T. Rex (October 1, 1974) – “Light Of Love” Feature - Circus
This Circus feature finds Marc Bolan discussing the future of T. Rex, the break-up with EMI, his friendship with David Bowie and the recording of the new album Light Of Love. Speaking candidly about his career and ambitions in America, Bolan reflects on past successes while expressing confidence in the next phase of T. Rex.
Publication: Circus
Date: October 1, 1974
Country: United States
The interview focuses on Marc Bolan's efforts to rebuild T. Rex's presence in America through the new album Light Of Love. Looking back on previous American tours, Bolan admits that his earlier success in the United States had felt more like a second wave of Beatlemania than a sustainable long-term breakthrough. While he appreciated the attention, he remained determined to achieve a stronger and more lasting position in the market.
Bolan discusses the end of T. Rex's relationship with EMI and the move to Casablanca Records. He explains that Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow had received very little support from the record company and that he wanted greater creative freedom. This led to negotiations resulting in a new American recording deal and the creation of Light Of Love.
He also describes the recording of the new album in Los Angeles. The sessions featured a larger line-up than previous T. Rex records, including additional musicians and backing singers. Bolan explains that the title track "Light Of Love" was chosen as the first single because of its straightforward and accessible rock sound, which he believed would appeal to a wide audience.
The interview also addresses his friendship with David Bowie. Bolan dismisses stories of rivalry and insists that the two remained close friends despite press speculation. He explains that both artists came from similar backgrounds, shared comparable interests and often found themselves discussing future plans together.
Later in the feature, Bolan speaks about his hopes for the future and his belief that American audiences were beginning to understand T. Rex. He argues that Light Of Love represents a fresh start while maintaining the qualities that originally made the group successful. Although recognising the challenges ahead, he remains optimistic about expanding his audience and continuing to develop as a performer and songwriter.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published during a transitional period in Marc Bolan's career, the article captures him at a moment of renewal. The move to Casablanca Records represented a major change in direction, while Light Of Love was intended to establish a stronger American presence for T. Rex.
The feature is particularly notable for Bolan's comments regarding David Bowie. Rather than encouraging stories of conflict, he emphasises friendship and mutual understanding, providing a useful contemporary perspective on one of glam rock's most discussed relationships.
The interview also reflects Bolan's continuing confidence. Although the commercial peak of Bolanmania had passed, he remained convinced that T. Rex still had an important future and saw America as the key to the next stage of his career.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Marc Bolan discusses Light Of Love, Casablanca Records and America
Era: 1974 Light Of Love era
Tone: Reflective, optimistic and career-focused
Photography: Large photograph of Marc Bolan accompanying the feature
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Marc Bolan discussing the making of Light Of Love
• Comments on David Bowie and their continuing friendship
• Reflections on the end of the EMI relationship and move to Casablanca Records
• Bolan's hopes for renewed success in America
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.
Comments