Marc Bolan / T. Rex (August 6, 1972) – New York Visit Note – The Baltimore Sun

The 6 August 1972 edition of The Baltimore Sun carries a short item on Marc Bolan’s recent visit to New York and the contrast between his British and American popularity.

Publication: The Baltimore Sun Date: August 6, 1972

Country: United States

The piece reports that Marc Bolan, leader of T. Rex, was recently in New York from London, vacationing and “trying to find out why he’s not a star in America,” according to an associate. It notes that in England Bolan is said to be as popular as any of the Beatles ever were, is constantly watched by bodyguards, travels in a car with blacked-out windows, and is attacked by girls when he appears on the streets. In America, the item observes, Bolan and T. Rex recently had a hit single, “Bang a Gong,” but nothing resembling the hysteria with which he is greeted at home.

CONTEXT AND NOTES T

he short report highlights the gap between T. Rex’s massive UK success and their more limited American breakthrough in 1972.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS 

Event: News note / column item

Era: 1972 (Electric Warrior / Slider period) Tone: Observational

Photography: Text-only item (no photo)

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Report of Marc Bolan’s New York visit

• Comparison of British hysteria versus American reception

• Mention of the hit single “Bang a Gong”

• Details of bodyguards and blacked-out car windows in the UK

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