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

Text listing of the March 15, 1973 Top of the Pops episode hosted by Noel Edmonds, featuring performances by Gilbert O’Sullivan, Roxy Music, The O’Jays, Timmy Thomas, Slade, and others, with “20th Century Boy” used for the chart rundown.

T. Rex (March 15 1973) – Top of the Pops “20th Century Boy” Chart Rundown

A wiped broadcast, but not a lost moment — “20th Century Boy” thundered through the BBC countdown, turning a simple chart rundown into a glam‑rock lightning strike.

On Tele: I need TV when I got T-Rex

T.Rex

Mar 15, 19732 min read

A black‑and‑white photo of a teenage girl standing between Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn. All three hold small trophy statues. The setting appears to be a backstage dressing room, with the musicians smiling warmly toward the camera.

T.Rex (March 13, 1973) “Irmgard Pilger with Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn” Bravo Magazine

A teenage fan, a backstage invitation, and a Silver Otto trophy — sometimes the most enduring rock‑and‑roll stories are the quiet, human ones.

There Was A Time: Marc’s Scrapbook:

T.Rex

Mar 13, 19732 min read

A German magazine review page featuring a large black‑and‑white photo of Marc Bolan performing onstage with a white electric guitar, wearing a shiny open‑chest shirt. A smaller inset photo shows a fan being assisted or restrained by a uniformed worker. The surrounding text is a critical review of T. Rex’s Essen concert.

T. Rex (March 11, 1973) “Konzert in Essen: Götterdämmerung” Concert Review – BRAVO Magazine

A rare moment of vulnerability in Bolan’s touring history — a night where technical chaos overshadowed the glitter, only for him to reclaim his brilliance days later on national television.

There Was A Time: Marc’s Scrapbook:

T.Rex

Mar 11, 19732 min read

T. Rex (March 10, 1973) “Tanx for the memory” Album Review - Melody Maker

A transitional Bolan — confident, exploratory, and pushing the T. Rex sound into deeper grooves and richer textures.

There Was A Time: Marc’s Scrapbook:

T.Rex

Mar 10, 19731 min read

T. Rex (March 3, 1973) “20th Century Boy” Single Review – Melody Maker

A witty, fast‑moving snapshot of the week’s new 7" releases, showcasing Chris Welch’s playful critical voice and the eclectic soundscape of early‑1973 pop.

There Was A Time: Marc’s Scrapbook:

T.Rex

Mar 3, 19732 min read

A newspaper feature titled “The Godfathers of Rock,” with a large photo of Marc Bolan performing. The article discusses New York promoters Howard Stein and Ron Delsener, their work with major artists, and their influence on the rock industry.

T.Rex (March 3, 1973) “The Godfathers of Rock” Melody Maker

A behind‑the‑scenes look at the men who built the American rock touring empire — and the artists whose careers depended on them.

There Was A Time: Marc’s Scrapbook:

T.Rex

Mar 3, 19732 min read

A full‑page advert with large 3‑D block text reading “20th Century Boy,” spotlighting a figure with curly hair and outstretched arms beneath the title. “T. REX” appears at the bottom.

T. Rex (March 3, 1973) “20th Century Boy” Single Advertisement - Melody Maker

A towering glam‑rock advert that distills the swagger and spectacle of T. Rex’s 1973 peak into a single unforgettable image.

There Was A Time: Marc’s Scrapbook:

T.Rex

Mar 3, 19732 min read

T. Rex (March 2, 1973) “20th Century Boy” / “Free Angel” – UK 7" Single

T. Rex’s “20th Century Boy” — released March 2, 1973 — became one of the most iconic glam‑rock singles of the decade.

7 Inch Boogie: Singles

glamslam72

Mar 2, 19732 min read

A vintage newspaper single review of T. Rex’s “20th Century Boy,” featuring a bold headline and a column of text describing the song’s energy, danceability, and glam‑rock swagger.

T. Rex (March 2, 1973) “20th Century Boy” Single Review – Melody Maker

A swaggering glam‑rock blast, “20th Century Boy” is celebrated by Melody Maker as a nervy, dance‑floor‑ready anthem powered by Bolan’s howl and a pounding beat.

There Was A Time: Marc’s Scrapbook:

T.Rex

Mar 2, 19731 min read

T. Rex (February 18, 1973) Concert Poster – Neue Messehalle, Nürnberg

A promotional concert poster for T. Rex performing at the Neue Messehalle in Nürnberg on Sunday, February 18, 1973. Publication / Venue: Mama Concerts Presents Date: February 18, 1973 Country: Germany Location: Nürnberg Section: Concert Poster THE STORY The poster promotes T. Rex (Bolan Boogie) live at the Neue Messehalle with a striking black and white image of Marc Bolan performing. CONTEXT AND NOTES This German concert poster was issued during T. Rex’s European tour in 197

There Was A Time: Marc’s Scrapbook:

T.Rex

Feb 18, 19731 min read