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1975: Bolan’s Zip Gun Era
1975 was a year of change and experimentation for Marc Bolan and T. Rex. The album Bolan’s Zip Gun, recorded between February and August 1974 and released in February 1975, mixed glam roots with funk, soul, and psychedelic influences. Bolan continued to tour and release music despite shifting musical fashions. Singles such as “Light of Love” and “Zip Gun Boogie” kept the band visible in the charts. This section explores his determination to evolve, the changing band line-up


Marc Bolan / T. Rex (August 16, 1975) “Shang-a-Lang” TV Appearance
Article Context & Main Highlights Key Content Publication: The Mail (Millom and South Copeland edition) / North Western Evening Mail Date: Friday, August 15, 1975 “Shang-a-Lang” TV listing promoting the popular children’s pop music series Shang-a-Lang, featuring a performance by Marc Bolan and T. Rex. The episode includes Bay City Rollers with Marc Bolan and Sparks. It aired on Saturday, August 16, 1975 (Episode 18). T. Rex performed their single “New York City” from the alb

T.Rex
Aug 16, 19751 min read


T. Rex (August 12, 1975) “Shang-a-Lang” TV Appearance
Article Context & Main Highlights Key Content Publication: The Northern Echo (Yorkshire edition) Date: Tuesday, August 12, 1975 “Shang-a-Lang” TV listing for the popular children’s pop music series featuring a promotional performance by Marc Bolan and T. Rex. Episode 18 of Shang-a-Lang (produced by Muriel Young for Granada Television) included a vibrant performance of T. Rex’s single “New York City” from the album Futuristic Dragon. The show also featured the Bay City Rollers

T.Rex
Aug 12, 19751 min read


T. Rex (August 9, 1975 Chart Peak) “New York City” / “Chrome Sitar” – Single 7" UK
A punchy, funky glam-rock single from T. Rex’s later period, “New York City” captured Marc Bolan’s love for the Big Apple with a strong groove and infectious energy. Released during the band’s mid-70s phase, it peaked at No.15 on the UK chart. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: T. Rex Label: T. Rex Date: June 20, 1975 Catalogue: MARC 10 Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: UK A-Side: “New York City” Written by: Marc Bolan Produced by: Marc Bolan B-Side: “Chrome Sitar” Written by: Marc Bola

T.Rex
Aug 9, 19752 min read


Marc Bolan / T. Rex (August 8, 1975) “Another ‘White swan’ needed by Marc?” Great Yarmouth Mercury
Publication: Great Yarmouth Mercury (The Yarmouth Mercury, Gorleston Herald and North Norfolk Advertiser) Date: Friday, August 8, 1975 Article Context & Main Highlights “Another ‘White swan’ needed by Marc?” Concert review of Marc Bolan and T. Rex’s recent appearance at Tiffany’s in Great Yarmouth. Key Content The reviewer notes a significant drop in audience numbers compared to two years earlier when T. Rex would have sold out the venue. Bolan, who had spent time in America

T.Rex
Aug 8, 19751 min read


Marc Bolan (July 28, 1975) -Eastern Evening News, England. Concert Review
This Eastern Evening News article, published on Monday, July 28, 1975, reviews Marc Bolan’s comeback performance with T. Rex at Tiffany’s in Yarmouth. The piece captures Bolan’s return to the British stage after two years in America' Publication: Eastern Evening News (Norwich, Norfolk, England) Date: July 28 1975 Country: United Kingdom Title: Marc May Need a ‘White Swan’ to Ride Back The review opens with a description of Bolan’s loyal fans raising their arms as he began his

T.Rex
Jul 28, 19751 min read


Marc Bolan (July 26, 1975) Leas Cliff Hall Concert Advert – East Kent Times and Mail, England.
This newspaper advert, published on Friday, July 11, 1975, promotes the upcoming Marc Bolan and T. Rex concert at Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, scheduled for Saturday, July 26 at 8 p.m. The notice announces a “Sensational Appearance” by Bolan and his band, supported by Quiklik, with tickets priced at £1.30, available from the venue box office and usual agents. Publication: East Kent Times and Mail (Ramsgate, Kent, England) Date: July 11 1975 Country: United Kingdom ...

T.Rex
Jul 26, 19751 min read


Marc Bolan and T. Rex (July 25, 1975) — Hastings Pier Ballroom.
“Memories of Beatlemania were brought back to me on the Pier on Friday last week when about seven young girls were carried, half‑fainting, across the stage at Marc Bolan’s appearance with T. Rex.” — Jenni Inness, Hastings & St Leonards Observer, July 26 1975 Event: Marc Bolan and T. Rex perform at the Hastings Pier Ballroom, Friday July 25 1975, 8 p.m. – 11.45 p.m. Part of the short UK coastal tour following the Isle of Man and Great Yarmouth dates. Supported by Stallion, w

T.Rex
Jul 25, 19751 min read


Marc Bolan (July 24, 1975) Nightmares – They’re Fun to Bolan! (July 24, 1975) – The Lennox Herald, Scotland.
This Lennox Herald feature, published on Thursday, July 24, 1975, presents an in‑depth interview with Marc Bolan, conducted by Eric Wishart. The article, captures Bolan’s reflections on fame, creativity, and his return to performing after a two‑year hiatus from Britain. Publication: The Lennox Herald (Dumbarton, Strathclyde, Scotland) Date: July 24 1975 Country: Scotland Title: Nightmares — They’re Fun to Bolan! The piece opens with Bolan’s vivid description of his Hollywood‑

T.Rex
Jul 24, 19751 min read


Marc Bolan and T. Rex (July 23, 1975) Concert — Tiffany’s Nightclub, Great Yarmouth.
“A tight, high‑energy mid‑summer appearance, mixing classic T. Rex hits with Bolan’s evolving mid‑70s sound. Event: Marc Bolan & T. Rex perform at Tiffany’s Nightclub, Great Yarmouth, as part of a short UK run during summer 1975. The refreshed line‑up delivers a compact, high‑impact set blending early glam staples with newer mid‑70s material. Setlist: • Jeepster • 20th Century Boy • Teenage Dream • Zip Gun Boogie • New York City • The Soul of My Suit • Hot Love

T.Rex
Jul 23, 19751 min read


Marc Bolan (July 12, 1975) Pop Idol Marc Has Decided to Cool It Liverpool Echo, England.
This Liverpool Echo article, published on Saturday, July 12, 1975, features Marc Bolan during his promotional visit to Liverpool, marking his return to the British music scene after an extended absence. Written by Sue Emmett, the piece captures Bolan’s shift from flamboyant glam‑rock spectacle to a more understated public persona. Publication: Liverpool Echo (Liverpool, Merseyside, England) Date: July 12 1975 Country: United Kingdom Title: Pop Idol Marc Has Decided to Cool It

T.Rex
Jul 12, 19751 min read
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