and 1976 at studios like AIR (London) and Chateau d’Hérouville (France). The lineup varied but typically included Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar), Mickey Finn (percussion), Steve Currie (bass), and Bill Legend (drums), with later additions like Dino Dines (keyboards). The EP compiles T. Rex’s biggest hits, from the Electric Warrior era to later works, reflecting Bolan’s glam rock dominance. Released in 2017, it coincided with renewed interest in T. Rex, fueled by Bolan’s enduring influence on glam and punk.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

The EP reissues original singles from 1972–1976, with their chart performance:

“Telegram Sam” (1972, EMI MARC 1):

UK: No. 1, 12 weeks.

Ireland: No. 1.

Germany: No. 4.

Norway: No. 6.

Australia: No. 10.

Netherlands: No. 26.

“Metal Guru” (1972, EMI MARC 2):

UK: No. 1, 14 weeks.

Ireland: No. 1.

Germany: No. 3.

Norway: No. 4.

Australia: No. 10.

Netherlands: No. 12.

“Children Of The Revolution” (1972, EMI MARC 3):

UK: No. 2, 11 weeks.

Ireland: No. 2.

Germany: No. 7.

Australia: No. 11.

Netherlands: No. 14.

“Solid Gold Easy Action” (1972, EMI MARC 4):

UK: No. 2, 10 weeks.

Ireland: No. 3.

Germany: No. 6.

Australia: No. 22.

“20th Century Boy” (1973, EMI MARC 5):

UK: No. 3, 11 weeks.

Ireland: No. 2.

Germany: No. 8.

Australia: No. 57.

“The Groover” (1973, EMI MARC 6):

UK: No. 4, 10 weeks.

Ireland: No. 4.

Germany: No. 10.

“Truck On (Tyke)” (1973, EMI MARC 7):

UK: No. 12, 8 weeks.

Ireland: No. 8.

Germany: No. 34.

“Teenage Dream” (1974, EMI MARC 8):

UK: No. 13, 7 weeks.

Ireland: No. 10.

“New York City” (1975, EMI MARC 9):

UK: No. 15, 7 weeks.

Ireland: No. 12.

“I Love To Boogie” (1976, EMI MARC 10):

UK: No. 13, 9 weeks.

Ireland: No. 9.

Germany: No. 23.

Australia: No. 14.

The 2017 EP itself did not chart, as it was a limited collector’s release.

EP Chart Performance

As a limited-edition reissue, the 40th Anniversary Picture Disc Collection did not chart, but the original singles drove T. Rex’s ‘70s success, with four UK No. 1s and multiple Top 10s across Europe and Australia.

Legacy and Collectibility

The 40th Anniversary Picture Disc Collection celebrates T. Rex’s glam rock pinnacle, with hits like “Telegram Sam” and “20th Century Boy” influencing punk and indie acts. Original picture discs fetch £50–£150 on Discogs, with numbered editions and intact boxes commanding premiums—verify matrix numbers. Tracks stream on Spotify via T. Rex compilations, preserving their analog sparkle. This set is a glittering tribute to Bolan’s legacy.

Have you added this T. Rex picture disc set to your collection? Which Bolan hit gets your turntable spinning? Share in the comments!