Marc Bolan (October 2, 1971) – “T. Rex Star Is No Curly-Haired Freak” Feature - Evening Sentinel
This Evening Sentinel feature finds Marc Bolan reflecting on the extraordinary transformation of T. Rex from the underground Tyrannosaurus Rex into one of Britain's biggest chart acts. Speaking candidly about fame, songwriting, success and public perception, Bolan rejects many of the myths that had begun to surround him during the rise of Bolanmania.
Publication: Evening Sentinel
Date: October 2, 1971
Country: United Kingdom
Interviewed by Alan Jones, Marc Bolan discusses the rapid success of T. Rex and the dramatic changes that had occurred over the previous year. The article notes that T. Rex had sold more than five million records and established itself as one of the country's leading recording acts.
Bolan rejects suggestions that the music of T. Rex had changed radically, arguing that the evolution had been gradual rather than sudden. He explains that the biggest difference lies in the way songs are presented, with access to better equipment allowing richer arrangements and more varied sound textures than were possible during the Tyrannosaurus Rex years.
The feature explores criticisms frequently aimed at Bolan, including accusations that he had “sold out” after achieving commercial success. Bolan dismisses such claims, insisting that only a small minority of people expressed those views and stating that he never allowed such criticism to affect him. Coming from London's East End, he explains that he learned early in life to stand on his own two feet and not be influenced by others' opinions.
The article also examines Bolan's attitude towards fame and the music business. He admits viewing the industry with some cynicism, describing it as a business that sells records much like any other product.
Despite this, he expresses satisfaction with his career and the artistic control he enjoys. He emphasises that neither management nor record-company pressure dictates what he records, allowing him to pursue the music he wants to make.
Bolan is equally dismissive of pop glamour, arguing that excitement comes not from publicity photographs or image-building but from having a creative vision and seeing a project through to completion. The feature presents him as confident, practical and determined to remain focused on music rather than celebrity.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published during the breakthrough success of Electric Warrior and shortly after T. Rex had become a major chart force, the article captures Marc Bolan at a pivotal point in his career. While public interest in his image was growing rapidly, Bolan uses the interview to emphasise songwriting, creativity and artistic independence.
The feature is particularly notable because it reveals a more grounded side of Bolan than the glamorous public image often associated with him during the early 1970s. Rather than embracing the stereotype of a pop idol, he positions himself as a hard-working musician who happens to have found success.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Marc Bolan discusses fame, success and the evolution of T. Rex
Era: 1971 Electric Warrior era
Tone: Candid and reflective
Photography: No photograph visible within the article section supplied
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Marc Bolan discussing the success of T. Rex
• Rejection of accusations that he had “sold out”
• Commentary on fame, glamour and artistic control
• Reflections on the musical evolution from Tyrannosaurus Rex to T. Rex
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