T. Rex (March 15 1973) – Top of the Pops “20th Century Boy” Chart Rundown

On March 15 1973, BBC’s Top of the Pops (Episode 481) used T. Rex’s powerful new single “20th Century Boy” as the backing track for the entire Top 30 chart rundown — one of the most memorable uses of a glam rock anthem on the show.

BROADCAST DETAILS

Show: Top of the Pops

Date: Thursday, March 15 1973 (broadcast at 18:45)

Host: Noel Edmonds

Status: Wiped (no surviving footage) Key Feature: “20th Century Boy” played over the full Top 30 chart rundown (Chart Position #3)

PERFORMANCES FEATURED

• T. Rex – 20th Century Boy (Played Over Charts, #3)

• Gilbert O’Sullivan – Get Down (Mimed, #30)

• Cliff Richard – Power To All Our Friends (Mimed repeat, #13)

• Roxy Music – Pyjamarama (Mimed, #31)

• White Plains – Step Into A Dream (Mimed, #21)

• The O’Jays – Love Train (Pan’s People Dance Routine, #28)

• Shirley Bassey – Never, Never, Never (Mimed repeat, #20)

• Timmy Thomas – Why Can’t We Live Together (Mimed, #23)

• Slade – Cum On Feel The Noize (Mimed, #1)

• Kenny – Heart Of Stone (Audience Dancing, #19)

CREDITS

• Presenter: Noel Edmonds

• Producer: Johnnie Stewart

• Director: Johnny Pearson

• Choreographer: Flick Colby

THE STORY 

Even without a live studio appearance, Marc Bolan and T. Rex dominated the episode through the thunderous riff of “20th Century Boy” powering the chart countdown. This was peak glam rock television — capturing the energy of 1973 when T. Rex, Slade, and Roxy Music ruled the airwaves.

CONTEXT & NOTES

This wiped episode remains a legendary entry in Top of the Pops history among glam fans. “20th Century Boy” — one of T. Rex’s heaviest and most enduring hits — perfectly soundtracked the chart rundown, giving the broadcast an unmistakable glam edge.

RELATED MATERIAL 

T. Rex – “20th Century Boy” (1973 Single) T. Rex – Tanx (1973 Album)

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES

Wikipedia, Discogs, BBC Charts, TOTP Archive, and 45cat.

All single artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.