1980-89: Marc On Wax

The July 17, 1981 edition of German magazine BRAVO publishes a major two-page retrospective on Marc Bolan and T. Rex, celebrating their invention of glitter rock following Bolan’s tragic death in 1977. Publication: BRAVO Magazine Date: July 17, 1981 Country: Germany Location: Germany Section: Special Feature / Tribute THE STORY The spread includes multiple photos of Marc Bolan in his classic glam outfits, live shots with the band, and detailed text looking back at T. Rex’s im

Date: Circa 1980s Item: Original Sukita poster Size: 50 × 36 cm An original T. Rex / Marc Bolan poster featuring photography by Sukita, dating from circa the 1980s.

This brief album review assesses The Unobtainable T. Rex, a compilation collecting B-sides and lesser-known recordings by T. Rex and Marc Bolan. The reviewer presents the release as a specialist collection aimed primarily at dedicated fans of the late glam rock star. Publication: Manchester Evening News Date: October 3, 1980 Country: United Kingdom Appearing under the heading "B-Side Bolan", the review focuses on The Unobtainable T. Rex (EMI), a compilation bringing together

The eleventh issue of Rarn, the official Marc Bolan fan publication of the Marc Bolan Fan Society (MBFS), features a striking monochrome illustration of Marc Bolan on the cover. Produced three years after his death, the publication reflects the continuing dedication of fans committed to preserving his music, legacy and memory. Publication: Rarn Date: October 1980 Country: United Kingdom Issue 11 of Rarn was published by the Marc Bolan Fan Society (MBFS) and continues the orga

The Unobtainable T. Rex is a compilation album released by EMI in September 1980. Issued as part of the EMI NUT series, the collection gathered together recordings associated with Marc Bolan and T. Rex that were less widely available at the time of release. The album draws material from various stages of the band's career and combines original Marc Bolan compositions with a selection of cover versions. The compilation was assembled by Colin Miles and issued several years afte

This major NME retrospective examines the phenomenon of "Bolanmania" and reflects on Marc Bolan's extraordinary rise, commercial peak and subsequent decline. Written by Paul Morley, the article analyses Bolan's impact on popular culture, his relationship with fame and the lasting significance of T. Rex within 1970s British music. Publication: New Musical Express (NME) Date: September 27, 1980 Country: United Kingdom Published as "Part Two: The Rise And Fall Of Bolanmania", th

This New Musical Express feature from September 20 1980, written by Paul Morley, presents a detailed retrospective on Marc Bolan’s life, music, and enduring influence. Published three years after Bolan’s death, it serves as both a tribute and a critical exploration of his artistic legacy. Publication: New Musical Express Date: September 20 1980 Country: United Kingdom The article opens with commentary on ITV’s re‑broadcast of Bolan’s Marc television series, noting the continu

A lively and enthusiastic live review from the June 28, 1980 issue of The Morning Record and Journal (Meriden, Connecticut) praising the young New Wave band Baby Strange for their energetic performance at Ron’s Place in New Haven, with special mention of their powerful cover of Marc Bolan’s “Baby Strange”. Publication: The Morning Record and Journal Date: June 28, 1980 Country: United States Section: Music Review / Live Report THE STORY WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Jim Zebora revi

Born: Stephen Ross Porter, Eltham, London Known for: Member of Tyrannosaurus Rex (with Marc Bolan), later solo artist and frontman for several underground bands Early Life & Tyrannosaurus Rex Took was born Stephen Ross Porter on 28 July 1949 in Eltham, London. He attended Shooters Hill School and took his stage name from Peregrin Took, a hobbit in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. At 17 he played drums with the mod band the Waterproof Sparrows before answering an advert