The story of T. Rex begins with Marc Bolan (born Mark Feld, 30 September 1947, in London), a stylish and ambitious young musician who emerged from the British mod and psychedelic scenes of the mid 1960s. After stints in bands like John’s Children, Bolan formed Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1967 with percussionist Steve Peregrin Took (Steve Porter). Instead of a full rock band, the duo crafted an intimate, mystical folk sound - Bolan on acoustic guitar and vocals, Took on bongos and assorted percussion. They performed songs steeped in fantasy imagery, mixing Tolkien-esque myth with whimsical wordplay. Managed by Tony Visconti, they became darlings of John Peel’s BBC radio program. Albums like “My People Were Fair & Had Sky In Their Hair… But Now They’re Content To Wear Stars On Their Brows” (1968) and “Unicorn” (1969) built a devoted cult following. However, tension between Bolan and Took led to Took’s departure in 1969. He was replaced by percussionist Mickey Finn, whose easier-going personality fit Bolan’s vision. By 1970, Bolan began moving away from pure acoustic folk toward a more electrified, pop-friendly sound. The band shortened its name to T. Rex and released the single “Ride A White Swan” - a minimalist, electric shuffle that became their first major UK hit. The albums “T. Rex” (1970) and “Electric Warrior” (1971) completed the transformation. Bolan, now dressed in feather boas and glitter, was at the forefront of the emerging glam rock movement. “Electric Warrior” included “Bang A Gong (Get It On)” and “Jeepster” - songs that blended Chuck Berry style riffs with Bolan’s signature playful, sensual lyrics. Bolanmania swept Britain, with T. Rex drawing comparisons to Beatlemania in their homeland. In 1972, T. Rex reached their creative and commercial peak with “The Slider”, featuring “Telegram Sam” and “Metal Guru”. These songs cemented Bolan’s formula: irresistible grooves, quirky wordplay, and a mix of rock & roll nostalgia with futuristic style. Their look - sequins, satin, and feathered hair - helped define glam rock’s visual vocabulary, alongside contemporaries like David Bowie, Slade and Mott The Hoople. T. Rex’s concerts became ecstatic celebrations of campy rock excess, with Bolan as the glittering ringleader. The 1973 album “Tanx” hinted at musical changes, mixing soul and funk influences, but the glam wave was beginning to crest. By the mid 1970s, glam rock’s popularity waned, and Bolan faced declining sales, personal struggles, and changing musical tastes. Mickey Finn departed in 1975, and Bolan restructured the band with a rotating cast of musicians. Albums like “Zinc Alloy & The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow” (1974) and “Bolan’s Zip Gun” (1975) experimented with soul, funk, and R&B elements, but failed to replicate their earlier success. Despite setbacks, Bolan retained a loyal fan base and continued to tour. By 1977, with punk rock on the rise, Bolan embraced the new scene, championing up-and-coming acts like The Damned. His final T. Rex album, “Dandy In The Underworld” (1977), was a return to form. On 16 September 1977, just two weeks before his 30th birthday, Marc Bolan was killed in a car crash in southwest London. He had been a passenger in a Mini driven by his partner Gloria Jones, who survived the crash. Gloria Jones is known for her 1964 song “Tainted Love”, later covered by Soft Cell in 1981. Bolan’s death shocked fans and ended T. Rex as an active band. While T. Rex’s heyday lasted less than a decade, their impact was enormous. Marc Bolan helped define glam rock’s sound and style, influenced generations of musicians from The Smiths to Oasis, and left behind a catalog filled with joyous, swaggering, and otherworldly rock & roll. Collectors treasure the early Tyrannosaurus Rex folk albums, while glam fans revere “Electric Warrior” and “The Slider” as essential classics. In 2020, T. Rex were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, securing their place among rock’s most influential acts. “Glam rock is about being yourself, and myself is a sparkling butterfly.” - Marc Bolan