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1968: The Stars Start To Shine
Follow Marc Bolan through the breakthrough year of 1968, when the foundations of his legend began to take shape. From the rise of Tyrannosaurus Rex and the release of influential recordings to live performances, press coverage, television appearances, photographs, and rare archive material, this category explores the people, events, and creative achievements that brought Marc's unique vision to a widerWhimsical poetry, bongos, and woodland magic — where the stars (and glam) first began to shine.
Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 19, 1968) – Debora(h) / Child Star Single UK: 7"
Released on April 19, 1968, Debora(h) was the debut single by Tyrannosaurus Rex and marked the first official release by Marc Bolan's new duo project with Steve Peregrin Took. Issued on Regal Zonophone, the record introduced listeners to the distinctive acoustic sound, whimsical lyrics and mystical imagery that would soon become synonymous with Tyrannosaurus Rex. The single represented a dramatic departure from Bolan's earlier solo recordings, establishing a unique musical id
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Apr 18, 19684 min read
Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 19, 1968) “Another duo bidding” - Evening News and Star
A prehistoric name, a mystical sound, and the early support of John Peel — the foundations of the Bolan legend were already in motion.
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Apr 18, 19682 min read
Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 19, 1968) “slightly avant-garde...” Worcester News
The April 19, 1968 edition of the Worcester News features a striking photo and profile of Tyrannosaurus Rex, positioning them as an essential act for anyone claiming to be even slightly avant-garde in the pop world, while highlighting their debut single “Debora” on Regal Zonophone. Publication: Worcester News Date: April 19, 1968 Country: United Kingdom Location: Worcester Section: Music Feature THE STORY The piece includes a prominent black & white photograph of Marc Bolan s
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Apr 18, 19682 min read
Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 16, 1968) – My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair, but Now They're Content to Wear Stars on Their Brows Acetates (Single-Sided Emidisc Mono)
These are single-sided Emidisc recording blank acetates for Tyrannosaurus Rex’s debut album My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair, but Now They’re Content to Wear Stars on Their Brows. The disc shown is Side II, marked in green ink with the artist name, side designation, date “16 4 68”, “MONO”, and “33⅓ rpm”. Manufactured in Great Britain as a recording blank by E.M.I. Tape Limited, Hayes, Middlesex. RECORDING Recorded at Advision Studios, Gosfield Street, London.Prod
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Apr 15, 19683 min read
Tyrannosaurus Rex (1968) – Debora(h) / Child Star Single UK: Acetate
This rare Tyrannosaurus Rex acetate documents an early stage in the group's recording history during 1968. The surviving double-sided EMIDISC acetate contains "Debora(h)" on one side and "Child Star" on the other, preserving fascinating handwritten annotations and illustrations created by Marc Bolan and June Child. The acetate is particularly significant because it provides a personal glimpse into the creative world surrounding Tyrannosaurus Rex at the time. The handwritten
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Mar 17, 19683 min read
Tyrannosaurus Rex (1968) – Debora(h) Single UK: Acetate
This rare single-sided acetate captures an early Tyrannosaurus Rex recording of "Debora(h)", one of the group's most important early compositions. The surviving disc is particularly notable because the title appears with the spelling "Deborah", preserving one of several contemporary variations associated with the song during its development. A highly desirable collector's item from the formative Tyrannosaurus Rex period and provides an important link between the group's stud
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Mar 14, 19682 min read
Tyrannosaurus Rex (March 11, 1968) BBC Top Gear Session
This broadcast represents one of the earliest professional captures of the embryonic Tyrannosaurus Rex sound, preserving the intimate, cross-legged club atmosphere that defined their underground reputation in 1968. Venue: BBC Radio 1 – Top Gear Date: Recorded March 11, 1968 Broadcast March 24 & May 5, 1968 Country: United Kingdom Format: Six-Track Session with Spoken Chat Overview A rare surviving BBC session capturing Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took at their earliest and
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Mar 10, 19682 min read
Tyrannosaurus Rex (March 23, 1968) Middle Earth - Advert
In early 1968, Tony Visconti walked into Middle Earth and saw a duo unlike anything he had encountered in London’s psychedelic underground. Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took sat cross‑legged on the floor, weaving strange, hypnotic songs over hand‑drummed rhythms. That night, Visconti approached Bolan, offered his card, and unknowingly set the stage for one of the most important producer‑artist relationships of the era
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Mar 8, 19682 min read
Tyrannosaurus Rex (1968) – Chateau In Virginia Waters Single UK: Acetate
This rare single-sided EMIDISC acetate preserves an unreleased Marc Bolan recording from the period immediately preceding the formation of Tyrannosaurus Rex. Produced by Joe Boyd and recorded at Sound Techniques Studio in Chelsea, London, the acetate survives as an important artefact from Bolan's transitional late-1960s period. The surviving disc is particularly noteworthy because the label contains handwritten annotations and illustrations created by Marc Bolan himself. A un
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Jan 1, 19682 min read
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