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John's Children (June 17, 1967) – BBC Saturday Club Session
On June 17 1967, BBC Light Programme’s Saturday Club broadcast a dynamic session by John’s Children, featuring early recordings and an interview with bassist John Hewlett. This appearance captured the band during their short but influential run in the London underground scene. RECORDING & BROADCAST DETAILS Artist: John’s Children Studio: The Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London Recorded: Tuesday, June 6 1967 Show: Saturday Club (BBC Light Programme) Broadcast Date

John's Children
Jun 17, 19672 min read


John's Children (May 24 1967) Desdemona - 7" Single UK
A raw, controversial psychedelic pop single written by a young Marc Bolan during his brief time with the band — infamous for its BBC ban and cult status in the pre-glam underground scene. RELEASE DETAILS Date: 24 May 1967 Catalogue: 604003 Format: 7" Single Country: United Kingdom Label: Track Records A-Side: Desdemona B-Side: Remember Thomas À Becket PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS Front sleeve: Black & white band photo with a striking image of a woman in the foreground Consistent mod/

John's Children
May 24, 19672 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 7" 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, 19662 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


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 10, 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 10, 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 10, 19662 min read
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