T.Rex: Truck On (Tyke) Single (1973)

A Truck On Tyke Ride

T.Rex’s “Truck On (Tyke)” was released as a 7-inch vinyl single with push-out and solid centre variants in the UK on November 16, 1973, on T.Rex (catalogue: MARC 6). Backed with “Sitting Here,” this glam-rock stomper and mellow B-side (both written by Marc Bolan and produced Tony Visconti), were issued as non-album tracks later added to Zinc Alloy reissues. It peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart for 11 weeks. Issued in push-out/solid centres, and promo in company bag.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Truck On (Tyke)”

Written-By – Marc Bolan. Producer – Tony Visconti.

B-Side: “Sitting Here”

Written-By – Marc Bolan. Producer – Tony Visconti.

Release Details:

Label: T.Rex (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Record Company – EMI Records Ltd.

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Wizard Artists Ltd.

Published By – Wizard Artists (Bahamas) Ltd.

UK Formats:

Vinyl, 7" Single

Push Out Center, “Made In Gt Britain” in outer rim text after “…copying of this record prohibited” (MARC 6)

A: “Truck On (Tyke)” – Written-By – Marc Bolan – Producer – Tony Visconti

B: “Sitting Here” – Written-By – Marc Bolan – Producer – Tony Visconti

Vinyl, 7" Single

Push Out Center, “Made in Gt Britain” at bottom under “T Rex” (MARC 6)

A: “Truck On (Tyke)” – Written-By – Marc Bolan – Producer – Tony Visconti

B: “Sitting Here” – Written-By – Marc Bolan – Producer – Tony Visconti

Vinyl, 7" Single, Promo

Demonstration Record Not For Sale, in company bag (MARC 6)

A: “Truck On (Tyke)” – Written-By – Marc Bolan – Producer – Tony Visconti

B: “Sitting Here” – Written-By – Marc Bolan – Producer – Tony Visconti

Release date on labels: 16.11.73. Made in Gt. Britain. ‘The Grammphon Co Ltd’ in rimtext. ℗ 1973.

UK (T.Rex MARC 6)

Released November 16, 1973. 7-inch (push-out/solid/promo).

Country Variations:

UK (T.Rex MARC 6)

Released November 16, 1973. 7-inch (push-out/solid/promo).

Australia (T.Rex 1973)

Austria (Ariola 1973)

Belgium (T.Rex 1973)

Denmark (T.Rex 1973)

Finland (T.Rex 1973)

France (CBS 1973)

Germany (Ariola 1973)

Ireland (T.Rex 1973)

Italy (T.Rex 1973)

New Zealand (T.Rex 1973)

Singapore (T.Rex 1973)

South Africa (T.Rex 1973)

Spain (Ariola 1973)

Sweden (T.Rex 1973)

Yugoslavia (T.Rex 1973)

Japan (T.Rex 1974)

UK (Edsel 2015)

UK (Demon 2023)

Production and Context

Written/produced by Marc Bolan & Tony Visconti. Neither track on original T.Rex studio album; both added as bonus on Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow re-releases. A-side a high-energy glam anthem, B-side a laid-back groove. Released via EMI’s T.Rex imprint.

Chart Performance:

UK: No. 12 (Official Singles Chart), charting for 11 weeks.

Entry Date: November 24, 1973.

Peak: No. 12 (December 22 & 29, 1973).

Weeks on Chart: 11 (Nov 24, 1973 – Feb 2, 1974).

Chart Run: No. 38 (Nov 24), No. 20 (Dec 1), No. 13 (Dec 8), No. 14 (Dec 15), No. 12 (Dec 22), No. 12 (Dec 29), No. 15 (Jan 5), No. 18 (Jan 12), No. 22 (Jan 19), No. 32 (Jan 26), No. 48 (Feb 2).

Legacy and Collectibility

“Truck On (Tyke)” is a glam-rock engine rev, “Sitting Here” a chilled cruiser. Original UK 7-inch push-out vinyls fetch £5–£15 on eBay/Discogs, solid centre (£8–£20), promos (£25–£50). Verify catalogue MARC 6 and rimtext variations.

Streams on Spotify via Bolan compilations keep the tyres spinning.

This non-album gem is a must-have for T.Rex fans and ‘70s glam collectors.

Have you hitched a ride on this T.Rex truck? Does Sitting Here still feel like a lazy afternoon? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube.