1969: The Warlock Warlord

This rare 1969 first-printing concert poster promotes Tyrannosaurus Rex (Marc Bolan’s early duo) performing at Family Dog on the Great Highway in San Francisco, alongside Country Joe & the Fish and other acts. Publication: Original Concert Poster Date: August 8, 9 & 10, 1969 Country: United States Location: San Francisco, California Section: Concert Promotion (Psychedelic Poster) THE STORY The elegant brown-and-white poster, designed with a nautical ship’s wheel motif, advert

A full-page promotional advertisement from Blue Thumb Records announces Tyrannosaurus Rex’s arrival in America, promoting their album Unicorn and their first major US tour following successful European sell-out shows. Publication: Blue Thumb Records Promotional Page (Music Trade Press) Date: August 8, 1969 Country: United States Location: California Section: Full-Page Record Company Advertisement THE STORY The striking ad features a dramatic black & white portrait of Marc Bol

The July 26, 1969 edition features an interview with Marc Bolan of Tyrannosaurus Rex discussing underground music, exposure, and the band’s philosophy. Publication: Music Magazine / Press Date: July 26, 1969 Country: United Kingdom Location: UK Section: Interview / Feature THE STORY Marc Bolan talks about the challenges underground groups face in getting exposure, the band’s transformation, and their approach to music. He emphasizes staying true to their artistic vision rathe

A July 26, 1969 music press review praises Tyrannosaurus Rex’s single “King Of The Rumbling Spires” as a fascinating, poetic track with a catchy hook. Publication: Music Magazine / Press Date: July 26, 1969 Country: United Kingdom Location: UK Section: Single Review THE STORY The review describes the song as more than a track — a poem set to music. It highlights Marc Bolan’s enigmatic lyrics, the simple yet catchy melody, and the band’s new use of electronic equipment (fuzz

A rhythmic, upbeat track filled with Marc Bolan’s signature wordplay and mythical imagery, “King Of The Rumbling Spires” marked a transitional moment for Tyrannosaurus Rex. It was the duo’s first single to feature electric guitar and Steve Peregrin Took’s last appearance on a Tyrannosaurus Rex release. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Tyrannosaurus Rex Label: Regal Zonophone Date: July 25, 1969 Catalogue: RZ 3022 Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: UK A-Side: “King Of The Rumbling Spires

Evening Chronicle advertisement promoting Tyrannosaurus Rex performing a special late dance at the Bay Hotel, Seaburn. Publication: Evening Chronicle Date: June 27, 1969 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne / Seaburn THE STORY WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Advertisement for a special late dance featuring Tyrannosaurus Rex at the Bay Hotel in Seaburn. The event was billed as “Tonight” with the band performing from 7–1 a.m. • Bold “BAY HOTEL SEABURN” headline • “SPECIAL LATE DANCE” with “T

On June 15 1969, BBC Radio 1’s Top Gear broadcast the final track from a special Tyrannosaurus Rex session — marking the last ever Top Gear session to feature Steve Peregrin Took. RELEASE / BROADCAST DETAILS Artist: Tyrannosaurus Rex (Marc Bolan & Steve Peregrin Took) Show: BBC Radio 1 – Top Gear Recorded: Monday, May 5 1969 at The Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London Broadcast Dates: May 11 1969 (tracks 2-3 to 2-6) June 15 1969 (final track 2-7) TRACK LISTING

On June 11 1969, Marc Bolan recorded a rare and intimate poetry session at Broadcasting House, London for BBC Radio’s Nightride. This broadcast featured Bolan reading his own poetic works with spoken chat, showcasing his lyrical and mystical side. RECORDING & BROADCAST DETAILS Artist: Marc Bolan Studio: Broadcasting House, London Recorded: Wednesday, June 11 1969 Show: Nightride (BBC Radio) Broadcast Date: Wednesday, June 11 1969 TRACK LISTING A Star of Youth: Poem With Chat

Unicorn – Album Overview Tyrannosaurus Rex’s third studio album, Unicorn, arrived in May 1969 as their most intricate and mystical work to date — a dense tapestry of psychedelic folk, mythic storytelling and increasingly ambitious arrangements. Recorded at Trident Studios, the album captured Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took at the height of their acoustic, otherworldly partnership, just before their creative split later that year. Released on 16 May 1969 by Regal Zonophone

On May 5 1969, Tyrannosaurus Rex recorded a magical session at The Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London for BBC Top Gear. The session, which included an interview with Brian Matthew, was broadcast across multiple dates in May and June 1969. RECORDING & BROADCAST DETAILS Artist: Tyrannosaurus Rex (Marc Bolan & Steve Peregrin Took) Studio: The Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London Recorded: Monday, May 5 1969 Show: Top Gear (BBC Radio 1) Broadcast Dates: