Marc Bolan (September 21, 1972) – “Too Loud—even for rock”- The Tampa Times
A concert review from The Tampa Times examines a T. Rex performance at the St. Petersburg Bayfront Center, focusing on technical problems, excessive volume, and audience frustration. While the article acknowledges Marc Bolan's popularity and stage presence, it concludes that sound issues significantly affected the show's overall impact.
Publication: The Tampa Times
Date: September 21, 1972
Country: United States
The article, written by Steven Fox for The Tampa Times, reviews T. Rex's appearance at the St. Petersburg Bayfront Center.
The reviewer notes that the venue provided strong equipment, lighting, and sound resources, but argues that the performance suffered because the music was played at an overwhelming volume.
According to the report, audience members struggled to distinguish the musicians on stage, while the excessive loudness caused visible irritation among concertgoers.
The review describes Marc Bolan spending time attempting to adjust equipment and coordinate sound levels, with technical difficulties affecting the flow of the performance.
The writer states that Bolan's vocals were frequently buried beneath the volume of the band, making it difficult for the audience to hear lyrics and musical detail.
Although Bolan performed several acoustic numbers and displayed elements of showmanship, the reviewer felt these efforts could not overcome the problems caused by the sound mix.
The article singles out keyboard player Billy Preston for praise, highlighting his versatility during an interpretation of "Summertime" combined with a Bach interlude.
In contrast, the reviewer characterises much of T. Rex's set as disappointing due to the dominance of volume over musical clarity. The piece concludes by observing that many audience members appeared relieved when the concert ended, despite the band's popularity.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
This review captures a contemporary newspaper reaction to T. Rex during the height of the group's early 1970s success in the United States.
Rather than focusing on chart achievements or celebrity, the article concentrates on the live concert experience and the technical conditions of the performance.
The review reflects the challenges faced by large rock productions of the era, where increasingly powerful sound systems could sometimes overwhelm audiences and critics alike.
The accompanying photographs reinforce the article's focus on the performers.
One image shows Billy Preston, while another features Marc Bolan on stage with a guitar.
Together, the photographs provide a visual record of the concert and complement the review's discussion of the musicians who appeared during the event.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: T. Rex concert review at the St. Petersburg Bayfront Center
Era: 1972 glam rock touring period
Tone: Critical and observational
Photography: Concert photographs featuring Billy Preston and Marc Bolan performing on stage
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Review of a T. Rex concert at the St. Petersburg Bayfront Center
• Criticism of excessive volume and technical sound problems during the performance
• Photographs of Billy Preston and Marc Bolan accompanying the article
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