T. Rex (November 1, 2016) – Cockpit Theatre (Music In The Round 1971) LP/CD
Cockpit Theatre (Music In The Round 1971) was released by Easy Action Records on November 1, 2016. The release presented the long-lost and previously unedited London Weekend Television broadcast recorded at the Cockpit Theatre on December 8, 1971.
Issued forty-five years after the original recording, the release restored the complete over-running programme in full. Unlike the edited television transmission repeated in April 1972, this edition preserved the entire session, including live performances, extended discussions with Humphrey Burton, audience questions and Marc Bolan's demonstrations of his instruments and equipment.
The release captures Marc Bolan at the height of T. Rexmania, during the period between Electric Warrior and The Slider.
RECORDING
Recorded at the Cockpit Theatre, London, on December 8, 1971 for London Weekend Television's Music In The Round series.
The recording documents a unique studio performance and interview session featuring Marc Bolan and T. Rex before a live audience.
In addition to musical performances, the broadcast includes audience interaction, discussions with presenter Humphrey Burton and demonstrations of Bolan's guitars, effects pedals and amplifiers.
The 2016 release restored the complete surviving programme without the edits applied to the original broadcast version.
STYLE & THEMES
The release combines live performance, television interview material and audience participation, providing a rare behind-the-scenes document of Marc Bolan during the peak of his popularity.
The informal structure allows Bolan's personality and humour to come through naturally while also preserving performances of key songs from the period.
The raw studio sound and uninterrupted presentation make the release one of the most significant archival T. Rex documents officially issued.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• T. Rex Intro / Jeepster — Opening performance introducing the programme.
• Humphrey Burton And Marc Bolan — Extended conversation between presenter and performer.
• Cadillac — Live performance captured during the Cockpit Theatre session.
• Humphrey Burton, Marc Bolan And Audience — Questions and discussion with audience participation.
• Marc Bolan Discussing His Guitars And Equipment — Bolan demonstrates and discusses his instruments, amplifiers and effects.
• Spaceball Ricochet — Live performance from the Electric Warrior era.
• Telegram Sam — Closing performance of the forthcoming T. Rex hit single.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released in the United Kingdom by Easy Action Records on November 1, 2016.
Issued as a limited-edition LP on semi-opaque red vinyl and as a standard CD edition.
The LP edition was limited to 500 copies.
Mail-order editions included a large reproduction photograph and two postcard-style prints.
The CD edition included a booklet containing notes relating to the recording session.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, interview participant
T. Rex — performances
Humphrey Burton — interviewer and presenter
Audience — questions and participation
PRODUCTION
Produced by Easy Action Records
Recorded by London Weekend Television
Label: Easy Action Records
Catalogue Number: EARS 031 (LP) / EARS 031CD (CD)
Recorded At: Cockpit Theatre, London
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Cockpit Theatre (Music In The Round 1971) | Easy Action Records | UK | EARS 031 | November 1, 2016 | Limited Edition Red Vinyl LP |
T. Rex | Cockpit Theatre (Music In The Round 1971) | Easy Action Records | UK | EARS 031CD | November 1, 2016 | CD |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP | EARS 031 | Side One: T. Rex Intro / Jeepster • Humphrey Burton And Marc Bolan • Cadillac • Humphrey Burton, Marc Bolan And Audience Side Two: Marc Bolan Discussing His Guitars And Equipment • Spaceball Ricochet • Telegram Sam |
CD | EARS 031CD | T. Rex Intro / Jeepster • Humphrey Burton And Marc Bolan • Cadillac • Humphrey Burton, Marc Bolan And Audience • Marc Bolan Discussing His Guitars And Equipment • Spaceball Ricochet • Telegram Sam |
NOTES
• Complete unedited London Weekend Television broadcast.
• Recorded December 8, 1971.
• Released forty-five years after recording.
• Preserves material omitted from the edited television transmission.
• Includes audience interaction and interview segments.
• Limited to 500 copies on semi-opaque red vinyl.
• Matt laminate sleeve.
• Mail-order edition included reproduction photograph and two postcard prints.
• CD edition included a booklet with session notes.
• Captures Marc Bolan between Electric Warrior and The Slider.
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.
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