Marc Bolan (May 14, 1982) "The Wizard" / "Beyond the Risin’ Sun" - Single: UK

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: Marc Bolan

Label: Cherry Red Records (UK)

Date: May 14, 1982

Catalogue: CHERRY 39

Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: United Kingdom

A-Side: “The Wizard”

B-Side: “Beyond the Risin’ Sun” / “Rings of Fortune”

THE STORY

This posthumous Cherry Red 7" single (CHERRY 39) showcases two early Marc Bolan compositions. Side A features “The Wizard”, while Side B contains “Beyond the Risin’ Sun” and “Rings of Fortune”. The striking yellow sleeve features a detailed mystical illustration of Bolan on the front and a tarot card design (“Le Soleil” / XVIII) on the back, complete with Cherry Red and distribution credits.

CONTEXT & NOTES

Released in 1982, long after Bolan’s death in 1977, this single aimed to reintroduce fans to his pre-fame acoustic Tyrannosaurus Rex material. Despite the beautiful packaging, it achieved no chart success. A misprinted variant with blank/white spaces instead of artwork also exists, making complete copies especially sought after by collectors.

A striking posthumous 7" single from Cherry Red Records featuring two early Marc Bolan gems from his Tyrannosaurus Rex days. The front sleeve displays a beautiful, mystical illustration of Bolan as “The Wizard” — long-haired, clutching a scythe, skull, hourglass and mystical symbols against a vivid yellow background. The back cover continues the esoteric theme with a tarot-inspired “Le Soleil” card design and handwritten-style credits. This release stands as a loving tribute to Bolan’s pre-T.Rex acoustic folk-rock magic, packaged with the same mystical, bohemian aesthetic that defined his early career.

PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

• Front cover: Marc Bolan illustrated as “The Wizard” with scythe and mystical symbols

• Back cover: Tarot card “Le Soleil” design with handwritten credits

• Catalogue number CHERRY 39 and Cherry Red branding

• Limited posthumous release of early Tyrannosaurus Rex tracks

WHAT THE SLEEVE SHOWS

Vivid yellow background with striking brown line art of Bolan on the front. Tarot-inspired illustration and “Beyond the Risin’ Sun” title on the reverse. Classic early-80s indie 7" single packaging with mystical, bohemian aesthetic.

SOURCES

• Discogs

• 45cat

• BBC Official Charts

• Wikipedia

All single artwork, photographs, logos, 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.