Tyrannosaurus Rex (July 25, 1969 Release) “King Of The Rumbling Spires” / “Do You Remember” – Single 7" UK

A rhythmic, upbeat track filled with Marc Bolan’s signature wordplay and mythical imagery, “King Of The Rumbling Spires” marked a transitional moment for Tyrannosaurus Rex. It was the duo’s first single to feature electric guitar and Steve Peregrin Took’s last appearance on a Tyrannosaurus Rex release.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: Tyrannosaurus Rex

Label: Regal Zonophone

Date: July 25, 1969

Catalogue: RZ 3022

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Country: UK

A-Side: “King Of The Rumbling Spires” Written by: Marc Bolan

Produced by: Tony Visconti

B-Side: “Do You Remember”

Written by: Marc Bolan

Produced by: Tony Visconti

TRACK LIST

UK 7" Commercial Single (RZ 3022)

A. King Of The Rumbling Spires

B. Do You Remember

LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS

Main Commercial – RZ 3022 (Mono) Promo copies exist (demonstration records as shown)

PERSONNEL

• Marc Bolan — vocals, electric guitar

• Steve Peregrin Took — drums, percussion

• Tony Visconti — bass guitar, electric organ

OPPOSITE :

T REX - KING OF THE RUMBLING SPIRES 7" TEST PRESSING (JOHN PEEL WRITING ON LABEL - 7YCAR 6969-1). A rare to see single-sided 7" test pressing of 1969 T Rex track King Of The Rumbling Spires by T Rex (7YCAR 6969-1, 1969 UK single-sided test pressing. Hand-written labels. John has written the track timing on the 4-prong centre.

THE STORY

Released on July 25, 1969 on Regal Zonophone (RZ 3022), “King Of The Rumbling Spires” / “Do You Remember” was Tyrannosaurus Rex’s fifth single. The A-side featured Bolan’s experimental electric guitar work, signalling a shift from their earlier acoustic folk sound. The single entered the UK chart at No.44, marking their first electric recording and Took’s final appearance with the band.

CONTEXT & NOTES

This release reflected Bolan’s growing interest in rock music and foreshadowed the band’s transformation into T. Rex. “King Of The Rumbling Spires” was a more commercial-sounding track than previous releases, but it was a minor hit. Took was fired shortly afterwards due to creative and lifestyle differences. Promo copies and sleeves feature distinctive artwork with an old man illustration.

INTERNATIONAL VARIANTS

France

• King Of The Rumbling Spires — 7", 45 RPM, Single — Stateside — France · 1969

Germany

• King Of The Rumbling Spires — 7", 45 RPM, Single — Polydor — Germany · 1969

Norway

• King Of The Rumbling Spires — 7", 45 RPM, Single — Polydor — Norway · 196

RELATED MATERIAL 

Tyrannosaurus Rex (1969) Unicorn (Album)

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

SOURCES Discogs, 45cat, 45worlds, Official Charts, Wikipedia

All single artwork, photographs, labels, 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.