Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 19 1968) Whispering Sweet Things – Worcester News

Publication: Worcester News Date: April 19 1968 Country: United Kingdom Section / Page: Page 7 Format: Small News Piece / Artist Profile

The Story Behind It

By April 1968, Tyrannosaurus Rex had become fixtures of London’s underground clubs, performing cross‑legged sets of hypnotic acoustic music. This Worcester News piece introduces them to regional readers as the latest avant‑garde discovery championed by John Peel, whose Perfumed Garden and Top Gear programmes had already made Bolan’s name familiar to late‑night listeners.

The article’s tone is playful and knowing — positioning Bolan and Took as mysterious figures “hiding under the name of the largest reptile ever known.” It emphasises their self‑written debut single Deborah, released on Regal Zonophone, and hints at their growing cult reputation among Peel’s audience. The accompanying photograph — Bolan seated, Took standing behind — captures their contrasting personas: Bolan’s introspective poise and Took’s bohemian confidence.

Together, the image and text encapsulate the moment Tyrannosaurus Rex stepped from the underground into the national press, their mythic identity already fully formed.

Overview

A brief yet evocative Worcester News item introducing Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took as Tyrannosaurus Rex, coinciding with the release of their debut single Deborah / Child Star on Regal Zonophone. The article highlights their connection to DJ John Peel, whose radio support was instrumental in bringing their mystical acoustic sound to national attention. It stands as one of the earliest provincial press mentions of Tyrannosaurus Rex, capturing the duo’s avant‑garde aura and poetic eccentricity.

“Anyone who claims to be even slightly avant‑garde in the pop world must have heard of Tyrannosaurus Rex.”

What the Clipping Shows

• Black‑and‑white photograph of Marc Bolan (seated) and Steve Peregrin Took (standing), printed in halftone with visible grain typical of 1960s newspaper reproduction. • Caption text introducing Tyrannosaurus Rex as avant‑garde figures associated with DJ John Peel, who “is apt to whisper sweet everythings now and again.” • Mentions of their debut disc Deborah on Regal Zonophone, described as “naturally self‑penned.” • Layout: single‑column image with caption beneath, framed by white margins. • Tone: witty, urbane, and lightly ironic — treating Bolan and Took as underground curiosities poised for wider acclaim. • Visual style: stark contrast between the duo’s dark clothing and the pale backdrop, evoking the psychedelic‑folk aesthetic of early Tyrannosaurus Rex publicity.

Related Material

• Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 19 1968) 

Unusual Name, Unusual Music – Widnes Weekly News Feature   • Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 19 1968) 

Their Music Is As Unusual As Their Name – Evening News and Star Feature   • Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 19 1968)

 Biggest Ever – Manchester Evening News Review   • Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 1968)

 Causing Quite a Stir – Regional Press Item   • Additional entries listed in the scrapbook tag index

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