The New Band Article: 1974

Bolan unveils the new T.Rex line-up – bigger, brasher, ready to conquer America!

Marc Bolan's new band - full-page feature in Bravo magazine, December 12, 1974.

Marc Bolan introduces the revamped T.Rex: Mickey Finn still on bongos, plus new recruits Peter Dines (keys), Davy Lutton (drums), and Gloria Jones (backing vocals). Fresh from recording Futuristic Dragon, they’re gearing up for a triumphant US tour.

More Bolan comeback stories added weekly.

Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn: Comeback with their new band and stage show

Mickey Finn continues to drum for Marc Bolan - but otherwise, Marc has thoroughly revamped his band. With three new members, Marc Bolan - see the following pages for a mini-poster of him - celebrated a triumphant comeback on a US tour

Marc has played exactly 36 concerts in America so far with his new band, and he says: "This is the best group I've ever had."

What surprised the fans most was that Marc no longer sings alone, but with a young Black woman: Her name is Gloria Jones, and until recently she was a background singer in Los Angeles recording studios. Gloria was born on October 19, 1948, in Ohio, is 1.60 m tall, and very slim. Rumor has it that Marc Bolan appreciates the unmarried singer not only musically. Marc's comment on such rumors: "We only give our all for each other on stage..."

From Paris, Marc Bolan brought his new organist, Peter Dines, whom everyone calls "Dino." Born on December 17, 1944, the Englishman had previously played with the famous Hollies. He is 1.73 m tall, has brown eyes and dark brown hair. Critics call him the "Dervish at the Organ" and credit Dino with having brought the made the sound wilder and more aggressive.

To support Mickey Finn on bongo drums, Marc Bolan has hired the English drummer Davy Lutton. Davy was born on January 13, 1946, in Belfast, has blue eyes, brown hair, and is 1.78 m tall. The strikingly handsome musician, who has already become a teen idol in America, previously played with Jimi Hendrix and Paul McCartney.

All three new musicians have already played on Bolan's latest LP, "Light of Love," which was recorded in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. Why is Marc now foregoing his choir and only singing duets with Gloria Jones? "I no longer want to create my show with so many musicians, but rather work intensively with a few people," says Marc. "And Gloria fits perfectly into that concept. I consider her so talented that I even want to produce a solo album with her."

Marc Bolan, who has since set up a penthouse in Los Angeles and had his record collection (10,000 records) flown from England to America, plans to visit Europe again soon. "I'm currently planning a big tour, focusing on Germany," he explains, "so I can introduce my new band and my new show. I hope it works out in the spring..."

Photos: Preston/Kent

Frances Schoenberger