Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 19, 1968) “Biggest ever” Manchester Evening News

The April 19, 1968 edition of the Manchester Evening News features a review and profile of Tyrannosaurus Rex, noting their unusual name and describing their debut single “Debora” while highlighting their first public appearance at Hyde Park.

Publication: Manchester Evening News Date: April 19, 1968

Country: United Kingdom Location: Manchester Section: Music Review / Pop Column

THE STORY

The piece explains the meaning of the band’s name (“King of the Lizards”) and introduces Marc Bolan (aged 21) and Steve Took (aged 20). It mentions their underground club performances and the single “Debora” on Regal-Zonophone, describing its repetitive chorus, lightning guitar work, and Bolan’s almost falsetto vocal.

CONTEXT AND NOTES 

This regional review appears during the very early days of Tyrannosaurus Rex as they transitioned from the underground scene to wider recognition. It reflects the curiosity surrounding their eccentric, poetic style just as their debut single was released.

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Headline referencing “Biggest ever” and the band’s unusual name

• Background on Marc Bolan and Steve Took

• Mention of their Hyde Park appearance and underground gigs

• Description of the sound of “Debora” (Regal-Zonophone)

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Early single review and band profile Era: 1968 (Early Tyrannosaurus Rex / Psychedelic Folk) Tone: Curious, descriptive, light-hearted Photography: Text-based review (no photo in clipping)

RELATED MATERIAL 

This April 19, 1968 Manchester Evening News review of Tyrannosaurus Rex pairs perfectly with the Widnes Weekly News feature from the same date, as well as the March 23, 1968 Middle Earth Club poster and the April 25 Leicester Mercury review of “Debora”. For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

All magazine scans, photographs 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.