Marc Bolan (October 7, 1972) – “I'm Writing As If I'm Not Going To Be Around Much Longer” Cover - New Musical Express
The cover and lead feature on this page of New Musical Express presents Part Two of Keith Altham’s interview with Marc Bolan. Accompanied by a large portrait photograph, the article focuses on Bolan’s reflections on fame, songwriting, creativity, criticism, personal ambition and his future, highlighted by the striking headline quotation, “I'm writing as if I'm not going to be around much longer.”
Publication: New Musical Express (NME)
Date: October 7, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
This NME feature continues Keith Altham’s extensive interview series with Marc Bolan during the height of T. Rex’s popularity. The page is dominated by a large black-and-white portrait of Bolan wearing dark sunglasses, alongside a bold headline built around one of his most memorable quotations. Throughout the interview, Bolan discusses his rapid rise from the early Tyrannosaurus Rex period to becoming the leader of T. Rex and one of the most visible figures in British rock music.
Bolan reflects on his development as a performer and songwriter, explaining how his confidence evolved over time and describing his growing commitment to creative work. He speaks about films, recording projects, writing habits and the constant need to produce new material.
The interview also addresses criticism from sections of the music press, his views on contemporary music, and his belief in maintaining artistic momentum. Bolan comments on the demands of success, the pressures surrounding public expectations and his determination to continue proving himself creatively.
The feature presents him as thoughtful, ambitious and intensely focused on his work, while also revealing concerns about the speed of fame and the challenges that accompany it.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
This article appears as Part Two of an interview series conducted by Keith Altham and published in New Musical Express. The feature places Bolan at the centre of the British music scene and presents an extended opportunity for him to discuss his career in his own words. The page combines lengthy interview excerpts with a prominent photographic portrait, creating a detailed snapshot of Bolan's public profile during 1972.
The presentation emphasises both the scale of Bolan’s success and the attention he was attracting from the music press. Rather than concentrating on a specific recording or performance, the piece focuses on his outlook, opinions and creative philosophy. The cover-style layout, substantial interview content and memorable headline quotation make the article a notable example of period music journalism centred on one of Britain's most talked-about rock performers.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Part Two of Keith Altham's interview with Marc Bolan
Era: 1972 glam rock period
Tone: Reflective, candid and analytical
Photography: Large black-and-white portrait photograph of Marc Bolan wearing sunglasses
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Part Two of Keith Altham's interview series with Marc Bolan
• A prominent headline featuring the quote “I'm writing as if I'm not going to be around much longer”
• A large portrait photograph accompanied by extensive interview text discussing fame, songwriting and creativity
All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.
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