T.Rex (6 May 1972) NME – "Bolan and America" NME
Updated: Jun 16
SOURCE DETAILS
Publication: New Musical Express (NME)
Date: May 6, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
Section / Pages: Feature Article / Advertisement
Title: Bolan and America
Writer: Ritchie Yorke
THE STORY
This NME feature by Ritchie Yorke reports on Marc Bolan and T. Rex’s American tour success following the breakthrough of Electric Warrior and “Bang a Gong (Get It On)”. It highlights sold-out shows, media frenzy, and Bolan’s flamboyant stage presence, drawing comparisons to the Beatles’ first US invasion. The page also includes a playful RCA advert promoting Harry Nilsson’s single “Coconut” from the album Nilsson Schmilsson.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
In May 1972, Bolan was at the absolute peak of T. Rextasy in the UK and beginning to make significant inroads into the American market. This feature captures his transatlantic moment just weeks before the release of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, while the Nilsson advert reflects RCA’s efforts to promote their US catalogue in Britain.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Marc Bolan US tour report + Nilsson “Coconut” advert
Era: 1972 – Peak Glam Rock / T. Rextasy
Tone: Optimistic and celebratory
Photography: Dramatic live shot of Marc Bolan performing + Nilsson promotional photos
Audience: NME readers and T. Rex / glam rock fans
All magazine artwork, photographs, logos, 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.
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