T. Rex (August 26, 1972) – “T. Rex Maxi Single” Cover – New Musical Express
This New Musical Express front page from August 1972 announces the release of T. Rex’s upcoming three‑track maxi single, Children of the Revolution, alongside a striking photograph of Marc Bolan performing live. The bold design and headline reflect the band’s dominance in British rock and the anticipation surrounding their new material.
Publication: New Musical Express Date: August 26 1972 Country: United Kingdom
The cover promotes T. Rex’s new single, scheduled for release on September 8, featuring Children of the Revolution, Jitterbug Love, and Sunken Rags. The songs were recorded in France and tied to the forthcoming concert film Born to Boogie, produced by Ringo Starr. The article notes Bolan’s plans to film a Top of the Pops performance before departing for the U.S., and mentions a proposed budget album drawn from the Born to Boogie soundtrack, including a 20‑minute version of Get It On.
It also highlights Bolan’s growing literary success, with his poetry book already selling over 40,000 copies. The layout combines promotional text with circulation statistics for NME, emphasizing its rapid growth as “the world’s fastest‑growing music weekly.” Bolan’s image — guitar in hand, mid‑performance — captures the energy and glamour of his peak period.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
By late 1972, T. Rex were global superstars, bridging glam rock and pop sensibility.
Children of the Revolution became one of their most iconic singles, symbolizing Bolan’s confidence and creative expansion beyond Electric Warrior.
The NME cover reflects both the band’s cultural impact and the publication’s role in documenting Britain’s vibrant early‑1970s music scene. Bolan’s collaboration with Ringo Starr on Born to Boogie further cemented his crossover appeal between rock and film.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Release announcement for T. Rex’s Children of the Revolution maxi single Era: 1972 – Born to Boogie / Glam Rock Superstardom Era Tone: Promotional, energetic, and celebratory Photography: Black‑and‑white live shot of Marc Bolan playing guitar on stage
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Front‑page feature announcing T. Rex’s new three‑track single
Details of recording in France and film tie‑in with Born to Boogie
Circulation figures and editorial promotion for NME
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