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T. Rex (December 19, 1970) "The Last of the Great Underground Groups" - New Musical Express

Writer: 1970
1970
Dec 18, 1970
2 min read

New Musical Express feature examining T. Rex’s transition from underground cult favourites to mainstream chart contenders following the success of “Ride a White Swan”.


Publication: 

New Musical Express

Date: 

December 19, 1970

Country: United Kingdom

Section: 

Feature / Interview

THE STORY

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Marc Bolan reflects on T. Rex’s rapid rise, the shift from underground credibility to pop success, and the changing music scene. The article questions whether T. Rex represents the last great underground band to break into the mainstream, with Bolan discussing fame, audience reactions, and the band’s evolving electric sound.

• Large headline: “The Last of the Great Underground Groups” • Photo of Marc Bolan • In-depth interview by Nick Logan • Discussion of the underground scene and T. Rex’s transition

CONTEXT AND NOTES

RELATED MATERIAL

This December 1970 NME piece perfectly captures T. Rex at the crossroads — the moment they left the underground behind and began their journey to becoming one of the biggest bands of the glam era.

T. Rex (November 22, 1970) "Die Zwei im Schatten der T.Rex" - BRAVO

T. Rex (October 29, 1970) "T.REX IN CONCERT - For Rex Friends" - Melody Maker

T. Rex (December 26, 1970) "T. Rex: stimulating stuff" - Sounds

For more similar posts, check out the tags at the bottom of the page.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

SOURCES

Event: Major artist feature interview Era: 1970 (Underground to mainstream crossover) Tone: Reflective, analytical Photography: Portrait of Marc Bolan

• New Musical Express, December 19, 1970

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.


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The Bolan Timeline:

The Bolan Timeline:

  • 1971 The Warrior's Reign The arrival of T. Rextasy. Chart success, cultural influence, and the breakthrough.

  • 1972: The Height Of T. Rextasy The phenomenon reaches its peak. Hit records, sold-out concerts, television appearances.

  • 1973: Beyond The Revolution Moving beyond the peak years, Marc continued to evolve creatively while remaining one of Britain's most visible and influential performers.

  • 1974: Zinc Alloy's Dream A year of experimentation, reinvention, and ambitious new directions as Marc sought fresh creative horizons.

  • 1975: Zip Gun Boogie Defined by the release of Bolan's Zip Gun, this period documented Marc's continuing creativity.

  • 1976: The Dragon Takes Flight The Futuristic Dragon era. New ideas, renewed momentum, and the foundations of a remarkable comeback.

  • 1977: The Dandy's Return The celebrated comeback year. New music, television .

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