Marc Bolan (August 19, 1972) – “Bolan On Love, Hate And The Press” Feature - New Musical Express (NME)
This NME interview finds Marc Bolan reflecting on his uneasy relationship with the music press at the height of T. Rex's success. Candid, thoughtful and occasionally frustrated, Bolan discusses fame, criticism, public expectations and the way journalists interpreted both his words and his music.
Publication: New Musical Express (NME)
Date: August 19, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
Under the headline "Bolan On Love, Hate And The Press", Keith Altham interviews Marc Bolan during one of the most successful periods of his career. The article focuses largely on Bolan's complicated relationship with journalists and his growing discomfort with the way his comments were frequently reported and interpreted.
Bolan explains that he had become increasingly cautious when dealing with interviews, arguing that remarks were often taken out of context and used to create stories that did not accurately reflect his views. He suggests that a gap had developed between himself and sections of the music press, despite his willingness to discuss both his music and personal ideas.
Throughout the feature he reflects on criticism and public opinion, admitting that newspaper and magazine coverage could sometimes be frustrating. At the same time, Bolan makes it clear that he remains committed to his work and is more concerned with creating music than responding to every comment written about him.
One of the central themes of the interview is the public perception of Marc Bolan as a personality. He argues that many people had become more interested in the image than the individual behind it, and he expresses concern that sensational stories sometimes distracted attention from the music itself. Despite this, he displays a sense of humour about celebrity and remains confident in his artistic direction.
The article also touches upon changing public tastes, the expectations placed upon successful performers and the pressures created by fame. Bolan repeatedly returns to the importance of context, insisting that remarks should be judged as part of a larger conversation rather than in isolation.
Accompanying the interview is a large portrait photograph showing Marc Bolan holding a Gibson guitar. The image reinforces his position as one of Britain's leading rock stars while providing readers with a direct visual counterpart to the thoughtful interview.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published during the The Slider era, the feature captures Marc Bolan at the peak of Bolanmania. T. Rex continued to dominate charts and headlines, yet the interview reveals that success also brought increasing scrutiny and media attention.
The article is notable because it presents a more reflective side of Bolan than was often shown in promotional features. Rather than concentrating on hit records or fan reactions, the discussion focuses on journalism, celebrity and the challenges of maintaining a public image while remaining true to one's artistic intentions.
The interview offers valuable insight into how Bolan viewed fame in 1972 and demonstrates his awareness of the growing mythology that surrounded both himself and T. Rex.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Marc Bolan discusses fame, criticism and the music press
Era: 1972 The Slider era
Tone: Reflective and candid
Photography: Large portrait photograph of Marc Bolan holding a Gibson guitar
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Keith Altham interview with Marc Bolan
• Discussion of Bolan's relationship with the music press
• Reflections on fame, criticism and public perception
• Large portrait photograph of Bolan with guitar
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