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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 (November 1966) – "Hippy Gumbo" b/w "Misfit" Acetate UK: EMIDISC
This extremely rare November 1966 EMIDISC acetate captures Marc Bolan during a transitional phase between his Mod-era recordings and the more distinctive style that would soon emerge with John's Children and, later, Tyrannosaurus Rex. Issued under the pseudonym Suzie Day, the acetate contains early recordings of "Hippy Gumbo" and "Misfit". Both titles would become important reference points in Bolan's developing songwriting catalogue and offer a fascinating glimpse into his a
Marc Bolan
Nov 1, 19663 min read
Marc Bolan (November 1966) – Hippy Gumbo Single UK: Acetate
This rare single-sided EMIDISC acetate preserves an early pre-Tyrannosaurus Rex recording of Hippy Gumbo, one of the most important songs from Marc Bolan's 1966 recording sessions with producer Simon Napier Bell. The acetate is particularly notable because it features an original hand-drawn doodle by Marc Bolan on the label itself, transforming the disc from a simple studio reference recording into a unique piece of Bolan memorabilia. The surviving artwork makes this one of t
Marc Bolan
Nov 1, 19665 min read
Marc Bolan (November 1966) – Misfit Single UK: Acetate
This rare single-sided EMIDISC acetate preserves an early recording of Misfit, the B-side that would later accompany Hippy Gumbo on Marc Bolan's first Parlophone single. Produced by Simon Napier Bell and recorded at De Lane Lea Studios, Kingsway, London, the acetate documents Bolan's songwriting during the crucial transitional period immediately before the formation of Tyrannosaurus Rex. Together with the surviving Hippy Gumbo acetate, it forms part of an important group of s
Marc Bolan
Nov 1, 19663 min read
Sylvie Vartan (August 1966) – Il Y A Deux Filles En Moi / Il Faut Trouver Son Coin De Ciel Single JAP: 7"
Released in Japan during August 1966, this Victor Records single by Sylvie Vartan holds particular significance for Marc Bolan collectors because the B-side, Il Faut Trouver Son Coin De Ciel, is based on Bolan's composition Beyon' The Rising Sun. Issued only nine months after Marc Bolan had released Beyon' The Rising Sun as a B-side, the record is one of the earliest known official recordings of a Marc Bolan composition by another artist. The choice of song is especially note
Marc Bolan
Jul 31, 19663 min read
Marc Bolan (June 24, 1966) “MARC BOLAN sings a self-penned” – Southern Daily Echo
This rare early review from June 24, 1966, offers a positive spotlight on Marc Bolan’s second solo single “The Third Degree” / “San Francisco Poet,” highlighting his poetic songwriting and marking one of the earliest published appreciations of his work as a 19-year-old artist on the cusp of his legendary career PUBLICATION: Southern Daily Echo Date: Friday, June 24, 1966 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Music / Record Review Column THE STORY The short but enthusiastic
Marc Bolan
Jun 23, 19662 min read
Marc Bolan (June 14, 1966) “Marc Bolan, ‘The Third Degree’ (Decca F 12413)” – Lincolnshire Echo (UK)
This very early review from June 14, 1966, published just 11 days after the single’s release, shows optimistic local press support for Marc Bolan’s second Decca single, positioning “The Third Degree” as a potential hit and highlighting his emerging talent. PUBLICATION: Lincolnshire Echo Date: Tuesday, June 14, 1966 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: New Discs / Record Review Column Title: Marc Bolan, “The Third Degree” (Decca F 12413) CONTEXT AND NOTES Appearing very sh
Marc Bolan
Jun 13, 19661 min read
Marc Bolan (June 10, 1966) “The Third Degree” – Huddersfield Daily Examiner
An early single review in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner for Marc Bolan’s “The Third Degree”, highlighting his emerging talent as a multi-instrumentalist and poet during his pre-Tyrannosaurus Rex / hippie-folk period. PUBLICATION Huddersfield Daily Examiner Date: June 10, 1966 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Music / Singles Review Title: MARC BOLAN single review (The Third Degree) THE STORY The review praises Marc Bolan’s (then still known as Mark Feld) new single
Marc Bolan
Jun 9, 19662 min read
Marc Bolan (June 10, 1966) "The Third Degree" – Redditch Indicator & Alcester Chronicle (UK)
This very early review, published just one week after the single’s release, gives a positive mention of Marc Bolan’s second Decca single “The Third Degree,” highlighting his songwriting, vocal style, and the production touches by Jim Economides. PUBLICATION: Redditch Indicator & Alcester Chronicle Date: Friday, June 10, 1966 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Music / New Releases Review Title: Marc Bolan sings a self-penned piece of philosophy on his new disc “The Thir
Marc Bolan
Jun 9, 19662 min read
Marc Bolan (June 10, 1966) "The Third Degree" – Worcester Evening News
This playful 1966 promotional review uses clever wordplay on the song title to spotlight Marc Bolan’s new single “The Third Degree,” reflecting the light-hearted way regional papers covered his early solo releases. PUBLICATION: Worcester Evening News Date: June 1966 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Music News / Single Promotion Title: Marc Bolan graduates with Third Degree!. THE STORY The piece features a bold headline playing on Bolan “graduating” with his new disc “
Marc Bolan
Jun 9, 19662 min read
Marc Bolan (June 4, 1966) "The Third Degree" Single Review – Lancashire Evening Telegraph (UK)
Published just one day after the single’s release, this very early review from June 4, 1966, offers a notably critical take on Marc Bolan’s “The Third Degree,” reflecting the mixed reactions his early solo work received in the regional press. PUBLICATION: Lancashire Evening Telegraph Date: Saturday, June 4, 1966 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Record Review Column Title: The Third Degree (Decca) CONTEXT AND NOTES This is one of the earliest published reviews of the s
Marc Bolan
Jun 3, 19661 min read
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