Marc Bolan / T. Rex (December 23, 1972) – “Bolan Is Still With The Leaders” Feature - South Wales Argus
This South Wales Argus feature by Peter Jones assesses Marc Bolan’s position in British pop at the end of 1972. While acknowledging the arrival of new stars including David Bowie, Slade, Mott The Hoople, The Osmonds and David Cassidy, the article argues that Bolan remained among the leaders and gives him space to respond directly to comparisons with his increasingly successful rivals.
Publication: South Wales Argus
Date: December 23, 1972
Country: Wales
Under the headline “Bolan is still with the leaders”, Peter Jones looks back over the dramatic changes in British pop since Marc Bolan and T. Rex first generated mass teenage excitement. The article notes that around eighteen months earlier Bolan had dominated the teenybopper scene, but by the end of 1972 a larger group of artists were competing for attention.
Among the names mentioned are The Jacksons, The Osmonds, David Bowie, David Cassidy, Slade and Mott The Hoople. Despite this expanding field, the article states that Marc Bolan remained among the leading performers.
Bolan addresses the idea of rivalry directly. Asked about competitors for the teenage audience, he dismisses comparisons with David Cassidy and Donny Osmond, arguing that they occupy a different musical field because they do not write their own songs. Bolan’s comments concentrate instead on songwriting and artistic ability as the qualities by which performers should be judged.
David Bowie receives a more substantial response. Bolan says it is too early to place Bowie in exactly the same class as T. Rex, but makes clear that the comment is intended without disrespect. Bolan acknowledges Bowie's record sales while contrasting Bowie's relatively short run of successful records with T. Rex’s longer commercial record.
Slade are treated differently again. Bolan recognises their appeal and the direct rock style that keeps audiences excited. Michael Jackson is also singled out, with Bolan acknowledging the ability of the young performer and suggesting a potentially long career.
The article then turns to Mott The Hoople, who are described in connection with the fresh direction they had taken after David Bowie became involved in producing their records. The reference places Bolan within a broader picture of British rock in 1972, where several established and emerging acts were competing for attention.
Asked whether he worries about running out of ideas, Bolan rejects the suggestion. He describes songwriting as something almost compulsive, saying that he only needs to look around to find countless things worth writing about.
The article concludes the Bolan section by suggesting that the following year would be devoted to continuing the Bolan Rock And Roll Circus, with the expectation that this effort would help deal with the growing field of new competitors.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
The clipping is particularly revealing because it captures Marc Bolan discussing several of his contemporaries at the end of a year in which British popular music had changed dramatically.
Rather than presenting every artist as a direct rival, Bolan distinguishes between performers according to songwriting, musical style and career development. David Cassidy and Donny Osmond are separated from his own field, while David Bowie is treated as a more meaningful comparison and Slade are acknowledged for their direct rock appeal.
The feature therefore provides a contemporary snapshot of Bolan’s view of his position within the rapidly expanding glam and teen-pop landscape of late 1972.
A photograph above the article shows Bolan during a performance and is simply captioned “Marc Bolan.”
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Marc Bolan discusses his position among the leading pop performers of 1972
Era: 1972 Bolanmania era
Tone: Confident, competitive and reflective
Photography: Performance photograph of Marc Bolan accompanying the article
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Peter Jones assessing Marc Bolan’s continuing position among Britain’s leading stars
• Bolan responding to comparisons with David Bowie, David Cassidy, Donny Osmond and Slade
• References to Michael Jackson and Mott The Hoople
• Bolan discussing songwriting and rejecting concerns that he might run out of ideas
• Reference to future plans for the Bolan Rock And Roll Circus
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.
Comments