T. Rex: "Ride a White Swan Single (1970)

T.Rex
Oct 8, 1970
3 min read

Updated: Oct 4

T. Rex’s “Ride a White Swan” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 9, 1970, by Fly Records (catalogue: BUG 1). Backed with “Is It Love” and “Summertime Blues,” this three-track release marked Marc Bolan’s seismic shift from the folk-psychedelic Tyrannosaurus Rex to what would become the electrified glam rock of T. Rex.

"Ride a White Swan" UK Picture Sleeve Front

The A-side’s whimsical riff and Bolan’s elfin vocals ignited T. Rexmania (although it wasn't until the start of 1972 that it fully took fire), peaking at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. Produced by Tony Visconti, this single became a cornerstone of Bolan’s legacy, blending mysticism with raw rock energy.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Ride a White Swan” (2:12)

Written by Marc Bolan. A dreamy, folk-rock anthem with a catchy electric guitar riff, inspired by Chinese legends and fairy tales. Bolan’s falsetto vocals, singing “Ride a white swan / And steal a woman’s heart,” evoke a magical, romantic vibe. Backed by Mickey Finn’s congas and Visconti’s crisp production, it’s a concise burst of glam’s nascent sparkle.

B-Side 1: “Is It Love” (2:34)

Written by Marc Bolan. A punchy rocker with driving rhythms and Bolan’s playful vocals, its upbeat tempo and tight arrangement reflect T. Rex’s emerging electric sound. A perfect complement to the A-side’s ethereal charm.

B-Side 2: “Summertime Blues” (2:44)

A cover of Eddie Cochran’s 1958 classic, written by Eddie Cochran and Jerry Capehart. Bolan’s version infuses glam swagger with fuzzy guitars and a looser rockabilly feel, transforming the original into a T. Rex showcase of raw energy.

Recorded at Advision Studios, London, in summer 1970, the single was produced by Tony Visconti, who captured T. Rex’s transition from acoustic folk.

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

Format: 7-inch vinyl single, typically in a Fly Records company sleeve or a limited picture sleeve featuring Bolan and his partner Mickey Finn's iconic portrait.

"Ride a White Swan" UK Picture Sleeve Back

The lineup featured Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar) and Mickey Finn (percussion, congas), with session musicians like bassist Howard Kaylan and drummer Mark Volman (from The Turtles) adding depth. Visconti’s production emphasized Bolan’s simplified, riff-driven style, inspired by his frustration with Tyrannosaurus Rex’s limited commercial success.

Released as psychedelia waned, the single’s success was fueled by BBC Radio 1 airplay and Bolan’s charismatic performances on Top of the Pops.

Chart Performance

“Ride a White Swan” was T. Rex’s first major hit, climbing to No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart in early 1971, blocked from No. 1 by Clive Dunn’s “Grandad.” It charted for 14 weeks, certified silver in the UK (250,000 copies sold). Internationally, it reached No. 13 in Ireland, No. 16 in Australia, No. 28 in Germany, and No. 76 in the US Billboard Hot 100, reflecting T. Rex’s broader appeal. The single’s success paved the way for Electric Warrior (1971) and a string of UK chart-toppers.

Cover art for T. Rex's single "Ride A White Swan" with "Is It Love" as the B-side, released by Ariola Germany.

Legacy and Collectibility

“Ride a White Swan” launched T. Rex and Marc Bolan as a household name, influencing countless artists and defining the genre’s glittery aesthetic..

Covered by bands like the Damned and Goldfrapp, it remains a cultural touchstone, featured in films like Billy Elliot and Velvet Goldmine.

Original 1970 UK vinyls, especially with picture sleeves, are highly sought, fetching £20–£100 on Discogs—mint copies with intact sleeves or promo stamps command premiums. Verify matrix numbers to avoid later reissues.

Tracks are available on Spotify, with remasters from the Electric Warrior deluxe editions preserving the single’s analog warmth.

This single is a glittering cornerstone of glam rock, capturing Marc Bolan’s rise to icon status.

Have you scored this T. Rex single in your vinyl collection? Which track sparks your glam rock love? Share in the comments!

More sleeves below.