T. Rex (October 28, 1973) – “Bolan, T. Rex Spectacular” Australian Tour Feature - The Sydney Morning Herald
This Sydney Morning Herald feature looks ahead to T. Rex’s imminent Australian appearances following the group's American and Far East touring. Published under the headline “Bolan, T. Rex Spectacular”, the item promises an unusually elaborate stage production involving fog machines, dramatic lighting, a special curtain backdrop and even oxy-welders, while reporting that Marc Bolan and T. Rex were due to arrive in Sydney the following Friday.
Publication: The Sydney Morning Herald
Date: October 28, 1973
Country: Australia
THE STORY
Appearing in Grant Thompson’s “Glitter Scene” column, the headline announces:
“BOLAN, T. REX SPECTACULAR”
The article looks forward to Marc Bolan and T. Rex bringing a visually ambitious production to Australia.
The newspaper reports plans for fog machines, elaborate lighting and oxy-welders, suggesting that the forthcoming performances could become one of the most visually striking rock productions seen locally.
EMI tour organiser Kevin Ritchie is quoted describing some of the band's specific technical requests.
According to Ritchie, the production had requested approximately 500 lb of dry ice for each performance.
T. Rex were also bringing their own special curtain backdrop for the concerts.
MARC BOLAN’S STAGE PRESENTATION
The clipping makes clear that the spectacle extended beyond stage equipment.
The article draws attention to Marc Bolan’s stage presentation and particularly the wardrobe being brought for the Australian appearances.
The combination of costumes, lighting, dry ice, fog and other production effects is presented as an important part of what audiences could expect from the forthcoming T. Rex concerts.
The newspaper even suggests that the visual presentation had the potential to be among the most exciting since Yes.
HORDERN PAVILION
The article specifically promotes a T. Rex appearance at the Hordern Pavilion the following Saturday night.
Rather than concentrating solely on the visual spectacle, the piece also promises that audiences would hear recent and established T. Rex hits through the venue’s PA system.
Lobby Loyde and The Coloured Balls are named as appearing earlier on the bill.
TOURING
The feature also reports that Marc Bolan and T. Rex were finishing a tour of Japan.
The group were due to arrive in Sydney on Friday, immediately preceding the Australian concert activity discussed in the column.
This places the Australian visit within a wider sequence of international touring referenced elsewhere in contemporary T. Rex coverage.
THE ELECTRIFYING T. REX ADVERT
A separate advertisement reproduced alongside the feature promotes:
“the ELECTRIFYING T. REX live in concert”
and describes the Australian dates as following record-breaking American and Far East tours.
The combination of the advertisement and Grant Thompson’s column reinforces the considerable emphasis being placed on T. Rex as a major international concert attraction.
TOP 40 SURVEY
The same page contains a 2SM Music Top 40 Survey representing the previous week’s chart positions.
Although separate from the T. Rex feature, the chart provides useful contemporary context for the Australian music scene surrounding the visit.
Artists visible in the Top 40 include Wings, Dawn featuring Tony Orlando, Suzi Quatro, Cher, Shirley Bassey, The Rolling Stones, Slade, Donny Osmond and Neil Diamond.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
The clipping provides valuable advance information about the production being prepared for T. Rex’s Australian appearances.
Rather than simply advertising a concert date, Grant Thompson reports specific details of the intended staging, including the unusual requirement for 500 lb of dry ice for each performance and the group’s own curtain backdrop.
The separate T. Rex advertisement adds further context by promoting the group’s concerts after American and Far East touring.
Together, the two items demonstrate that considerable emphasis was being placed on both T. Rex’s international reputation and the theatrical presentation of the forthcoming Australian shows.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Preview of T. Rex’s Australian concert appearances
Publication Date: October 28, 1973
Column: Glitter Scene
Writer: Grant Thompson
Era: 1973 T. Rex period
Tone: Promotional and anticipatory
Production: Fog, lighting, dry ice, curtain backdrop and additional visual effects
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• “Bolan, T. Rex Spectacular” headline
• Marc Bolan and T. Rex preparing for Australian appearances
• Approximately 500 lb of dry ice requested for each performance
• T. Rex bringing a special curtain backdrop
• Fog machines, lighting and oxy-welders mentioned as part of the production
• Marc Bolan’s stage wardrobe highlighted
• Hordern Pavilion identified as a forthcoming concert venue
• Lobby Loyde and The Coloured Balls named on the bill
• T. Rex reported as finishing a tour of Japan
• The group due to arrive in Sydney the following Friday
• Separate “The Electrifying T. Rex Live In Concert” advertisement
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