T. Rex (March 2, 1973) “20th Century Boy” / “Free Angel” – UK 7" Single

One of T. Rex’s most powerful and enduring glam rock anthems, “20th Century Boy” was released as a standalone single at the height of T. Rexmania and remains a defining Marc Bolan classic.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: T. Rex

Label: T. REX Records (EMI)

Date: March 2, 1973

Catalogue: MARC 4

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Country: United Kingdom

Genre: Glam Rock Style: Glam, Hard Rock

A-Side: “20th Century Boy”

Written by: Marc Bolan

Produced by: Tony Visconti

B-Side: “Free Angel”

Written by: Marc Bolan

Produced by: Tony Visconti

TRACK LIST UK 7" Single (MARC 4) 

A. 20th Century Boy

B. Free Angel

PERSONNEL

• Marc Bolan – vocals, guitar

• Mickey Finn – percussion, vocals

• Steve Currie – bass

• Bill Legend – drums

• Tony Visconti – production

LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS

• Main Commercial: MARC 4 (Solid centre & push-out centre pressings)

• Promo: MARC 4 (Promo labels)

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Solid Centre — T. Rex – MARC 4 — UK — 1973

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Push-Out Centre — T. Rex – MARC 4 — UK — 1973

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo — T. Rex – MARC 4 — UK — 1973

• Picture Disc, Limited Edition — Demon Records – DEMSING013 — UK — 2023

• International Variants: Various picture sleeves issued worldwide

THE STORY

Recorded in Tokyo on December 3, 1972 with overdubs in England, “20th Century Boy” was issued as a standalone single on March 2, 1973. Although considered for the Tanx album, it was ultimately held back. The riff-driven rocker became an instant glam anthem.

CONTEXT & NOTES

“20th Century Boy” peaked at No. 3 in the UK (three consecutive weeks) and reached No. 1 in Ireland. It was revived in 1991 via a Levi’s advert and has appeared in films such as The Truman Show. The B-side “Free Angel” was recorded during early Tanx sessions.

RELATED MATERIAL

T. Rex (1973) Tanx album

T. Rex (1973) “The Groover” single

SOURCES

Discogs, 45 Worlds, Wikipedia,

BBC Official Charts

All single artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.