Even though Marc Bolan had been writing and performing for some years, it wasn't until 1968 with the release of the single "Deborah" that he made an impact. With Steve Peregrine Took, Trannosaurus Rex were better known for being a cult band, playing large open air concerts in Europe. Things were about to change. In 1969 Steve left the band and Bolan took up with Micky Finn to begin what most people recognise as the more raunchy sound of T.Rex.

"Ride A white Swan" was the first single to reach the top 10 in the UK in 1971 and be even more successful in Europe.The new partnership was joined by bass player Steve Currie. A few weeks later after the drummer Bill legend joined the band they were top of the charts with "HOT LOVE". This single brought with it international fame, hero worship and hysteria. GLAM ROCK WAS HERE!! Three monthe later "GET IT ON" topped the charts in the UK and reached the top 10 in America. Elton John guested on Top Of The Pops playing piano as he and Marc were good friends.

Towards the end of 1971 the band left Fly Records which released the album "Electric Worrior" and the next single, "JEEPSTER"(the B side being "Life is a gas" later performed with Cilla Black on her UK show). I beleive that Electric Warrior was by far the best of Bolans albums. The Electric Warrior tour which from october 1971 sold out and extra dates had to be added to keep up with the demand. T.Rex was at the top of the music business, the concerts were exciting, the records were selling by the millions and Marc was mobbed where ever he went.

In 1972 "TELEGRAM SAM" was a no.1 hit on Marc's new label, T.Rex.Wax.Co(EMI). Three months later "METAL GURU" topped the charts, the forth single in a row to do so and stayed there for what seemed months and months. Metal Guru was so simple and catchy and to me the cleverest song ever written. Also in this year Bolan made a film with Ringo Star and Elton John, "Born To Boogie". It was a mixture of live concert footage, some studio work and comedy sketches. The majority of the footage was taken at two back to back live concerts at Wembly. These long awaited concerts were sold out in days and were praised by fans and media alike. (I have the video which is still available.)

In the Autumn of 1972 "CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION" another huge hit was a single off the next album, "The Slider". David Bowie played sax on a few of the tracks and was the support act at some of the earlier T.Rex concerts, he looked up to Marc for inspiration and later went on to dominate Glam rock himself. 1973 started off brilliantly with the hit, "SOLID GOLD EASY ACTION" followed by "THE 20TH CENTURY BOY " a song which has been covered and used for a popular jeans ad. The songs "THE GROOVER" and "TRUCK ON (TYKE)" were taken from the album "TANX" another huge hit. The song "TEENAGE DREAM" however was to be the last in a successful run of hits others making little impression at all. Gloria Jones and Herbie Flowers joined the band to add keyboards and backing vocals, the result of which were more hits. The summer of 1975 saw T.Rex back, high in the charts with "NEW YORK" a very glamorous production. The next single "DREAMY LADY"was also successful, yes Marc was back. The hits flowed and a television series stamped Bolans authority on the music industry again.

Sadly Marc Bolan died on September 16th 1977 in a car crash, he leaves a world still enjoying his music today. After 49 appearances on Top OF The Pops (UK) spanning 8 years and 18 hit songs Marc Bolan and T.Rex have left an indelible mark on the music industry. You can buy videos and all back catalogues of albums and singles now on CD's at any music outlet.
Marc Bolan stll has a great impression on the music industry of today.

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