Marc Bolan (November 19, 1965) – "The Wizard" b/w "Beyond The Risin' Sun" Single UK: 7"
Updated: Oct 5
Released on November 19, 1965 by Decca Records, "The Wizard" was Marc Bolan's debut commercial single and one of the earliest releases issued under his adopted stage name. Arriving during his pre-Tyrannosaurus Rex years, the record showcased Bolan's emerging songwriting style, blending folk, fantasy and mystical imagery that would later become central to his work.
The single paired "The Wizard" with "Beyond The Risin' Sun", both written by Bolan. Although the release was not a commercial success at the time, it has since become one of the most sought-after records in his catalogue and a key document of his artistic beginnings.
Both tracks were recorded at Decca Studios, Broadhurst Gardens, West Hampstead, London.
The session took place on September 14, 1965 under the supervision of producer Jim Economides.
A third song from the session, "That's The Bag I'm In", was also recorded but remained unreleased at the time.
Arrangements were handled by Mike Leander.
STYLE & THEMES
"The Wizard" presents a whimsical and imaginative narrative built around magical characters and fantasy themes, reflecting Bolan's fascination with mythology and storytelling.
"Beyond The Risin' Sun" continues the folk-influenced direction of his early recordings while hinting at the lyrical style that would later define his Tyrannosaurus Rex period.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• The Wizard — Marc Bolan's debut single A-side and his first widely distributed commercial recording.
• Beyond The Risin' Sun — Companion B-side written during the same creative period and recorded at the September 1965 session.
RELEASE HISTORY
The single was released in the United Kingdom on November 19, 1965 through Decca Records under catalogue number F.12288.
In addition to the standard commercial issue, promotional copies were produced and distributed. Over the years, several reproduction and reissue versions have also appeared, leading collectors to closely examine labels, centres and matrix details when identifying original pressings.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, songwriter
Jim Economides — producer
Mike Leander — arranger, music director
PRODUCTION
Recorded at: Decca Studios, Broadhurst Gardens, West Hampstead, London
Producer: Jim Economides
Arranger: Mike Leander
Label: Decca Records
Catalogue Number: F.12288
NOTES
• Released on November 19, 1965 as Marc Bolan's debut commercial single.
• Both songs were recorded during a September 14, 1965 studio session at Decca Studios.
• An additional recording from the session, "That's The Bag I'm In", remained unreleased.
• Around this period Bolan had begun using an umlaut over the "O" in his surname.
• During the production stage he requested that the umlauts be added to the record labels.
• Because some labels had already been printed, copies exist both with and without the umlaut variation.
• Collectors have identified copies where the umlaut appears on only one side of the record.
• Copies with umlauts on both sides are believed possible, although they are rarely encountered.
• Original matrix numbers were: • Side 1: DR 36707 • Side 2: DR 36708
• Commercial run-out inscriptions include: • Side 1: DRF-36707-T1-1C • Side 2: DRF-36708-T1-1C
• Demonstration copies were issued in several label variations, including examples missing track information on one or both sides.
• Original UK copies are among the most valuable and collectible releases associated with Marc Bolan's early career.
• A solid-centre reproduction appeared in the early 1980s. These copies can usually be identified by small paired nicks appearing in the label area and were produced in black, orange and clear vinyl variants.
• Another reproduction was manufactured in 2008 as part of a box set. Although visually similar to the original, it can be distinguished by altered typography and the absence of a true push-out centre.
• Because of the rarity and value of original copies, collectors are advised to examine centre construction, label details and matrix information carefully when purchasing examples.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
Marc Bolan | The Wizard | Decca | UK | F.12288 | November 19, 1965 | 7" Single |
Marc Bolan | The Wizard | Decca | UK | F.12288 | 1965 | 7" Promo |
Marc Bolan | The Wizard | Decca | UK | None | 1965 | Demonstration Sample |
Marc Bolan | The Wizard | Decca | UK | F.12288 | 2008 | 7" Reissue, Remastered |
Marc Bolan | The Wizard | Decca | UK | F.12288 | Unknown Date | 7" Unofficial Reissue |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue Number | Tracklisting |
7" Single | F.12288 | Side 1: The Wizard Side 2: Beyond The Risin' Sun |
7" Promo | F.12288 | Side 1: The Wizard Side 2: Beyond The Risin' Sun |
SOURCES Discos, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts
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