Tyrannosaurus Rex (February 22, 1969) Lion And Unicorn Tour – Manchester Free Trade Hall Concert

Tyrannosaurus Rex’s legendary “Lion And Unicorn” tour concert at Manchester’s historic Free Trade Hall on Saturday, February 22, 1969, promoted by NEMS Enterprises, with David Bowie opening the show performing his experimental one-man mime act depicting China’s invasion of Tibet.

Publication: Original Concert Poster + Signed Tour Programme

Date: February 22, 1969 Country: United Kingdom

Location: Free Trade Hall, Manchester

THE STORY

Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took brought their mystical acoustic psychedelic folk sound to Manchester as part of the “Lion And Unicorn” tour. The striking poster, designed by Hipgnosis and printed by Hastings Printing Co., prominently features a dramatic Tyrannosaurus Rex illustration. David Bowie opened the evening with a one-man mime routine about China’s invasion of Tibet, which reportedly received boos and heckles from parts of the audience. The tour programme was signed inside by Mickey Finn and Marc Bolan, and on the rear cover by John Peel.

CONTEXT AND NOTES 

This concert captured Tyrannosaurus Rex at the peak of their enchanted, percussive folk phase, just before the electric transformation into T. Rex. The “Lion And Unicorn” theme reflected Bolan’s fascination with myth and fantasy. Bowie’s experimental opening act highlighted the eclectic underground scene of the late 1960s. The signed programme and striking poster make this a highly desirable piece of British rock memorabilia.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS 

Event: Lion And Unicorn Tour Concert Era: 1969 (Psychedelic Folk / Underground Rock)

Tone: Promotional concert poster and signed programme Photography: Dramatic dinosaur illustration on poster; band portraits in programm

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS 

The poster features a large Tyrannosaurus Rex illustration against a red background with full venue, date, and ticket price details. The tour programme includes signed pages by Mickey Finn, Marc Bolan, and John Peel, along with band information and tour credits.

RELATED MATERIAL 

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