Marc Bolan (September 20, 1997) – “20th Anniversary” – New Musical Express
This New Musical Express double‑page feature from September 20 1997 marks the twentieth anniversary of Marc Bolan’s death, celebrating his legacy as the flamboyant pioneer of glam rock. The article revisits Bolan’s influence on music, style, and sexuality, featuring tributes from artists such as Bono and Morrissey.
Publication: New Musical Express Date: September 20, 1997 Country: United Kingdom
The spread opens with a bold “20th Anniversary” banner and a large color photograph of Bolan with Mickey Finn, symbolizing the peak of T. Rex’s glam‑rock era.
The article recounts Bolan’s rise from the psychedelic folk beginnings of Tyrannosaurus Rex to his transformation into a glitter‑clad superstar. Quotes from fellow musicians highlight his enduring impact: Bono praises Bolan’s “understated abandon,” while Morrissey recalls how Bolan’s “indeterminate gender excited me because it annoyed so many.”
The piece explores Bolan’s charisma, his playful approach to fame, and his role in shaping the glam movement alongside David Bowie.
A second page titled “Boy” delves into Bolan’s personality and provocative humor, including his own quote: “I’m bisexual, but I believe I’m heterosexual, ’cos I definitely like boobs.”
The section “Getting It On: Ten Significant Marc Moments” lists milestones from his career, from early hits to his cultural influence. The layout combines vivid photography, retrospective commentary, and fan‑oriented nostalgia.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published twenty years after Bolan’s death, this NME tribute situates him as a lasting icon of British pop culture. It reflects the 1990s revival of glam rock appreciation and the continued fascination with Bolan’s blend of sensuality, wit, and musical innovation.
The feature’s tone is affectionate yet analytical, reaffirming his place among rock’s most distinctive figures.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: 20th‑anniversary tribute to Marc Bolan Era: 1997 – Posthumous Legacy Glam Rock Reappraisal
Tone: Reflective, celebratory, and candid Photography: Color and monochrome portraits of Bolan and Mickey Finn, plus inset archival images
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
NME’s twentieth‑anniversary tribute to Marc Bolan
Quotes from Bono, Morrissey, and Bolan himself
Retrospective timeline of ten key career moments
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