T. Rex (April 23, 1971) "Drummer for T. Rex" - Whitstable Times

Whitstable Times news item announcing that Bill Legend has joined T. Rex as drummer for their upcoming British tour, with Mickey Finn shifting focus to vocals and bongos.

Publication: Whitstable Times Date: April 23, 1971

Country: United Kingdom Section: News / Band Update

In spring 1971, T. Rex — still operating as a duo of Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn — were gaining rapid momentum following the success of “Ride a White Swan.” To support their growing live commitments, they expanded the line-up by bringing in drummer Bill Legend and bassist Steve Currie.

“Drummer Bill Legend, formerly with Legend, has joined T. Rex for their tour of Britain next month.”

Mickey Finn was to concentrate on vocals and bongos, while the new rhythm section gave the band a fuller, more powerful sound as they prepared to headline their own tour. The group was scheduled to return from America on May 3rd to begin the British dates.

This modest local-news item quietly documents one of the most important line-up stabilisations in T. Rex’s history — the formation of the classic four-piece that would soon dominate the charts with the full glam sound.

THE STORY	WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Drummer Bill Legend (formerly of Legend) has joined T. Rex for their forthcoming British tour. Mickey Finn will concentrate on vocals and bongos. The band had earlier been joined by bassist Steve Currie and are scheduled to return from America on May 3rd.	• Headline: “Drummer for T. Rex” • Brief, matter-of-fact announcement of the line-up change • Mention of Steve Currie’s recent arrival and upcoming tour dates

CONTEXT AND NOTES	RELATED MATERIAL
This April 23, 1971 news snippet captures a pivotal moment in T. Rex’s development. As “Ride a White Swan” propelled them into the mainstream, the addition of Bill Legend and Steve Currie completed the classic four-piece line-up that would soon power the full glam explosion.	For more similar posts, check out the tags at the bottom of the page.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS	SOURCES
Event: Line-up announcement Era: 1971 (Glam breakthrough) Tone: Straightforward, factual Photography: N/A	• Whitstable Times, April 23, 1971

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