Marc Bolan (October 7, 1972) – “Marc Bolan” Feature – The San Francisco Examiner.
A short newspaper profile introduces Marc Bolan to American readers, examining his rapid rise from cult performer to international rock star as T. Rex's popularity continued to grow in the United States.
Publication: The San Francisco Examiner
Date: Saturday, October 7, 1972
Country: USA
Written by Tom Campbell, the article describes Marc Bolan as both Britain's newest sex symbol and one of rock music's most talked‑about personalities. Referencing comments made earlier in the year by Paul McCartney, Bolan is presented as the figurehead of a phenomenon comparable to Beatlemania.
The piece focuses on Bolan's carefully cultivated public image, noting how he surrounded himself with the trappings of stardom while becoming one of the most visible personalities in contemporary rock.
One anecdote recounts a publicity stunt involving a mock shoot‑out at Tampa airport in which Bolan and members of T. Rex used water pistols before being "disarmed" by security personnel.
The article also highlights Bolan's growing connection with Ringo Starr, who directed the T. Rex film Born To Boogie and was helping secure distribution arrangements for the project in the United States. Starr also contributed photography for T. Rex's then‑current album The Slider.
According to the feature, both Ringo and Maureen Starr were frequently seen wearing T. Rex shirts in public.
While acknowledging criticism that Bolan sometimes focused more on image than musicianship, the writer points out that only a short time earlier T. Rex had been a support act in America. By October 1972, the group had become headline performers touring major venues.
The article concludes by noting that Bay Area audiences would soon be able to experience the phenomenon firsthand when T. Rex performed at Winterland Arena on Friday the 13th.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published during the height of Bolanmania, the feature reflects how American newspapers were attempting to explain Marc Bolan's extraordinary popularity in Britain to a U.S. audience. The article captures a moment when T. Rex were transitioning from a successful British act into American headliners, led by the continuing success of The Slider and the growing visibility of Born To Boogie.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Introduction of Marc Bolan and T. Rex to American readers
Era: 1972 – Bolanmania / The Slider period
Tone: Informative, promotional, observational
Photography: Black‑and‑white portrait photograph of Marc Bolan
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Paul McCartney comparing Bolan's popularity to Beatlemania
Reference to the filming and promotion of Born To Boogie
Ringo Starr's involvement with Marc Bolan and T. Rex
Discussion of T. Rex's rise from support act to headlining attraction
Promotion of the forthcoming Winterland Arena appearance
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