Marc Bolan remains as iconic today as when his life was cut so tragically short on 16th September 1977, just two weeks before his 30th birthday. Revered by all who discover him Bolan is the quintessential embodiment of the 1970s music scene, whose influence is felt as strongly today as when he first swept onto the British music scene in 1970.Marc Bolan holds a unique position in the history of rock ‘n’ roll - London-born, self-educated and embracing many different styles. Recognised as one of the most iconic performers of the 20th Century, Bolan’s influence is as strong today as ever it was. His timeless hits are cornerstones in popular music: Ride A White Swan, Hot Love, Telegram Sam, Children of the Revolution, 20th Century Boy, and I Love To Boogie to name a few! In addition to being cited as a major influence by the likes of Johnny Marr and Mika, Bolan’s music has recently been covered by The Fratellis and Goldfrapp; featured in three major movies – Moulin Rouge, Jarhead and Billy Elliot and the smash hit television series Life on Mars as well as being featured in numerous high profile advertising campaigns.
The first single released by Marc Bolan after the shortening of the group’s name from Tyrannosaurus Rex to T.Rex charted for 20 weeks, peaking at number 2 in January 1971. Hot Love with b-sides King of the Mountain Cometh and Woodland Rock was released on 3rd September 2007. Hot Love was Number One for six weeks through March and April 1971. Get It On with b-side There Was A Time and Raw Ramp was released in July 1971 and spent a month at number 1 – Get It On also went Top 10 in the USA and throughout much of the world.
His commercial successes with T.Rex was huge: ten Top 10 hits in three years, three Number one UK LPs in 12 months, a best-selling poetry book, the box office smash hit film Born To Boogie (the film of the T.Rex phenomenon directed by Ringo Starr in 1972, which when released on DVD in 2005 and topped the UK music DVD charts), his own TV series... Perhaps less known is the breadth of his artistry and how he chopped and changed styles throughout his career, creating a style uniquely his own.
His commercial successes with T.Rex was huge: ten Top 10 hits in three years, three Number one UK LPs in 12 months, a best-selling poetry book, the box office smash hit film Born To Boogie (the film of the T.Rex phenomenon directed by Ringo Starr in 1972, which when released on DVD in 2005 and topped the UK music DVD charts), his own TV series... Perhaps less known is the breadth of his artistry and how he chopped and changed styles throughout his career, creating a style uniquely his own.
Marc Bolan wrote every one of this cannon of hits himself, working with legendary producer Tony Visconti to create a sound unique to T.Rex, with lyrics that invited the listener into Bolan’s vivid imagination, populated by Tolkienesque characters from mythical worlds. Having featured in the style bible “Town” as London’s Ace Face, aged just 14, Marc Bolan never left the house without having first perfected his hair and wardrobe. It was this attention to and fascination with style which manifested itself most memorably in T.Rex. Dressed in bespoke threads from Alkasura and Granny Takes A Trip, one appearance on BBC’s Top of the Pops to promote breakthrough hit Ride A White Swan was enough to unleash an army of imitators – both in other bands, and amongst T.Rex fans.
Whilst creating what became known as Glam Rock, Bolan quickly disassociated himself from it, claiming “Glam Rock is Dead!” as early as June 1973. He changed direction, moving to the US and embracing soul music 12 months before his friends and rivals, David Bowie and Elton John. Later, he was the only major star to align himself with the burgeoning UK Punk Rock explosion, inviting the Damned onto his 1977 Dandy In The Underworld Tour, and securing Generation X, The Jam and other New Wave bands for his TV show.
Whilst creating what became known as Glam Rock, Bolan quickly disassociated himself from it, claiming “Glam Rock is Dead!” as early as June 1973. He changed direction, moving to the US and embracing soul music 12 months before his friends and rivals, David Bowie and Elton John. Later, he was the only major star to align himself with the burgeoning UK Punk Rock explosion, inviting the Damned onto his 1977 Dandy In The Underworld Tour, and securing Generation X, The Jam and other New Wave bands for his TV show.
These are the Sessions That Produced Marc's Best Known Work - Electric Warrior!The LP that included "Get It On (Bang A Gong)"Excellent Studio Sound!192 mp3
Play It Loud! and Boogie On, Marc!
Thanx to Hear Rock City for this groovy up!
