Marc Bolan (November 19, 1965) “The Wizard” / “Beyond The Rising Sun” – Single 7" UK

In the autumn of 1965, a 17-year-old Marc Bolan (then still known as Mark Feld) stepped into the spotlight for the first time as a solo artist. Long before the folk mysticism of Tyrannosaurus Rex or the electric glam explosion of T. Rex, he released his official debut solo single “The Wizard” — a gentle, folk-tinged pop song with a touch of whimsy and early mystical themes that would later define his songwriting. Backed with “Beyond The Rising Sun,” this Decca 7" single marks the absolute beginning of Marc Bolan’s recording career.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: Marc Bolan

Label: Decca

Date: November 19, 1965

Catalogue: F.12288

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Country: UK

A-Side: “The Wizard”

B-Side: “Beyond The Rising Sun”

Written by: Marc Bolan

Produced by: Denny Cordell

UK 7" Commercial Single (F.12288) A. The Wizard B. Beyond The Rising Sun

Note: Available in both push-out centre and solid centre pressings. Bright orange Decca company sleeve with vertical “DECCA” lettering and blue labels with silver text.

UK Variants

4-prong push-out centre

Solid centre

PERSONNEL

Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar

Denny Cordell — producer

THE STORY

 “The Wizard” / “Beyond The Rising Sun” was Marc Bolan’s official debut solo single, released when he was just 17 years old. Produced by Denny Cordell, both self-penned tracks capture his early folk-pop phase during the mid-1960s beat era. Although the single failed to chart and received little attention at the time, it remains an extremely rare and highly collectible artefact — the first official recording by the artist who would go on to become one of the most influential figures in British glam rock.

The single features gentle folk-pop arrangements that hint at the whimsical and poetic style Bolan would later perfect.

B-Sides 

The UK 7" carried one non-album B-side.

“Beyond The Rising Sun”

• Folk-pop track with early mystical undertones

• Showcases Bolan’s youthful songwriting and dreamy direction

SOURCES 

Discogs,

45cat,

Official Charts,

Wikipedia.

This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. All rights to the music, artwork, and trademarks belong to their respective copyright holders