T. Rex's Midnight Special Performance:

T. Rex's Midnight Special Performance: Recorded September 3, 1973, and Broadcast September 28/29, 1973

The note refers to a pivotal moment in T. Rex's U.S. promotion during their 1973 tour: their appearance on NBC's The Midnight Special, a late-night musical variety show that ran from 1972 to 1981. The program was known for showcasing rock and pop acts in live-on-tape performances, often taped in advance at NBC's Burbank studios.

Recording Date: September 3, 1973 (NBC Studios, Burbank, CA)

Context:

This taping occurred amid T. Rex's 1973 U.S. tour supporting their album Tanx (released March 1973). Led by Marc Bolan, the band was at the height of their glam rock fame in the UK but facing challenges breaking through in America. Their breakthrough hit "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" had reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972, but subsequent releases underperformed stateside. The tour featured dates at venues like the Atlanta Omni and San Francisco's Cow Palace, though it was plagued by technical issues and Bolan's dissatisfaction with promoters.

The Performance: T. Rex delivered two tracks:

"Hot Love" (1971 UK No. 1): A boogie-driven single with Bolan's playful, flirtatious lyrics and infectious energy.

"Bang a Gong (Get It On)" (1971 UK No. 1, 1972 US No. 10): Their iconic hit, featuring a memorable riff and cosmic themes, often regarded as a glam rock staple.

Band Lineup:

Marc Bolan (vocals/guitar), Mickey Finn (percussion/congas), Steve Currie (bass), Davey Lutton (drums), with backing vocalists Gloria Jones (Bolan's partner, later known for "Tainted Love") and Pat Hall.

Vibe and Significance:

The set captured Bolan's flamboyant style—sequins, glitter, and frenetic stage presence—just days before his 26th birthday on September 30. It exemplified T. Rex's electric warrior era (1970–1973), blending psychedelic folk roots with stomping rock grooves.

Broadcast: September 28, 1973 (Late Night, NBC) / September 29, 1973 (Early AM in Some Time Zones)

Air Date Details: The episode (Season 2, Episode 3) aired late Friday night, September 28, 1973, typically from 1:00–2:30 a.m. ET, spilling into early Saturday, September 29, for viewers in certain time zones—explaining the "(am)" notation.

Host and Lineup: Hosted by Seals & Crofts, the episode featured a diverse roster of acts:

Seals & Crofts (hosts): "Diamond Girl," "Dust On My Saddle," "We May Never Pass This Way (Again)," "Ruby Jean and Billie Lee," "Pop Goes the Weasel" (instrumental).

T. Rex: "Hot Love," "Bang a Gong (Get It On)."

Arlo Guthrie: "Gypsy Davy," "Bling Blang."

Ramblin' Jack Elliott: "Talkin' Fishing Blues."

Uriah Heep: "Stealin'," "Sweet Freedom."

Leo Kottke: "Bean Time" (instrumental).

Paul Butterfield's Better Days: "New Walkin' Blues," "Broke My Baby's Heart."

Reception:

The appearance aimed to boost T. Rex's U.S. profile but yielded mixed results amid waning glam popularity. Fans cherish it as a vibrant showcase of Bolan's charisma. Tragically, Bolan died in a car crash on September 16, 1977, at age 29.

Legacy and Viewing

This performance marked T. Rex's transition toward a soul-influenced sound, though their next album, Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow (1974), underperformed.

Where to Watch: Clips are available on YouTube and in The Midnight Special DVD compilations.