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1965-1966: A Wizard In Waiting
Explore the earliest chapter of Marc Bolan's remarkable journey, from his teenage years in London's vibrant cultural scene to the first signs of the creative force he would become. Featuring early photographs, recordings, performances, press coverage, modelling work, and rare archive material, this category traces the emergence of a young artist finding his voice and developing the style, ambition, and imagination that would later transform him into one of rock's most distinctive and influential
Marc Bolan (Early 2015) – Song For A Soldier / Reality Single UK: Reproduction 7"
This unofficial reproduction single was manufactured during early 2015 using photocopies of the original EMIDISC acetate labels for Marc Bolan's 1965 recordings Song For A Soldier and Reality. The release was created to resemble the original acetates and serves as a reminder for collectors to exercise caution when purchasing purported original acetates. Despite reproducing the appearance of the rare 1965 discs, this release is a modern reproduction rather than an authentic st
Marc Bolan
Jan 1, 20153 min read
Marc Bolan And John's Children (April 1, 1984) – Beyond The Rising Sun Double Album: LP, TC.
Beyond The Rising Sun is a double-album compilation released by Cambra in April 1984. The collection brings together recordings by Marc Bolan and John's Children, documenting material associated with Bolan's pre-Tyrannosaurus Rex career and the period surrounding his brief but significant involvement with John's Children. The set combines solo Marc Bolan recordings with tracks by John's Children, creating a retrospective overview of some of his earliest surviving studio work.
John's Children
Mar 31, 19843 min read
Marc Bolan (October 8, 1981) – “You Scare Me To Death” Feature – Runcorn Weekly News.
A retrospective review revisits Marc Bolan's recorded legacy four years after his passing, focusing on the archival single “You Scare Me To Death” and the continuing interest in unreleased T. Rex material. Publication: Runcorn Weekly News Date: October 8, 1981 Country: United Kingdom This Album Of The Week column reflects on the enduring appeal of Marc Bolan, describing him as the “late glitter‑king of T. Rex”. The article notes that although Bolan passed in 1977, a considera
Marc Bolan
Oct 7, 19812 min read
Marc Bolan (September 11, 1981) – "You Scare Me To Death" b/w "The Perfumed Garden Of Gulliver Smith": UK
Released on 11 September 1981, this Cherry Red 7" single presents Marc Bolan’s posthumous track You Scare Me To Death, drawn from 1966 demos later enhanced with newly recorded backing instrumentals. Issued four years after Bolan’s passing, the single formed part of Cherry Red’s album project of the same name, compiling early outtakes and songwriting experiments from Bolan’s pre‑Tyrannosaurus Rex period. The single reached number 51 on the UK chart and early pressings included
Marc Bolan
Sep 10, 19814 min read
T. Rex (June 17, 1972) “The Secret Past of Marc Bolan” Feature – Daily Mirror
The June 17, 1972 edition of the Daily Mirror reveals Marc Bolan’s early days as “Toby Tyler”, exploring his pre-fame life as a young performer before he became a glam rock superstar. Publication: Daily Mirror Date: June 17, 1972 Country: United Kingdom Location: London Section: Entertainment News THE STORY The article uncovers Bolan’s past under the name Toby Tyler, including his time as a young model, dancer, and aspiring singer. It features quotes from old friends and phot
1972
Jun 16, 19721 min read
Marc Bolan (December 13, 1966) “Hippy Gumbo” Single Review - Lincolnshire Echo
The December 13, 1966 edition of the Lincolnshire Echo reviews Marc Bolan’s single “Hippy Gumbo” (Parlophone R 5539), describing it as an arranger’s record full of musical ideas and portraying Bolan as a man of mystery with a rasping, bluesy voice. Publication: Lincolnshire Echo Date: December 13, 1966 Country: United Kingdom Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire Section: Music / Singles Review THE STORY The review highlights Bolan’s eclectic style and the song’s potential to reach
Marc Bolan
Dec 13, 19662 min read
Marc Bolan (December 9, 1966) “Ready, Steady, Go!” Evening Standard – TV Listing
A brief but culturally important listing marking Bolan’s early national TV exposure on Ready, Steady, Go! during a pivotal moment in his artistic evolution.
Marc Bolan
Dec 9, 19662 min read
Marc Bolan (November 25, 1966) –“Hippy Gumbo” / “Misfit” Single: UK
In the late autumn of 1966, a young Marc Bolan released his third and final solo single before forming Tyrannosaurus Rex. “Hippy Gumbo” was a quirky, upbeat pop track with a strong beat-group feel and a touch of the whimsical, poetic style that would soon define his work with Tyrannosaurus Rex. Backed with “Misfit,” this Parlophone 7" single marked the end of Bolan’s early solo period and the beginning of his journey into the acoustic folk-rock sound that would lead to glam s
Marc Bolan
Nov 25, 19664 min read
Marc Bolan (November 25, 1966) “Hippy Gumbo” Worcester News – Single Review
The November 25, 1966 edition of the Worcester News features a review by Mike Pryce of Marc Bolan’s single “Hippy Gumbo,” an early solo release showcasing his emerging psychedelic and folk-influenced sound. Publication: Worcester News Date: November 25, 1966 Country: United Kingdom Location: Worcester Section: Music / Singles Review THE STORY The review discusses Marc Bolan’s “Hippy Gumbo,” highlighting his distinctive style during this transitional phase. It reflects the gro
Marc Bolan
Nov 25, 19662 min read
Marc Bolan (November 3 1966) The Boy Who Lived With a Wizard - Queen Magazine
Publication: Queen Magazine Date: November 3 1966 Country: United Kingdom Section / Page: POP SCENE by Patrick Kerr Format: Profile / Early‑Career Feature Overview A striking early profile of 18‑year‑old Marc Bolan, published just days before his Ready Steady Goes Live! television debut. Patrick Kerr positions Bolan not as another Dylan‑inspired protest singer, but as a myth‑maker, a teenager whose life story already sounded like folklore: Parisian wanderer, apprentice to a “
Marc Bolan
Nov 3, 19666 min read
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