Tyrannosaurus Rex (October 12, 1968) – University Of East Anglia Concert Report – The Eastern Evening News (October 14, 1968)
Updated: Oct 12
A local newspaper report documents Tyrannosaurus Rex's unexpected appearance at the University of East Anglia after the last‑minute cancellation of the Spencer Davis Group. The article captures an early chapter in the group's rise, with Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took stepping in to save the event at short notice.
Publication: The Eastern Evening News
Publication Date: October 14, 1968
Country: United Kingdom
Event Date: October 12, 1968
This report appeared following a University of East Anglia concert that was originally scheduled to feature the Spencer Davis Group. According to the article, the headline act cancelled at the last minute, prompting organisers to secure Tyrannosaurus Rex as a replacement.
The article quotes Nick Perren, Social Secretary of the UEA Students' Union, who expressed frustration over the cancellation. Despite the disruption, he noted that he had managed to secure Tyrannosaurus Rex, adding that they were actually the act he would have preferred to book.
Writer Charles Catchpole reports that the replacement booking helped rescue the event, although university organisers were still considering possible action over the circumstances surrounding the cancellation.
Accompanying the article is a photograph of Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took, with a caption noting that Tyrannosaurus Rex had played the university following the short‑notice withdrawal of the Spencer Davis Group.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
October 1968 found Tyrannosaurus Rex in the midst of their breakthrough year. The duo had already attracted attention through appearances on television programmes such as Colour Me Pop and were rapidly building a loyal following through university and club appearances across Britain.
The University of East Anglia concert is notable because it was not originally intended to feature Tyrannosaurus Rex. Their involvement was the direct result of a late cancellation, creating an unexpected opportunity for local audiences to see Marc Bolan and Steve Took during one of the most important periods of the group's development.
The article also provides a valuable contemporary photograph of the duo during the Prophets, Seers & Sages era.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: University of East Anglia concert
Era: 1968 – Early Tyrannosaurus Rex period
Tone: News report and concert coverage
Photography: Black‑and‑white photograph of Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Tyrannosaurus Rex replacing the Spencer Davis Group at short notice
University of East Anglia concert on October 12, 1968
Comments from UEA Students' Union Social Secretary Nick Perren
Discussion surrounding the Spencer Davis Group cancellation
Contemporary photograph of Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took
Coverage of Tyrannosaurus Rex during their breakthrough year
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2
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