Marc Bolan / T. Rex (October 18, 1972) – “Hat Marc Bolan eine Macke?” Feature - Bravo
This Bravo feature puts a series of accusations and criticisms directly to Marc Bolan, giving the T. Rex star the opportunity to answer for himself. Under the headline “Hat Marc Bolan eine Macke?”, translated as “Is There Something Wrong With Marc Bolan?”, the article tackles claims about Bolan's image, sexuality, money and personality, with Bolan responding to each accusation in turn.
Publication: Bravo
Date: October 18, 1972
Country: Germany
The feature introduces Marc Bolan as a figure with many different public faces, describing the T. Rex star as someone seen variously as a sex symbol, hero, pop star and poet. Bravo explains that despite his extraordinary popularity, Bolan also had critics, and the feature gives him the opportunity to respond directly to some of the accusations being made about him.
The first accusation reads “Marc Bolan ist ein Sexaffe und Groupie-Jäger!”, meaning approximately “Marc Bolan is sex-crazed and a groupie chaser!” Bolan rejects the description. He acknowledges that he sees himself as a sex symbol and compares his image with figures such as Tarzan and Robin Hood, but distances himself from the claim that he pursues groupies. Bolan says that admiration from fans does not mean he intends to exploit them.
The second accusation is “Marc Bolan ist zu weibisch!”, or “Marc Bolan is too feminine!” Bolan answers by referring to letters asking him to cut his hair. He says it would be impossible for him to have a homosexual relationship and dismisses stories about his appearance. He specifically mentions his fur coat, satin trousers, make-up and wild curls, arguing that these elements of his image do not define his sexuality.
The third accusation reads “Marc Bolan ist ein Angeber!”, meaning “Marc Bolan is a show-off!” Bolan responds by acknowledging that money can be enjoyable and refers to shopping at Harrods. The continuation of this response appears in the adjoining column.
The fourth accusation is introduced as “Marc Bolan ist egozentrisch”, translated as “Marc Bolan is egocentric.” Bolan answers by discussing an occasion when he behaved theatrically and refers to his own judgement about how he presents himself publicly.
Throughout the feature, the structure places each criticism prominently beside a small portrait before allowing Bolan to answer in his own words. This creates a direct point-and-response format rather than having the magazine simply repeat rumours or judgements about him.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
The opening text translates approximately as:
“T. Rex star Marc Bolan has many faces. Sometimes he disguises himself as a sex symbol, hero, pop star or poet. Only a few know what he is really like. Many allow themselves to be blinded by his fabulous appearance, cheer him or insult him. What do his enemies have against Marc Bolan? Here are his answers, speaking for themselves...”
The feature is therefore built around perceptions of Bolan rather than his music. It shows how closely his appearance and personality were being scrutinised during 1972 and gives Bolan space to challenge those perceptions directly.
A small live photograph on the continuation page shows Bolan performing with guitar, while four smaller portraits are placed beside the individual accusations.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Marc Bolan responds directly to accusations about his public image
Era: 1972 Bolanmania era
Tone: Provocative, direct and interview-focused
Photography: Small live photograph of Bolan performing with guitar, accompanied by portrait images alongside each accusation
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• German headline “Hat Marc Bolan eine Macke?”, approximately “Is There Something Wrong With Marc Bolan?”
• Accusation No. 1: Bolan is sex-crazed and a groupie chaser
• Accusation No. 2: Bolan is too feminine
• Accusation No. 3: Bolan is a show-off
• Accusation No. 4: Bolan is egocentric
• Marc Bolan answering each criticism directly
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2, RockfilesUK.
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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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