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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 (February 17, 1973) “Twentieth Century Boy” / Fan Reaction to Cilla Black Show Record Mirror
A major Record Mirror announcement revealing “Twentieth Century Boy” as T. Rex’s next single, paired with a full list of European tour dates and Marc Bolan’s declaration that the track is their “best single yet.”
T.Rex
Feb 17, 19732 min read
Marc Bolan (February 17, 1973) “Marc Bolan is no Slider” Disc Music Paper
A sharp, reflective one‑page Disc article assessing Marc Bolan’s changing fortunes after the peak of T. Rexmania, contrasting his 1970 promise with his 1973 reality.
T.Rex
Feb 17, 19731 min read
T. Rex (February 17, 1973) “Our Best to Date Says Bolan” Disc Music Paper
A one‑page Disc article in which Marc Bolan declares “Twentieth Century Boy” the best T. Rex single to date, while revealing details of the upcoming Tanx album.
T.Rex
Feb 17, 19732 min read
T. Rex (December 1, 1972) “Solid Gold Easy Action” / “Born to Boogie” – Single 7" UK
T.Rex’s “Solid Gold Easy Action” climbed to No. 3 on December 17, 1972, peaked at No. 2 on January 6, 1973, and charted for 11 weeks.
T.Rex
Feb 17, 19732 min read
T. Rex (February 17, 1973) “I Cannot Stand This Much Longer” Record Mirror – Fan Letter
A fiery letter from a devoted T. Rex fan reacting to Marc Bolan’s January 7 appearance on The Cilla Black Show, praising the band’s performance while criticising Cilla for interrupting “Life’s A Gas.”
T.Rex
Feb 17, 19732 min read
T. Rex (February 10, 1973) “Rex World Tour; No Home Gigs” NME
New Musical Express announces T. Rex’s six-week European tour starting in Berlin, with confirmed dates across Germany and plans for further shows in France, Scandinavia, and Holland, plus upcoming tours in the Far East and United States. Publication: New Musical Express (NME) Date: February 10, 1973 Country: United Kingdom Location: London Section: News / Tour Announcement THE STORY The article details the band’s upcoming European itinerary, notes the absence of British dates
T.Rex
Feb 10, 19732 min read
Marc Bolan (February 1, 1973) “Bolan Says He Ain’t Dead Yet” Circus Magazine
The February 1, 1973 edition of Circus Magazine features Marc Bolan addressing rumours of his declining popularity in America, asserting that he is very much alive and kicking while promoting his upcoming high-energy album. Publication: Circus Magazine Date: February 1, 1973 Country: United States Location: New York Section: Major Feature / Interview THE STORY The article recounts Bolan’s recent US tour experiences, where he faced smaller crowds than expected in some cities.
T.Rex
Feb 1, 19732 min read
T. Rex (February 1973) “Fabulous 208 Calendar” Pin-Up - Fabulous 208 Magazine
The February 1973 edition of Fabulous 208 magazine includes a large, full-colour Marc Bolan pin-up as part of their 1973 calendar series, showing him smiling outdoors in a leather jacket and blue velvet trousers. Publication: Fabulous 208 Date: February 1973 Country: United Kingdom Location: London Section: Calendar Pin-Up / Poster THE STORY The colourful calendar page features a relaxed and smiling Marc Bolan posing with foliage against a stone wall background, accompanied b
T.Rex
Feb 1, 19732 min read
T.Rex (January 20, 1973) Marc Bolan Popswop – Magazine Cover
The January 20, 1973 edition of Popswop (No.16) features Marc Bolan on the cover, promoting “crazy colour pics” of top stars including The Osmonds, Gary Glitter, Alice Cooper, and Jeff Beck. Publication: Popswop Date: January 20, 1973 Country: United Kingdom Location: London Section: Front Cover THE STORY The vibrant cover shows Marc Bolan with guitar and curly hair, alongside a bright red box highlighting content such as fashion tips, songwords, and features on other glam an
T.Rex
Jan 20, 19732 min read
Record Mirror (January 6, 1973) “RM Predicts The New Year Honours”
Record Mirror looks ahead to the coming year with predictions for the biggest stars of 1973, featuring a prominent photo of Slade and mentions of acts including T. Rex, David Cassidy, the Osmonds, and others. Publication: Record Mirror Date: January 6, 1973 Country: United Kingdom Location: London Section: New Year Predictions / Feature THE STORY The article asks readers and industry figures who they believe will be the stars of 1973. It includes commentary on current acts li
T.Rex
Jan 6, 19732 min read
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