T. Rex (February 7, 2022) – The Gliderdrome Album UK: Double 10"
The Gliderdrome is a live archive release issued by Solid Gold Records in early 2022 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of T. Rex's appearance at The Gliderdrome in Boston, Lincolnshire.
The release documents a concert recorded at the Starlight Room, Gliderdrome, on January 15, 1972, during a pivotal period in T. Rex's rise to international success. Presented on two blue 10-inch vinyl records, the set was issued alongside additional memorabilia items and a companion CD edition.
RECORDING
The album was recorded live on Saturday, January 15, 1972, at the Starlight Room, Gliderdrome, Spain Place, Boston, Lincolnshire, England.
The recording captures T. Rex featuring Marc Bolan, Steve Currie, Mickey Finn and Bill Legend. The surviving tape preserves much of the performance, although Telegram Sam was performed at the concert and no recording has been located.
The audio restoration and mastering were carried out by Anders Peterson at Ghost Sound Mastering & Post in Sweden.
STYLE & THEMES
The performance captures T. Rex during the Electric Warrior era, combining major chart hits with extended live performances and concert improvisation.
The recording showcases the group's transition from intimate theatre performances toward the larger-scale concerts that defined the height of T. Rextasy during 1972.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Cadillac — Extended opening performance running over fourteen minutes.
• Jeepster — Live crowd favourite.
• Thunderwing — Powerful live interpretation.
• Baby Strange — Early live performance of the then-current material.
• Spaceball Ricochet — Extended concert version.
• Girl — Rare inclusion in the live set.
• Cosmic Dancer — Acoustic-influenced live performance.
• Hot Love — Audience favourite from the height of T. Rex's chart success.
• Get It On — Extended closing performance approaching eight minutes.
RELEASE HISTORY
The release was issued during the fiftieth anniversary year of the concert.
The package was available as a two-disc blue 10-inch vinyl set, with additional companion merchandise including a CD edition, poster and related memorabilia.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — guitar, vocals
Steve Currie — bass
Mickey Finn — congas
Bill Legend — drums
PRODUCTION
Label: Solid Gold Records
Catalogue Number: SG003
Format: 2 × 10" Blue Vinyl
Country: UK
Audio Restoration: Anders Peterson
Design: Les Clark
Project Acknowledgement: Andrew J. Gardner
NOTES
• Recorded live on January 15, 1972 at the Starlight Room, Gliderdrome, Boston, Lincolnshire.
• Released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the concert.
• Issued on blue 10-inch vinyl.
• Telegram Sam was performed during the concert but no surviving recording has been located.
• Audio restoration completed by Anders Peterson at Ghost Sound Mastering & Post, Sweden.
• Design by Les Clark.
• Special thanks credited to Andrew J. Gardner.
• All royalties were directed to the Light of Love Foundation for the Marc Bolan School of Music & Film.
• Community listing shows 2 owners and 1 wanted copy on 45cat.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
T. Rex | The Gliderdrome | Solid Gold Records | UK | SG003 | February 7, 2022 | 2 × 10" Blue Vinyl |
T. Rex | The Gliderdrome | Solid Gold Records | UK | SG003 | January 2022 | CD Edition |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
Disc 1 | SG003 | Side One • Cadillac Side Two • Jeepster • Thunderwing |
Disc 2 | SG003 | Side Three • Baby Strange • Spaceball Ricochet • Girl Side Four • Cosmic Dancer • Hot Love • Get It On |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts.
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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