Marc Bolan / T. Rex (September 29, 1972) – “Bolan Turns It On For Small Turnout” Feature - The Plain Dealer
This concert review by Jane Scott covers T. Rex's appearance at the Allen Theatre in Cleveland during the band's 1972 American tour. Despite a smaller-than-expected audience, the article praises Marc Bolan's stage presence and the group's energetic performance, highlighting both the band's musicianship and Bolan's charisma.
Publication: The Plain Dealer
Date: September 29, 1972
Country: United States
Reviewing T. Rex's appearance at the Allen Theatre, Jane Scott describes Marc Bolan arriving on stage in a striking red outfit, complete with glittering stars beneath his eyes and his trademark curls. Bolan immediately became the focal point of the evening, generating excitement despite the modest attendance.
The article notes that approximately 1,500 fans attended the concert, a number smaller than expected but enthusiastic in their support. Bolan reportedly addressed the situation directly, explaining that there had been some uncertainty about whether the band would perform due to the limited turnout, but that previous experiences had convinced them the audience would be worthwhile.
The review highlights performances of "Spaceball Ricochet" and "Cosmic Dancer", with the latter receiving particular attention for Bolan's vocal delivery. Throughout the concert, T. Rex maintained the hard-driving rock sound that had become the band's trademark. The article also singles out Mickey Finn during a duet segment and notes the contributions of the other musicians in the line-up.
Scott concludes that Bolan demonstrated the power and confidence expected of a major rock performer. While the audience may have been smaller than anticipated, the review suggests that T. Rex delivered a full-scale performance that fully justified the appearance.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
The article captures T. Rex during an important phase of the band's efforts to establish themselves in the United States following the American success of "Bang A Gong (Get It On)". Rather than focusing on record sales or chart positions, the review concentrates on the live experience and the reaction generated by Bolan's appearance.
The piece is notable for emphasising Bolan's professionalism in the face of a relatively small audience. Rather than reducing the effort given, the review suggests that T. Rex approached the performance with the same intensity and commitment that had made the group one of the leading acts of the glam rock era.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: T. Rex concert at the Allen Theatre, Cleveland
Era: 1972 American tour era
Tone: Positive and performance-focused
Photography: Portrait photograph of Marc Bolan accompanying the review
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Review of T. Rex's Cleveland appearance at the Allen Theatre
• Discussion of Marc Bolan's stage presence and audience interaction
• References to performances of "Spaceball Ricochet" and "Cosmic Dancer"
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