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1973: Tanx & Beyond
973 saw Marc Bolan and T. Rex navigating the post-peak years of T. Rextasy. Following the massive success of 1972, the band released the album Tanx and continued scoring hits with singles like “Solid Gold Easy Action” and “The Groover”. This year captured the transition from pure glam euphoria to a more mature, soul-influenced rock direction. Bolan experimented with funk and American R&B sounds while maintaining his core fanbase. This section explores the music, the tours, the changing band line
T. Rex (September 1, 1973) “Why Marc won’t be giving up” Melody Maker
The September 1, 1973 edition of Melody Maker features an in-depth interview with Marc Bolan in which he addresses criticism of his recent performances, discusses his determination to continue, and shares plans for new material and tours. Publication: Melody Maker Date: September 1, 1973 Country: United Kingdom Location: London Section: Major Interview / Feature THE STORY Marc Bolan responds to negative reviews from his recent US tour, asserting his commitment to performing a
T.Rex
Sep 1, 19732 min read
T. Rex (August 29, 1973) – “Concert Critique Slanted," Letter – Press and Sun‑Bulletin / The Evening Press (Binghamton, New York)
This letter to the editor, published on August 29 1973 in The Evening Press (Binghamton, New York), defends T. Rex against what the writer calls an unfair concert review. The author, Boni Swingle, criticizes reporter David Bourdon for his coverage of a show featuring T. Rex and Three Dog Night, arguing that his article was biased, dismissive, and failed to capture the band’s artistry or fan enthusiasm. Publication: Press and Sun‑Bulletin / The Evening Press Date: 29 August
T.Rex
Aug 29, 19732 min read
T. Rex (August 25, 1973) “Los Angeles” Concert Review – Melody Maker.
The August 25, 1973 edition of Melody Maker features a detailed and somewhat critical review of T. Rex’s concert at the Santa Monica Civic in Los Angeles, highlighting the contrast between their massive UK success and a more subdued American reception. Publication: Melody Maker Date: August 25, 1973 Country: United Kingdom Location: London Section: Concert Review THE STORY The review describes the atmosphere at the Santa Monica Civic, noting the audience’s polite but not over
T.Rex
Aug 25, 19732 min read
Three Dog Night & T. Rex (August 21, 1973) – “12,000 At Rock Concert” Feature – Quad‑City Times / Times‑Democrat
This Quad‑City Times report from August 1973 covers a major outdoor concert at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport, Iowa, featuring Three Dog Night and T. Rex. The event drew an estimated 12,000 fans and became one of the largest rock gatherings in the region that year. Publication: Quad‑City Times / Times‑Democrat Date: August 21 1973 Country: United States Written by Linda Anderson and Ron Haines, the article describes how fans began arriving as early as 4:30
T.Rex
Aug 21, 19732 min read
T. Rex (August 20, 1973) – “Crowd Cheers Rock Group” Feature – Lincoln Journal Star
This Lincoln Journal Star concert review from August 1973 covers a performance at Pershing Auditorium featuring Three Dog Night and T. Rex. Written by Holly Spence, the piece praises the headliners’ crowd‑pleasing set while offering a critical take on Marc Bolan’s flamboyant style and stage presence. Publication: Lincoln Journal Star Date: August 20 1973 Country: United States The article describes a packed Pershing Auditorium, with nearly 10,000 fans cheering for Three Dog
T.Rex
Aug 20, 19732 min read
Marc Bolan (August 19, 1973) – “Lee Moore’s Rock & Roll” Feature – The Mobile Register (Mobile, Alabama)
This Mobile Register column from August 19 1973 features an extended interview with Marc Bolan, conducted backstage after T. Rex’s appearance as the opening act for Three Dog Night. Written by Lee Moore, the piece captures Bolan’s wit, charm, and reflections on fame, music, and his evolving career during the height of the glam‑rock era. Publication: The Mobile Register Date: 19 August 1973 Country: United States Moore’s column opens with a lively description of Bolan’s ener
T.Rex
Aug 19, 19732 min read
T. Rex (August 19, 1973) – “Three Dog Night and T‑Rex Here Tonight” Feature – The Lincoln Star (Lincoln, Nebraska)
This Lincoln Star concert preview from August 19 1973 announces a joint performance by Three Dog Night and T. Rex at Pershing Auditorium. The article highlights Three Dog Night’s chart success with Shambala and introduces Marc Bolan’s British group T. Rex to local readers, describing Bolan as a “combination of stupefying voice and peacockery.” Publication: The Lincoln Star Date: 19 August 1973 Country: United States The preview promotes the evening’s concert, noting that Th
T.Rex
Aug 19, 19732 min read
T. Rex (August 17 1973) – “Treble‑Trouble Speakers Rocket T. Rex Audience to Threshold of Pain” Feature – Everett Herald
This Everett Herald concert review from August 1973 captures T. Rex’s Seattle performance in vivid, critical detail. Written by Alva C. Roberts, it describes Marc Bolan’s glittering stage presence, deafening sound levels, and the chaotic energy that defined the band’s U.S. tour. Publication: Everett Herald Date: August 17 1973 Country: United States Under the headline “Treble‑Trouble Speakers Rocket T. Rex Audience to Threshold of Pain,” Roberts recounts the spectacle of B
T.Rex
Aug 17, 19732 min read
T. Rex (August 14 1973) – “T. Rex Not No. 1, but Trying Too Hard” Feature – Los Angeles Times
This Los Angeles Times review by Robert Hilburn, published on August 14 1973, examines Marc Bolan and T. Rex’s Santa Monica Civic Auditorium concert. Hilburn delivers a candid critique of Bolan’s performance, suggesting that while his charisma remains intact, his musical direction and stage confidence appear strained as he strives to recapture earlier success. Publication: Los Angeles Times Date: August 14 1973 Country: United States Under the headline “T. Rex Not No. 1, bu
T.Rex
Aug 14, 19732 min read
Marc Bolan (August 14 1973) – “Poetic Marc Bolan Turns Hard Rocker” Feature – Daily Breeze
This Daily Breeze article from August 1973, written by Joseph Bensoua, chronicles Marc Bolan’s transformation from poetic folk idol to full‑fledged hard rocker. Covering his recent U.S. performances, the piece captures Bolan’s shift toward electric boogie and theatrical showmanship, marking a new phase in his evolution as the leader of T. Rex. Publication: Daily Breeze (South Bay Daily Breeze) Date: August 14 1973 Country: United States Under the headline “Poetic Marc Bolan
T.Rex
Aug 14, 19732 min read
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