Tyrannosaurus Rex (May 5 1969) – BBC Top Gear Session

On May 5 1969, Tyrannosaurus Rex recorded a magical session at The Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London for BBC Top Gear. The session, which included an interview with Brian Matthew, was broadcast across multiple dates in May and June 1969.

RECORDING & BROADCAST DETAILS

Artist: Tyrannosaurus Rex (Marc Bolan & Steve Peregrin Took)

Studio: The Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London Recorded: Monday, May 5 1969 Show: Top Gear (BBC Radio 1) Broadcast Dates:

• Sunday, May 11 1969 (tracks 2-3 to 2-6)

• Sunday, June 15 1969 (track 2-7) Interview: Recorded for the Top Of The Pops radio programme

TRACK LISTING

Interview With Brian Matthew (1:33) Interviewer – Brian Matthew

Chariots Of Silk (2:31)

Once Upon The Seas of Abyssinia (With Chat) (2:29)

Nijinsky Hind (With Chat) (2:23)

The Misty Coast of Albany (With Chat) (2:27)

Iscariot (With Chat) (2:03)

THE STORY 

This enchanting session captures Tyrannosaurus Rex at the height of their psychedelic folk period. Marc Bolan’s poetic and mystical lyrics shine through in tracks like “Chariots Of Silk” and “Iscariot,” while the spoken “With Chat” segments and the Brian Matthew interview offer a charming, intimate look at the duo.

CONTEXT & NOTES 

This was one of the band’s key BBC radio sessions of 1969, with the final track “Iscariot” airing on June 15. It remains a favourite among fans for its whimsical atmosphere and historical value as one of Steve Peregrin Took’s last major sessions with the band.

RELATED MATERIAL 

Tyrannosaurus Rex (June 17 1967) – BBC Saturday Club Session Tyrannosaurus Rex (June 11 1968) – BBC Top Gear Session

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

SOURCES Wikipedia, Discogs and 45cat, Marc Bolan Featuring John's Children, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Marc Bolan & T. Rex – Marc Bolan At The BBC (Radio Sessions And Broadcasts 1967 -1977).

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