T. Rex (October 16, 1971) – “During Tour” News Feature – Evening Despatch.
As Electric Warrior surged up the album charts, Marc Bolan spoke about recording in America, developing a new sound, and preparing both a forthcoming single and a new album. Published during the breakthrough months of Bolanmania, the feature captured T. Rex at a moment of extraordinary momentum.
Publication: Evening Despatch
Publication Date: October 16, 1971
Country: United Kingdom
Event Date: October 1971
Appearing in Bob Eborall's music column, this feature finds Marc Bolan discussing the success of Electric Warrior and the rapid developments surrounding T. Rex.
Bolan explains that much of the album was recorded in America during the band's April tour. After returning to Britain, he revisited the recordings and added overdubs including strings and saxophones, allowing him to develop the material further than he normally would during a recording project.
Discussing future releases, Bolan reveals that T. Rex were already recording their next single, scheduled for release in mid‑November. He promises that the record will be a rocker but noticeably different from Get It On, suggesting that he was actively developing a fresh musical direction rather than repeating recent successes.
The feature also reveals that enough material had already been prepared for another album. Bolan explains that once the new single was completed, the band planned to return to the studio to begin work on the next LP, which he expected to be released early in the following year.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published only weeks after the release of Electric Warrior, the article captures Marc Bolan at a point where T. Rex were rapidly transforming from a successful underground act into one of Britain's biggest bands.
Of particular historical interest is Bolan's discussion of a forthcoming single intended to follow Get It On. The feature documents his desire to move forward creatively and avoid simply repeating a successful formula.
The article also highlights the band's increasingly demanding schedule. T. Rex were preparing for an extensive British tour running from mid‑October to mid‑November before returning to the United States for further appearances.
Most revealing is Bolan's enthusiasm about the future. Reflecting on the group's rapid rise, he notes that T. Rex had once been regarded as an underground act and expresses excitement about the opportunities now opening up before them.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Marc Bolan discusses Electric Warrior and future plans
Era: 1971 – Electric Warrior era
Tone: Optimistic and forward‑looking
Photography: None
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Marc Bolan discussing the recording of Electric Warrior
References to American recording sessions
Comments about string and saxophone overdubs
Plans for a new single due in November 1971
Discussion of a forthcoming album
Announcement of an extensive British tour
Plans for a return to the United States
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