T. Rex (August 25, 1973) “Los Angeles” Concert Review – Melody Maker.

The August 25, 1973 edition of Melody Maker features a detailed and somewhat critical review of T. Rex’s concert at the Santa Monica Civic in Los Angeles, highlighting the contrast between their massive UK success and a more subdued American reception.

Publication: Melody Maker Date: August 25, 1973 Country: United Kingdom Location: London Section: Concert Review

THE STORY

The review describes the atmosphere at the Santa Monica Civic, noting the audience’s polite but not overwhelming response. It discusses Marc Bolan’s stage presence, the band’s performance style, and reflects on the challenges T. Rex faced breaking through in the US market despite their UK dominance.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This review captures T. Rex during their 1973 US tour, a period when the band was adjusting to life after the peak of T. Rextasy in Britain. It offers an interesting American perspective on Bolan’s glam rock spectacle and the evolving US rock scene.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: US concert review

Era: 1973 (T. Rex Glam Rock era) Tone: Observational, mixed, detailed Photography: Text-based review (no photo in clipping)

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Detailed account of the Santa Monica Civic concert

• Commentary on Marc Bolan’s performance and the audience reaction

• Reflections on T. Rex’s American tour experience and career trajectory

• Byline by Peter Jay Philbin

RELATED MATERIAL

• January 6, 1973 Record Mirror New Year predictions

• January 20, 1973 Popswop magazine cover

• February 1, 1973 Circus Magazine interview

• February 10, 1973 NME tour announcement

• February 17, 1973 Disc and Record Mirror features

• March 3, 1973 Melody Maker “The Godfathers of Rock” and “20th Century Boy” advert

• March 10, 1973 Melody Maker “Tanx for the memory” album review

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES

• Melody Maker, August 25, 1973

All magazine scans, newspaper cuttings, scrapbook items, photographs 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.