T. Rex (August 14 1973) – “T. Rex Not No. 1, but Trying Too Hard” Feature – Los Angeles Times

This Los Angeles Times review by Robert Hilburn, published on August 14 1973, examines Marc Bolan and T. Rex’s Santa Monica Civic Auditorium concert. Hilburn delivers a candid critique of Bolan’s performance, suggesting that while his charisma remains intact, his musical direction and stage confidence appear strained as he strives to recapture earlier success.

Publication: Los Angeles Times   Date: August 14 1973 Country: United States

Under the headline “T. Rex Not No. 1, but Trying Too Hard,” Hilburn reflects on Bolan’s attempt to reignite the fervour of his 1972 U.S. tour. The review opens by noting that T. Rex, once nearly written off after modest tours, returned with a “vigorous, fast‑paced concert” for an enthusiastic but unconvinced audience. Hilburn argues that Bolan’s challenges are more psychological than musical — describing him as a “fragile cult figure” struggling to translate his British stardom to American audiences.

The review recalls Bolan’s earlier triumph with Bang a Gong (Get It On) and his subsequent decline following The Slider and Tanx, albums that failed to sustain momentum in the U.S. market.

Saturday’s show featured extended versions of early hits like Jeepster and Bang a Gong, with Bolan’s performance alternating between charm and desperation.

Hilburn describes Bolan’s stage antics — straddling his guitar, flailing it with a whip, and addressing the crowd about his record sales — as symptomatic of his struggle to maintain confidence.

Despite moments of musical improvement, including tighter instrumentation and more disciplined backing vocals, Hilburn concludes that Bolan’s theatrics overshadowed his artistry.

The review closes with a pointed observation: “If Bolan doesn’t have any more artistic self‑respect than to engage in such antics, he isn’t really worth our attention.”

CONTEXT AND NOTES  

By 1973, Marc Bolan was navigating the aftermath of his glam‑rock peak. This Los Angeles Times piece captures the tension between his enduring charisma and the pressures of sustaining international fame.

Hilburn’s critique reflects the American press’s skepticism toward British glam acts, contrasting Bolan’s theatrical style with the more grounded expectations of U.S. rock audiences. The review also underscores Bolan’s transitional phase — moving from glitter‑pop icon to hard‑rock performer — a shift that would define his later tours and recordings.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS  

Event: T. Rex live at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

Era: 1973 – Tanx Tour / Post‑Glam Transition Tone: Analytical, critical, and reflective Photography: Black‑and‑white portrait of Marc Bolan with curly hair and glittered attire, captioned “Marc Bolan”

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