T. Rex (October 18, 1974) – Portland Concert Review - The Sunday Oregonian (October 20, 1974)
Updated: Oct 20
This Sunday Oregonian concert review covers a sold-out appearance by T. Rex at Portland's Paramount Northwest. While the reviewer was critical of Marc Bolan's performance and felt the band's theatrics failed to generate excitement, the article nevertheless documents an important stop on T. Rex's 1974 American tour and provides a contemporary account of the group's elaborate stage presentation.
This Sunday Oregonian concert review documents T. Rex's appearance at Portland's Paramount Northwest during the band's 1974 American tour. Although reviewer John Wendeborn was critical of the performance, the surviving review, ticket stub and known setlist combine to provide a detailed snapshot of Marc Bolan and T. Rex on the road during the Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow era.
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 Paramount Northwest in Portland, Oregon, attended by approximately 3,000 people.
The evening opened with a performance by Portland group Doogy, before T. Rex took the stage. Marc Bolan fronted a six-piece version of the band as they worked through a set combining material from throughout their career.
The reviewer refers to Bolan as "Mr. Star Syndrome" and describes the performance as relying heavily on visual presentation. During the show, Bolan was hoisted on the points of a huge illuminated star, while explosions and pyrotechnic effects were incorporated into the production.
Despite these theatrical elements, Wendeborn remained largely unconvinced. He argued that the set lacked excitement and suggested that both Bolan and the band appeared to be working hard to generate enthusiasm from the audience.
The article nevertheless confirms that T. Rex remained a significant concert attraction. The Portland appearance was a sell-out, and the scale of the production demonstrated the band's continued commitment to the American market.
The second half of the review concentrates on Blue Öyster Cult, who received a considerably more enthusiastic assessment from the writer. However, the T. Rex portion remains an important contemporary account of the band's live presentation during the latter stages of their American touring activity.
CONCERT DETAILS
Venue: Paramount Northwest (Paramount Theatre), Portland, Oregon
Address: 1037 S.W. Broadway, Portland, Oregon
Date: October 18, 1974
Time: 8:00 PM
Attendance: Approximately 3,000
Ticket Price: $5.00 (Non-Reserved)
Support Act: Doogy
Headliner: Blue Öyster Cult
Tour: Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow
Known Setlist:
Cadillac
Jeepster
Baby Strange
Spaceball Ricochet
Telegram Sam
Hot Love
Get It On
CONTEXT AND NOTES
A surviving concert ticket confirms the event took place at Paramount Northwest, 1037 S.W. Broadway, Portland, Oregon, on Friday, October 18, 1974, with an 8:00 PM start time. The ticket also confirms a $5.00 non-reserved admission price.
The known setlist shows that Bolan relied heavily on established audience favourites. With "Jeepster," "Telegram Sam," "Hot Love" and "Get It On" all appearing in the show, the performance functioned almost as a greatest-hits set for American audiences.
The review's description of a giant illuminated star and stage explosions provides a rare contemporary account of T. Rex's 1974 concert production and demonstrates how the band's live presentation had evolved since the minimalist Tyrannosaurus Rex years.
Although the reviewer was not impressed, the sold-out attendance suggests that Marc Bolan still retained a substantial following in the Pacific Northwest during this period.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: T. Rex live at Paramount Northwest, Portland
Concert Date: October 18, 1974
Publication Date: October 20, 1974
Era: Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow Tour
Tone: Critical concert review
Attendance: Approximately 3,000
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Review of T. Rex's sold-out Portland concert
• Marc Bolan leading a six-piece T. Rex lineup
• Performance at Paramount Northwest, Portland
• Giant illuminated star used during the stage show
• Pyrotechnic effects incorporated into the concert
• Setlist including "Jeepster," "Telegram Sam," "Hot Love" and "Get It On"
• Contemporary American critical reaction to T. Rex during the 1974 U.S. tour
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