T. Rex (August 17 1973) – “Treble‑Trouble Speakers Rocket T. Rex Audience to Threshold of Pain” Feature – Everett Herald

This Everett Herald concert review from August 1973 captures T. Rex’s Seattle performance in vivid, critical detail. Written by Alva C. Roberts, it describes Marc Bolan’s glittering stage presence, deafening sound levels, and the chaotic energy that defined the band’s U.S. tour.

Publication: Everett Herald   Date: August 17 1973 Country: United States

Under the headline “Treble‑Trouble Speakers Rocket T. Rex  Audience to Threshold of Pain,” Roberts recounts the spectacle of Bolan’s return to Seattle.

The stage was “crammed with hydraulic light poles, snakes of cords and multiple banks of treble‑trouble speakers,” producing a volume so intense it reached “the very threshold of pain.

” Bolan, dressed in a green satin cape, delivered a flamboyant performance marked by theatrical gestures and relentless noise. The reviewer likens his singing to “a wounded crow in an empty rain barrel,” suggesting that the glamour and glitter couldn’t mask the sonic overload.

Despite the criticism, Roberts acknowledges Bolan’s effort to entertain the near‑capacity crowd, noting his determination to give fans their money’s worth. The article also mentions the opening act, Brownsville Station, whose set was described as disorganized and poorly received.

The piece closes with a sardonic observation of the audience’s fashion — “feather boats, tinselled eyes, padded shoulders, silver six‑inch heels, flouncy lame blouses” — encapsulating the flamboyant spirit of the glam‑rock era.

CONTEXT AND NOTES  

By 1973, T. Rex were at the height of their fame, touring the U.S. in support of Tanx and The Slider. Bolan’s shows were known for their extravagant staging and deafening amplification, hallmarks of glam‑rock excess.

This review reflects the divide between fans enthralled by Bolan’s charisma and critics overwhelmed by his volume and theatricality. The Everett Herald’s account stands as a snapshot of the American press’s reaction to British glam — fascinated yet skeptical of its glitter‑drenched bravado.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS  

Event: T. Rex live concert at Paramount Theatre, Seattle

Era: 1973 – Tanx Tour / U.S. Glam Rock Peak Tone: Critical, descriptive, and sardonic Photography: None included; text‑only review emphasizing vivid imagery of Bolan’s stage presence

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Everett Herald review of T. Rex’s Seattle concert

• Detailed critique of Marc Bolan’s performance and sound levels

• Commentary on glam‑rock spectacle and audience style

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