top of page

T. Rex (September 3, 1982) – "One Inch Rock" b/w "Ride A White Swan" Format: United Kingdom

Writer: T.Rex
T.Rex
Sep 3, 1982
2 min read

Issued as part of Cube Records’ Backtrackin’ Classic Singles Series, this 1982 re‑issue pairs two key Marc Bolan tracks from different phases of his career. The A‑side, One Inch Rock, originates from the Tyrannosaurus Rex era, while the B‑side, Ride A White Swan, represents the early breakthrough of T. Rex’s glam‑rock period. The release date is confirmed in The New Singles No. 942.


RECORDING

Both tracks are original early‑1970s recordings produced by Tony Visconti. No new studio work was undertaken for this 1982 edition; the single simply re‑presents the existing masters.



STYLE & THEMES

The pairing highlights Bolan’s stylistic evolution: • One Inch Rock reflects the mystical, acoustic‑driven Tyrannosaurus Rex sound. • Ride A White Swan showcases the emerging glam‑rock confidence that would soon define T. Rex’s chart success.


TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES

One Inch Rock — A whimsical, acoustic‑leaning track from the Tyrannosaurus Rex period, marked by Bolan’s distinctive lyrical imagery.

Ride A White Swan — A pivotal early glam‑rock single, driven by rhythmic swagger and Bolan’s evolving electric sound.


RELEASE HISTORY

Released 3 September 1982 in the UK as a 7" vinyl single on Cube Records. Catalogue number BAK 5. Part of the Backtrackin’ Classic Singles Series. Noted as a re‑issue.


PERSONNEL

T. Rex — performance

Marc Bolan — songwriting


PRODUCTION

Produced by Tony Visconti

Label: Cube Records

Catalogue numbers: • BAK 5

Artist: T. Rex

Title: BackTrackin’ — One Inch Rock / Ride A White Swan

Label: Cube Records

Country: United Kingdom Catalogue: BAK 5

Date: September 3, 1982

Format: 7" Single

Tracklist (7"):  

A — One Inch Rock

B — Ride A White Swan


Notes:   Re‑issue. Part of the Backtrackin’ Classic Singles Series. Release date sourced from The New Singles No. 942.

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


New Background - Compressed.jpg

Shop Now

Explore our curated collection of authentic vintage treasures - from iconic vinyls to press cuttings to classic magazine covers and more - and bring home a true piece of glam history.

BOLAN BLOG HEADER2_edited.jpg

Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out!

bg-stars-new (1).png

Site Map

A Marc In Time

highlights

from Marc’s

career

There Was A Time

Vintage newspaper

clippings, magazine

cuttings & press

The Time is Now

Latest reissues,

releases, & 2026

updates

A Wizard in Waiting

Marc’s earliest solo

years and pre-fame

magic

Midsummer Night’s

John's Children

The wild 1967

mod/psych chapter

Stars on Brows

Mystical folk-psych

era with

Steve Peregrin Took

​​​

 

The Birth of Glam

Marc Bolan ignited the UK  music scene and T.Rex ruled the charts

The Dandy's Return

Marc evolves from Soul through Funk to the torchbearer of Punk

Eternal Boogie

Post-1977 releases,

rarities, rediscoveries

The legacy continued

Hang-Ups

Rare photos, live shots, album art & visual treasures

Albums:

Bolan's Boogie

Deep dives into

every studio album​

 

Singles:

7 Inch Boogie

The Hits The B-Sides

and more 

 

© 2026 by Glam Slam Chronicles.

bottom of page