T. Rex (July 28, 2002) – “Marc Bolan, so obscure, so influential”– The Philadelphia Inquirer

The July 28, 2002 edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer features an article by Tom Moon on T. Rex’s Marc Bolan, describing him as so obscure yet so influential.

Publication: The Philadelphia Inquirer Date: July 28, 2002

Country: United States

The piece discusses Marc Bolan’s lasting impact despite relative obscurity in the United States. It covers the 25th anniversary of his death, the retrospective 20th Century Boy: The Ultimate Collection, and Bolan’s pioneering glam-rock style. Mentions include the influence of “Bang a Gong (Get It On),” his image-rich fantasy themes, and the shift from Tyrannosaurus Rex’s acoustic beginnings to the electric hits of the early 1970s. A photo of Bolan holding a guitar accompanies the text.

CONTEXT AND NOTES 

The article places Bolan among the most influential outfits of the era while noting how his work remains under-recognised by many American listeners.

It highlights the enduring appeal of his sound, style and lyrical themes.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS 

Event: Retrospective feature

Era: 2002 (anniversary coverage) Tone: Appreciative, reflective Photography: Black-and-white photo of Marc Bolan with guitar

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Headline “T. Rex’s Marc Bolan, so obscure, so influential”

• Discussion of Bolan’s influence and the 25th anniversary of his death

• References to 20th Century Boy: The Ultimate Collection and key tracks

• Photo of Marc Bolan holding a guitar

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.

---