T. Rex (October 4, 2019 / November 28, 2019) – 20th Century Boy (Live Broadcast Version) b/w Midnight (Alternate Version)
20th Century Boy (Live Broadcast Version) was released by Easy Action Records as a limited-edition 7-inch archival single in late 2019. The release formed part of the label's ongoing programme of T. Rex archive projects, focusing on rare, alternate and previously difficult-to-obtain recordings from Marc Bolan's catalogue.
The release was issued in two collectible formats. A picture disc edition was released on October 4, 2019, followed by a blue vinyl edition on November 28, 2019. Both versions were limited to 500 copies and were produced in support of the Light Of Love Foundation, making the single both an archival release and a charity fundraising project.
Pairing a live broadcast performance of "20th Century Boy" with an alternate version of "Midnight", the single offered listeners a different perspective on two recordings associated with T. Rex's classic early-1970s creative peak.
RECORDING
Both tracks originate from sessions and performances associated with the Electric Warrior era.
The A-side presents a live broadcast version of "20th Century Boy", capturing the energy and immediacy of T. Rex in a live setting rather than the familiar studio single master.
The B-side features an alternate version of "Midnight", offering a glimpse into the development and recording process behind one of Marc Bolan's lesser-discussed compositions from the period.
STYLE & THEMES
The release highlights two different sides of T. Rex's work during their commercial peak.
"20th Century Boy" showcases the group's glam-rock power and stage presence, while "Midnight" provides a more atmospheric and exploratory counterpart through its alternate presentation.
Together, the recordings demonstrate the breadth of material produced by Marc Bolan during the era that established T. Rex as one of the defining acts of British glam rock.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• 20th Century Boy (Live Broadcast Version) — Rare live performance capturing the power and spontaneity of one of T. Rex's most celebrated recordings.
• Midnight (Alternate Version) — Alternate take presenting a different perspective on the original recording and offering insight into Bolan's creative process.
RELEASE HISTORY
The picture disc edition was released in the United Kingdom on October 4, 2019.
A second pressing on blue vinyl followed on November 28, 2019.
Both editions were limited to 500 copies and were issued by Easy Action Records as part of the label's ongoing archival preservation programme devoted to the T. Rex catalogue.
The release also supported the Light Of Love Foundation, adding a charitable dimension to what was already a highly collectible issue.
PRODUCTION
Label: Easy Action Records
Country: United Kingdom
Edition Size: 500 copies per variant
Associated Era: Electric Warrior
Charity: Light Of Love Foundation
NOTES
• Released as part of Easy Action Records' continuing programme of archival T. Rex releases focusing on rare and previously unavailable recordings.
• Issued in two separate limited-edition formats: a picture disc on October 4, 2019 and a blue vinyl edition on November 28, 2019.
• Both variants were strictly limited to 500 copies, making the release one of the more collectible T. Rex archive singles of the period.
• The project combined a live broadcast performance of "20th Century Boy" with an alternate version of "Midnight", offering fans material unavailable in the standard catalogue.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
T. Rex | 20th Century Boy (Live Broadcast Version) / Midnight (Alternate Version) | Easy Action Records | UK | EA45008P | October 4, 2019 | 7" Picture Disc |
T. Rex | 20th Century Boy (Live Broadcast Version) / Midnight (Alternate Version) | Easy Action Records | UK | EA45008 | November 28, 2019 | 7" Blue Vinyl |
TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
7" Picture Disc | EA45008P | Side A • 20th Century Boy (Live Broadcast Version) Side B • Midnight (Alternate Version) |
7" Blue Vinyl | EA45008 | Side A • 20th Century Boy (Live Broadcast Version) Side B • Midnight (Alternate Version) |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts
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This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.
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