Marc Bolan (October 12, 1972) – Cover Feature – Mickie Message & Songbook No. 4.
Marc Bolan graces the cover of Issue 4 of Mickie Message & Songbook, reflecting the height of Bolanmania during one of the most successful periods of T. Rex's career. Published as The Slider continued its chart success, the issue combines fan magazine coverage with song lyrics from many of the biggest artists of the day.
Publication: Mickie Message & Songbook
Publication Date: October 12, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
Event Date: October 1972
Issue 4 of Mickie Message & Songbook places Marc Bolan front and centre with a dramatic close‑up cover photograph that captures one of the most recognisable faces of the glam rock era.
Produced as a hybrid fan magazine and lyrics publication, the issue includes songwords from many of the leading artists of the period. Featured acts listed on the cover include David Bowie, Lindisfarne, Slade, Danny & The Juniors, Arlo Guthrie, The Partridge Family, Mike Hugg, Stevie Wonder, The O'Jays, The Carpenters, Chris Montez, The Beatles, Four Tops, Sisters Love, and Mark Radice.
T. Rex's contribution comes in the form of “Jitterbug Love”, one of the standout tracks from The Slider. The inclusion of the song alongside a Marc Bolan cover image demonstrates the enormous popularity T. Rex were enjoying with younger music fans during 1972.
The magazine also promoted a Donny Osmond mini‑poster and a watch offer, reflecting the youth‑market audience it was designed to attract.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published during the peak of Bolanmania, this issue appeared at a time when Marc Bolan was one of the most photographed and frequently featured performers in the British music press.
By October 1972, T. Rex had already achieved a remarkable run of hit singles and successful albums. The Slider had further strengthened Bolan's position as the leading figure of Britain's glam rock movement, and fan publications were eager to feature him on their covers.
The cover provides an excellent example of how Bolan's image was marketed to younger music fans beyond the mainstream weekly music papers, extending into lyric magazines, songbooks and teen publications.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Cover appearance in Mickie Message & Songbook
Era: 1972 – The Slider era
Tone: Youth music magazine and songbook
Photography: Full cover portrait photograph of Marc Bolan
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Marc Bolan cover photograph
Mickie Message & Songbook No. 4
Publication date of October 12, 1972
Song lyrics for “Jitterbug Love”
Coverage of leading chart artists of 1972
Donny Osmond mini‑poster promotion
Contemporary example of Bolanmania in youth publishing
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