Marc Bolan (February 14, 1976) Health Education Council Anti-Smoking Advert – Melody Maker

A full-page public health advertisement in Melody Maker featuring Marc Bolan with the provocative headline: “If Marc Bolan kissed you would he feel like this?”

Publication: Melody Maker Date: February 14, 1976

Country: United Kingdom

Location: UK Section: Full-page advertisement

THE STORY

The advert uses Marc Bolan’s image and words to discourage smoking among young women. Bolan is quoted as saying he dislikes kissing girls who smoke because their breath smells of stale tobacco. The copy highlights the social unattractiveness and high cost of smoking (around £150 a year for 20-a-day).

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This advert was part of the Health Education Council’s mid-1970s campaign targeting teenage and young adult smokers. By leveraging Bolan’s massive popularity during the glam era, the campaign used celebrity endorsement and social pressure rather than purely medical warnings.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS 

Event: Anti-smoking public service advertisement

Era: 1976 (Post-T. Rex peak)

Tone: Provocative, humorous

Photography: Striking black & white close-up of Marc Bolan with a disgusted expression

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Bold headline “If Marc Bolan kissed you would he feel like this?”

• Large photo of Marc Bolan pulling a disgusted face

• Text quoting Bolan on smoking and kissing

• Cost comparison and appeal to spend money on clothes/make-up instead

• Classic 1970s full-page magazine advert layout

RELATED MATERIAL

• Various 1970s Marc Bolan interviews and features

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

SOURCES

• Melody Maker, February 14, 1976 (Health Education Council advert)

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.