Tyrannosaurus Rex (September 19, 1970) – “How a Last‑Minute Addition Rocked the First Glastonbury”
Updated: Sep 19
On September 19 1970, a muddy field in Somerset’s Worthy Farm became the birthplace of the Glastonbury Festival. When headliners The Kinks and Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders pulled out, Tyrannosaurus Rex, led by Marc Bolan, stepped in and delivered a psychedelic performance that transformed a small local event into a legendary moment in music history.
Publication: Festival Chronicle Date: September 19, 1970 Country: United Kingdom
On September 19, 1970, Worthy Farm hosted the first Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival. Around 1,500 people gathered for £1 entry, free milk, camping, and a peaceful hippie atmosphere.
The event coincided with news of Jimi Hendrix’s death, marked by a minute’s silence. Originally headlined by The Kinks and Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders, both acts cancelled.
Tyrannosaurus Rex — Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn — stepped in as last‑minute headliners.
Still a psychedelic folk duo, they arrived in a velvet‑covered Buick and performed after midnight. Their acoustic, bongo‑driven set likely included early favourites such as “Debora,” “Hot Rod Mama,” and “By the Light of a Magical Moon.”
Eyewitnesses described the performance as a highlight, with Bolan’s charisma captivating the small crowd. Weeks later, Bolan would release “Ride a White Swan,” beginning the transition from Tyrannosaurus Rex to T. Rex and the glam‑rock era.
This Glastonbury appearance became a final moment of their folk period and a key part of the festival’s origin story.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Michael Eavis paid Bolan £100 in milk‑profit instalments, reflecting the festival’s grassroots nature.
The peaceful, communal atmosphere and eclectic lineup helped shape Glastonbury’s future identity. Tyrannosaurus Rex’s appearance proved that even a tiny “mini‑festival” could attract major talent and leave a lasting mark.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: First Glastonbury Festival appearance by Tyrannosaurus Rex
Era: 1970 – Psychedelic Folk / Pre‑Glam Transition
Tone: Nostalgic, vivid, and celebratory Photography: Descriptions only; no surviving official images
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Tyrannosaurus Rex stepping in as last‑minute headliners
A small, peaceful festival with 1,500 attendees
A midnight psychedelic folk performance remembered as a highlight
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