T. Rex (October 18, 1974) – Portland Concert Review - The Sunday Oregonian (October 20, 1974)
This Sunday Oregonian concert review contrasts a disappointing T. Rex performance with what the reviewer considered a triumphant headline appearance by Blue Öyster Cult. While acknowledging Marc Bolan's celebrity status and stage presence, the article portrays T. Rex as struggling to generate excitement during a Portland concert appearance. This Sunday Oregonian concert review contrasts a disappointing T. Rex performance with what the reviewer considered a triumphant headline appearance by Blue Öyster Cult. While acknowledging Marc Bolan's celebrity status and stage presence, the article portrays T. Rex as struggling to generate excitement during a Portland concert appearance.
Publication: The Sunday Oregonian
Date: October 20, 1974
Concert Date: October 18, 1974
Country: United States
Written by John Wendeborn, the review covers a sold-out concert at the Paramount Northwest before an audience of approximately 3,000 people.
The article notes that Portland group Doogy opened the show before T. Rex took the stage. Marc Bolan is introduced as the leader of the six-piece group known as T. Rex, formerly Tyrannosaurus Rex.
The reviewer is highly critical of the performance, describing T. Rex's set as an hour of heavy rock that contained only occasional moments of excitement. Bolan is said to have looked uncomfortable for much of the performance, while the band is portrayed as working harder than necessary to make the material effective.
A handful of theatrical touches are mentioned, including Marc Bolan being elevated above the stage on the points of a giant illuminated star and the use of explosions during the set. The reviewer acknowledges these elements but argues that excitement was not generated through theatrics alone.
Despite criticism of the performance, the review recognises Bolan's continuing celebrity status by referring to him as “Mr. Star Syndrome.”
The second half of the article focuses on Blue Öyster Cult, who had topped the bill. By comparison, the reviewer praises that group's musicianship, stage presentation and performance, ultimately describing them as the highlight of the evening.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published on October 20, 1974, the review covers a concert held at Portland's Paramount Northwest on October 18, 1974.
The clipping captures a difficult period in T. Rex's American career. While Bolan remained a recognised star because of his earlier success, some American critics were noticeably less enthusiastic than British writers had been during the height of Bolanmania.
The review is particularly notable for documenting T. Rex's stage presentation during the period. References to the illuminated star, pyrotechnic effects and larger touring band show how the live show had evolved from the earlier Tyrannosaurus Rex era.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: T. Rex performance at Paramount Northwest, Portland
Concert Date: October 18, 1974
Publication Date: October 20, 1974
Era: 1974 T. Rex period
Tone: Critical concert review
Photography: Concert photograph of Marc Bolan performing live with guitar
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Review of a sold-out Portland concert attended by approximately 3,000 people
• Marc Bolan leading T. Rex during a six-piece stage show
• References to illuminated star effects and stage explosions
• Description of Bolan as “Mr. Star Syndrome”
• Comparison between T. Rex and Blue Öyster Cult
• Contemporary American reaction to a 1974 T. Rex concert performance
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