T. Rex
Biography
When "Electric Warrior" exploded onto the music scene in 1971, it didn't just announce the arrival of T. Rex as a major force in rock music—it practically invented glam rock single-handedly. This masterpiece album, anchored by the irresistible groove of "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" and the ethereal beauty of "Cosmic Dancer," transformed Marc Bolan from an underground folk troubadour into Britain's most flamboyant rock star. The album's perfect blend of primal rock rhythms, mystical lyrics, and Bolan's distinctive warbling vocals created a template that would influence everyone from David Bowie to countless punk and alternative rock bands decades later.
T. Rex emerged from the ashes of Tyrannosaurus Rex, the acoustic folk duo that Marc Bolan had formed with percussionist Steve Peregrin Took in 1967. Born Marc Feld in London, Bolan had already established himself as a whimsical poet-musician, crafting intricate folk songs filled with fantastical imagery about wizards, unicorns, and cosmic adventures. Albums like "My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair" and "Unicorn" showcased Bolan's gift for melody and his fascination with mythology and fantasy, but they barely hinted at the seismic shift to come.
The transformation began around 1970 when Bolan picked up an electric guitar and recruited Mickey Finn on congas and backing vocals. Shortening the name to T. Rex, they released the transitional album "T. Rex" in December 1970, which featured the breakthrough single "Ride a White Swan." This track marked Bolan's evolution from folk mystic to rock star, combining his poetic sensibilities with an irresistible rock groove that would become his signature sound.
"Electric Warrior" represented the full flowering of this new direction, but T. Rex's creative peak continued with 1972's "The Slider," which produced classics like "Telegram Sam" and "Metal Guru." These albums established T. Rex as one of Britain's biggest acts, with Bolan's androgynous appearance—complete with glitter, feather boas, and platform boots—making him a teen idol and fashion icon. His influence on the emerging glam rock movement cannot be overstated; he essentially wrote the playbook that artists like David Bowie, Roxy Music, and later punk rockers would follow.
Throughout the early 1970s, T. Rex dominated the UK charts with a string of hit singles that showcased Bolan's knack for crafting simple but memorable rock anthems. Songs like "Children of the Revolution," "20th Century Boy," and "The Groover" demonstrated his ability to blend primal rock rhythms with surreal, often nonsensical lyrics that somehow felt profound. His guitar work, while not technically complex, was instantly recognizable—a fuzzy, driving sound that perfectly complemented his distinctive vocal style.
The band's success was largely built around Bolan's charismatic personality and creative vision, though Mickey Finn's contributions and later the addition of bassist Steve Currie and drummer Bill Legend helped flesh out their sound. T. Rex became known for their explosive live performances, with Bolan's theatrical stage presence and the band's tight, energetic playing creating an almost religious fervor among their fans, known as "T. Rextasy."
However, by the mid-1970s, T. Rex's commercial fortunes began to decline as musical tastes shifted and Bolan struggled with personal issues including weight gain and substance abuse. Albums like "Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow" and "Futuristic Dragon" contained flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistent magic of their early work. Despite this downturn, Bolan remained creatively active, experimenting with different sounds and even embracing the emerging punk movement.
Tragically, Marc Bolan's life was cut short on September 16, 1977, when he died in a car crash in London at the age of 29. His death marked the end of T. Rex, but his influence on popular music was already secured. The band's impact on glam rock, punk, and alternative rock has been profound and lasting. Artists from The Ramones to Radiohead have cited T. Rex as an influence, and "Bang a Gong" remains one of rock's most enduring anthems.
Today, T. Rex's legacy continues to grow, with their music regularly featured in
