Marc Bolan (December 23, 1972) – “Born To Boogie Premiere” Feature – Melody Maker.
Melody Maker reports on the star‑studded premiere of Born To Boogie, bringing together Marc Bolan, Ringo Starr, Elton John and other guests for one of the most talked‑about music film events of the year. The article captures the excitement surrounding the launch of the T. Rex concert film at the height of Bolanmania.
Publication: Melody Maker
Publication Date: December 23, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
This Melody Maker feature covers the premiere of Born To Boogie, the T. Rex concert film directed by Ringo Starr. Accompanying photographs show four of the best‑known figures associated with the project: Elton John, Marc Bolan, Ringo Starr, and Marc Finn.
The article describes the atmosphere surrounding the premiere at London's Marquee Club, where crowds gathered outside hoping to catch a glimpse of the invited guests. Police were reportedly required to control the enthusiastic crowds, while fans lined the streets attempting to see the stars arrive.
Inside the venue, the gathering brought together a range of well‑known musicians and entertainment figures. Elton John is described as attracting considerable attention, while Ringo Starr remained a key focal point as director of the film. Marc Bolan arrived shortly afterwards and was greeted enthusiastically by fans waiting outside.
The article presents the premiere as one of the major music events of the season, reflecting the enormous interest surrounding both T. Rex and the release of Born To Boogie. The evening continued with screenings, celebrations and appearances from many prominent names connected with the British music scene.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published at the close of 1972, this feature documents an important moment in the T. Rex story. Born To Boogie represented the first major film centred on Marc Bolan and T. Rex and served as a visual record of the band during the peak of Bolanmania.
The page is especially significant because it combines editorial coverage with a large advertisement promoting the premiere. The advert announces the appearance of Marc Bolan, T. Rex, Ringo Starr and Elton John at what it describes as:
“The Boogie Premiere of the Year.”
It therefore serves both as a contemporary news report and as evidence of how the film was marketed at the time.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Born To Boogie premiere
Era: 1972 – Peak Bolanmania period
Tone: Celebratory, promotional and documentary
Photography: Premiere photographs featuring Marc Bolan, Elton John, Ringo Starr and Marc Finn, together with a full‑page Born To Boogie advertisement
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Melody Maker coverage of the Born To Boogie premiere
Marc Bolan, Elton John, Ringo Starr and Marc Finn attending the event
Crowds gathering outside the Marquee Club
Discussion of the premiere atmosphere and invited guests
Large Born To Boogie promotional advertisement
Contemporary promotion of T. Rex's feature film
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