T. Rex (October 28, 1972) – “Still Mighty Hard For Marc...” Concert Review - Melody Maker
This Melody Maker live review examines T. Rex's appearance at Los Angeles' Civic Auditorium during the band's 1972 North American tour. While recognising Marc Bolan's star quality and the enthusiasm of dedicated fans, the reviewer suggests that the group still faced challenges in translating the full force of Bolanmania to American audiences.
Publication: Melody Maker
Date: October 28, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
Under the headline "Still Mighty Hard For Marc...", the review reports on a T. Rex concert at the Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Written from an American perspective, the article explores the contrast between Marc Bolan's enormous popularity in Britain and the more cautious reaction often encountered during the band's American appearances.
The reviewer notes that T. Rex still attracted a passionate following, with many fans responding enthusiastically to Bolan's appearance and performance. However, the article argues that the atmosphere differed from the intense hysteria associated with Bolanmania in the United Kingdom, where the group had become one of the nation's biggest attractions.
The performance itself is described as energetic and professional, with Bolan remaining the focal point throughout the evening. Supported by the band, he delivered the combination of glamour, confidence and stage presence that had helped establish T. Rex as one of the defining acts of the era.
The review acknowledges that few performers could command attention in quite the same way.
A large concert photograph accompanies the article, showing Marc Bolan performing on stage before the audience. The image reinforces the review's focus on the live experience and captures the visual appeal that remained central to the group's success.
While the reviewer raises questions about T. Rex's long-term prospects in America, the article nevertheless concludes that Bolan remained a major attraction whose performances still carried considerable excitement and appeal.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published during T. Rex's 1972 American tour, the review reflects the challenges many British acts faced when attempting to replicate domestic success in the United States. Although "Bang A Gong (Get It On)" had given the group a breakthrough hit, American audiences were still becoming familiar with the wider T. Rex catalogue.
The article is notable because it captures a moment when Marc Bolan was already an established star in Britain but was still working to build a comparable level of recognition overseas. The review therefore serves as a snapshot of T. Rex during a crucial phase of international expansion.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: T. Rex concert at Los Angeles Civic Auditorium
Era: 1972 The Slider era
Tone: Analytical and performance-focused
Photography: Large live photograph of Marc Bolan and T. Rex performing on stage
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Review of T. Rex performing at the Los Angeles Civic Auditorium
• Discussion of Bolanmania and audience reaction in America
• Assessment of Marc Bolan's stage presence and performance style
• Large concert photograph of T. Rex live on stage
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