Tyrannosaurus Rex (September 15, 1968) – “Live at Mothers” Concert Listing – Birmingham Press Ad
This Birmingham concert advertisement from September 15 1968 promotes a live appearance by Tyrannosaurus Rex at Mothers, Erdington’s famed venue known as “The Home of Good Sounds.” The listing captures the duo’s early psychedelic folk period, featuring Marc Bolan and Steve “Peregrine” Took performing songs from their latest LP My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair but Now They’re Content to Wear Stars on Their Brows.
Publication: Local Birmingham Press (Concert Listing) Date: September 15 1968 Country: United Kingdom
The advertisement presents Tyrannosaurus Rex as “The Fantastic” act of the evening, hosted by legendary BBC DJ John Peel.
It highlights Bolan’s poetic lyricism with a quoted verse from the debut album, emphasizing the mystical imagery that defined the band’s early sound.
The duo’s instrumentation—Bolan on vocals and guitar, Took on assorted percussion—reflects their distinctive acoustic style that blended folk, fantasy, and surreal storytelling. Supporting acts include Bakerloo Blues Line, rounding out a night of progressive and underground music at one of Birmingham’s most influential venues.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
By late 1968, Tyrannosaurus Rex had become a cornerstone of the British underground scene, championed by John Peel through his Top Gear radio sessions.
This Mothers appearance represents the intimate, formative stage of Bolan’s career before his transformation into the glam‑rock icon of T. Rex.
The venue itself was a hub for emerging talent, hosting acts such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Fleetwood Mac, making this listing a snapshot of a pivotal cultural moment.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Tyrannosaurus Rex live performance at Mothers, Erdington
Era: 1968 – Early Psychedelic Folk Period Tone: Promotional and poetic Photography: Text‑only advertisement with typographic emphasis on band names and lyrics
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS - Concert promotion for Tyrannosaurus Rex featuring Marc Bolan and Steve Took - Quoted lyrics from the debut album emphasizing Bolan’s fantasy imagery - Listing of supporting acts and host John Peel at Mothers venue
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