Marc Bolan (October 21, 1971) – Sounds Colour Poster Advert - Daily Mirror
This small but eye-catching Daily Mirror advertisement promotes the latest issue of Sounds, drawing attention to a free colour poster of Marc Bolan. Published at the height of the Electric Warrior era, the advert reflects Bolan's rapidly growing popularity and his status as one of the most in-demand stars in British music.
Publication: Daily Mirror
Date: October 21, 1971
Country: United Kingdom
This newspaper advertisement promotes the current issue of Sounds by highlighting one of its main attractions: a free colour poster of Marc Bolan.
The simple black-and-white design is built around the bold headline:
"FREE! COLOUR POSTER OF MARC BOLAN"
Beneath this, readers are informed that the issue also contains a Leonard Cohen interview, providing a second major selling point for prospective buyers.
The advertisement concludes with the details:
"In SOUNDS"
"On sale now. 6p"
By placing Marc Bolan's name in the largest lettering on the page, the promotion clearly demonstrates the commercial appeal he held during late 1971. At this point, the success of Hot Love, Get It On, and the recently released Electric Warrior had transformed Bolan into one of Britain's biggest music stars, making his image a powerful circulation booster for the music press.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published in October 1971, the advertisement appeared during the period when Bolanmania was beginning to establish itself across Britain. Music papers increasingly used Marc Bolan's image and name as headline attractions to drive sales.
The advert is also a useful reminder of the fierce competition among the weekly music newspapers of the era. Exclusive interviews, posters and promotional giveaways were frequently used to attract readers, with Bolan among the most marketable artists of the period.
The cover price of 6p reflects the affordability of the British music press during the early 1970s.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Promotion of a free Marc Bolan colour poster
Era: Electric Warrior era
Tone: Promotional
Photography: Advertisement for a free colour poster rather than the poster image itself
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Advertisement for Sounds magazine
• Free colour poster of Marc Bolan
• Promotion of a Leonard Cohen interview
• Issue on sale for 6p
• Evidence of Marc Bolan's growing importance as a music press attraction
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