T. Rex: Jeepster Single (1971)

T.Rex
Nov 4, 1971
3 min read

Updated: Nov 5

Bolan's Howlin' Wolf Echo

T. Rex’s “Jeepster” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on November 5, 1971, on Fly Records (catalogue: BUG 16). Backed with “Life's A Gas,” this infectious anthem, written by Marc Bolan, was produced by Tony Visconti for Straight Ahead Productions Ltd. The A-side’s riff, derived from Howlin’ Wolf’s “You'll Be Mine” (written by Willie Dixon), peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart for 5 weeks.

The release sparked controversy because Fly Records promoted the song to hit status without obtaining prior permission from singer Marc Bolan. Bolan had just left Fly for EMI, which granted him control over his own label, T. Rex Wax Co. Records. The song reached number 28 in Australia and number 73 in Canada. In the UK Singles Chart, it was kept from the number 1 spot by Slade's "Coz I Luv You" during its first week at number 2 and was then held at bay by Benny Hill's "Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West)" for the following four weeks.

The B-side featured a picture label without a duration. Released in a plain single-color sleeve, it remains a pivotal T. Rex classic.

T.Rex’s "Jeepster" backed with "Life’s a Gas", was released as a limited edition promotional 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Fly Records (catalog number BUG 10) on September 10, 1971.

Only 500 copies were pressed and given to friends and disc jockeys, in advance of

T. Rex’s album Electric Warrior, which was released on September 24, 1971,

Single Overview

A-Side: “Jeepster” (4:10, Marc Bolan)

Written by Marc Bolan. A driving glam rock anthem with Bolan’s seductive vocals, electric guitar, and lyrics about a “girl with the Jeepster for her love.” Produced by Tony Visconti. The music and opening lines are based on Howlin’ Wolf’s “You'll Be Mine” (written by Willie Dixon).

B-Side: “Life's A Gas” (no time given, Marc Bolan)

Written by Marc Bolan. A gentle, acoustic ballad with Bolan’s whimsical philosophy. Produced by Tony Visconti. Picture label on B-side.

Release Details:

Label: Fly Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Format (with slight variations)

7-Inch Vinyl (BUG 16): “Jeepster” / “Life's A Gas.” B-side picture label.

Notes: ℗ 1971. Published by Essex Music International Ltd. / Campbell Connelly. Pressed by The Gramophone Co. Ltd. Made in Gt. Britain. Matrix numbers confirm authenticity.

Personal

T. Rex:

Marc Bolan – lead vocals, guitar

Mickey Finn – congas, bongos

Steve Currie – bass

Bill Legend – drum

Television

Bolan was a guest on the BBC Television show Cilla in January 1973. He and Cilla Black sang an acoustic version of "Life's a Gas"

Marc Bolan would not perform the release for Top of the Pops, so Flay made a black and white film of live footage

Production and Context

Recorded in 1971 at Trident Studios, London. Produced by Tony Visconti for Straight Ahead Productions Ltd. Personnel: Marc Bolan (lead vocals, guitar), Mickey Finn (congas, bongos), Steve Currie (bass), Bill Legend (drums). “Jeepster” was a Fly Records promotion without Bolan’s consent as he signed with EMI for T. Rex Wax Co. Released amid glam’s rise, it followed Electric Warrior (No. 1 UK, 1971) and competed with Slade’s “Coz I Luv You” (No. 1) and Benny Hill’s “Ernie” (No. 1).

Singles Released and Chart Performance

Chart Performance:

UK:

Peak Position:2

First Charted: November 7, 1971

Last Charted: February 13, 1972

Weeks on Chart:15

Pos Movement
37	November 7, 1971
08 ↑	November 14, 1971
02 ↑	November 21, 1971
03 ↓	November 28, 1971
02 ↑	December 5, 1971
02 ←	December 12, 1971
02 ←	December 19, 1971
02 ←	December 26, 1971
03 ↓	January 2, 1972
10 ↓	January 9, 1972
18 ↓	January 16, 1972
29 ↓	January 23, 1972
34 ↓	January 30, 1972
44 ↓	February 6, 1972
46 ↓	February 13, 1972

“Jeepster” is a T. Rex anthem, with its Howlin’ Wolf riff, while “Life's A Gas” adds acoustic charm. This single is a must-have for Bolan fans and glam collectors.

Have you snagged this T. Rex classic in your vinyl collection? Does “Jeepster” rev your engine? Share in the comments!