T. Rex (October 6, 1976) – “Laser Love” Top Of The Pops Performance - BBC One (October7)
This edition of Top Of The Pops featured the television debut of the new T. Rex line-up as Marc Bolan and the group performed "Laser Love". Recorded on October 6, 1976 and broadcast the following evening, the appearance marked an important moment in the continuing evolution of T. Rex during the late 1970s.
Programme: Top Of The Pops
Broadcast Date: October 7, 1976
Recording Date: October 6, 1976
Channel: BBC One
Country: United Kingdom
T. Rex appeared on Top Of The Pops to perform their current single "Laser Love", which was charting at No. 42 at the time of transmission. The performance was recorded on October 6, 1976 and broadcast on October 7, 1976, introducing viewers to the latest incarnation of the group.
The appearance was significant because it represented the television debut of the new T. Rex line-up, reflecting the changes Marc Bolan had made as he continued to reshape the band. Although the song was presented as a mimed performance, it provided an important promotional platform for the single and allowed Bolan to showcase the refreshed image of T. Rex to a national audience.
The programme was hosted by Jimmy Savile and featured performances from a range of chart acts including Pussycat, England Dan & John Ford Coley, The Manhattans, Paul Nicholas and Smokie, while ABBA appeared via promotional video with "Dancing Queen", then at number one.
The episode survives in the BBC archives on colour master tape and remains an important visual document of the late-period T. Rex line-up. For many fans, the performance offers a valuable snapshot of Bolan's efforts to establish a new direction for the group during 1976.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
By October 1976, Marc Bolan was enjoying a renewed period of activity following the release of "Laser Love". While the single was only beginning its chart journey, the Top Of The Pops appearance provided national exposure and reinforced T. Rex's continuing presence within the British charts.
The performance is particularly notable because it documents the first television appearance of the new T. Rex line-up. It therefore serves as an important historical record of the band's development during the period leading into Bolan's final burst of chart success.
The episode has not been repeated by BBC Four since 2012 due to the involvement of its presenter.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: T. Rex perform "Laser Love" on Top Of The Pops
Era: 1976 T. Rex revival era
Tone: Promotional television appearance
Performance: First television appearance by the new T. Rex line-up
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• T. Rex performing "Laser Love"
• Television debut of the new T. Rex line-up
• Recording on October 6, 1976 and broadcast on October 7, 1976
• National BBC One exposure for the single
• Contemporary chart position of No. 42
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