T. Rex (October 20, 1970) – Southampton Concert Advert - Southern Evening Echo
This simple but historically significant newspaper advertisement announces T. Rex's appearance at Southampton Guildhall on October 20, 1970. Published on the day of the performance, the advert captures the group during the crucial transitional period immediately following the breakthrough success of "Ride A White Swan", when Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn were beginning to establish T. Rex as a major force in British rock.
Publication: Southern Evening Echo
Date: October 20, 1970
Country: United Kingdom
Published as a straightforward concert advertisement, the notice promotes T. REX IN CONCERT at Guildhall Southampton on the evening of Tuesday, October 20, 1970.
The advert announces an 8 p.m. start and lists three ticket prices: 10 shillings, 8 shillings and 6 shillings. Advance tickets were available from the Information Bureau, The Junction, Southampton.
The design is deliberately minimal, relying on the bold T. REX name to attract attention. No supporting acts are listed and no additional promotional claims are included. The emphasis is entirely on the appearance of Marc Bolan's rapidly rising group.
The timing of the concert is particularly notable. By October 1970, T. Rex were undergoing a dramatic transformation from the acoustic Tyrannosaurus Rex of the late 1960s into the electric rock act that would dominate the British charts during the coming years.
As such, the advert documents an appearance during one of the most important periods in Marc Bolan's career.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: T. Rex concert at Southampton Guildhall
Concert Date: October 20, 1970
Era: Early T. Rex transition period
Tone: Concert advertisement
Venue: Southampton Guildhall
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• T. Rex advertised at Southampton Guildhall
• Concert date of October 20, 1970
• 8 p.m. start time
• Ticket prices of 10/-, 8/- and 6/-
• Advance booking through Southampton Information Bureau
• Early concert promotion during T. Rex's transition from Tyrannosaurus Rex
CONTEXT AND NOTES
The clipping is significant because it captures T. Rex at a pivotal stage in their development. During 1970, the group was moving away from the earlier Tyrannosaurus Rex sound and embracing the electric style that would soon bring widespread commercial success.
Unlike later T. Rex advertisements filled with photographs, slogans and chart references, this notice is notable for its simplicity. The band's name alone was considered sufficient to sell the event.
The advert appeared on the day of the concert itself, serving as a final reminder to readers before the evening performance.
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