Marc Bolan (December 30, 1972) – “T. Rexmas Concerts” Feature – New Musical Express.
New Musical Express reviews T. Rex’s festive “T. Rexmas” concerts, capturing Marc Bolan at the height of Bolanmania as the band closed out a remarkable year of commercial success and live popularity.
Publication: New Musical Express (NME)
Date: December 30, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
This NME feature forms part of the paper’s “Front Row Reviews” section and focuses on T. Rex’s special Christmas concert performances. Accompanied by a large photograph of Marc Bolan taken at Edmonton Sundown, the article reviews the group’s live appearances during the holiday season as Bolan continued his reign as Britain’s biggest glam‑rock star.
The accompanying reviews assess the band’s stage performance, audience reaction and the continuing appeal of songs such as Telegram Sam, Metal Guru, Get It On, and other staples of the T. Rex catalogue. Reviewers discuss the atmosphere surrounding the concerts, the enthusiasm of the audience and Bolan’s growing status as a major live attractio
The feature presents a snapshot of a group operating at peak popularity, combining chart success with a powerful live reputation. The photograph of Bolan on stage, illuminated by star‑shaped lighting, reinforces the larger‑than‑life image that had become synonymous with T. Rex throughout 1972.
Context and Notes
Published at the end of 1972, this feature documents T. Rex during one of the most successful periods of Marc Bolan’s career. The year had seen the continuing success of The Slider, a string of hit singles, and the growing phenomenon of Bolanmania. NME’s coverage reflects the band's dominance within British popular music as the year came to a close.
Feature Highlights
Event: T. Rex Christmas concert reviews
Era: 1972 – Peak Bolanmania period
Tone: Critical, celebratory and observational
Photography: Large black‑and‑white concert photograph of Marc Bolan performing at Edmonton Sundown
What the Clipping Shows
NME “Front Row Reviews” coverage of T. Rex Christmas concerts
Marc Bolan photographed performing at Edmonton Sundown
Reviews of the festive T. Rex live shows
Discussion of audience reaction and stage performance
Coverage published at the close of T. Rex’s breakthrough year
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