T. Rex – Children Of The Revolution

T. Rex

T. Rex were a British rock band, formed in 1967 by singer/songwriter and guitarist Marc Bolan. The band formed as Tyrannosaurus Rex, releasing four folk albums under the name. A producer had later suggested to Bolan that they shorten their name to “T. Rex”. In the 1970s, the band had reached success with glam rock hits like “Jeepster”, “Get It On”, “Ride a White Swan”, “20th Century Boy”, “Children of the Revolution”, “Hot Love”, “Telegram Sam”, and “Metal Guru”. After earning success in the early and mid-1970s, the band broke up after Bolan was killed in a 1977 car accident. Marc Bolan founded Tyrannosaurus Rex in August 1967. After a solitary performance as a four-piece at the Electric Garden in Covent Garden, the group immediately broke up. Bolan retained the services of percussionist Steve Peregrin Took and the duo began performing acoustic material with occasional homages to Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran. The combination of Bolan’s acoustic guitar and distinctive vocal style with Took’s bongos and assorted percussion—which often included children’s instruments such as the Pixiphone—earned them a devoted following in the thriving underground scene. BBC Radio One Disc jockey John Peel championed the band early in their recording career.[1] Peel later appeared on record with them, reading stories written by Bolan. Another key collaborator was producer Tony Visconti, who went on to produce the band’s albums well into their second, glam rock phase.

Children Of The Revolution

No one knows exactly when this promo film was made, there is no mention of it in the excellent book by Cliff McLenehan – A Chronology – which is a day by day account of Marc’s life!

Although this was a Uk No.2 smash in September 1972 it is assumed this promo was made by T.Rex’s American label Reprise and judging by Marc’s appearance in a fetching Zandra Rhodes blouse, this could have been shot during the bands North American tour in the autumn of 1972.

A video for ‘Buick MacKane’ was also shot at the same time and again captures Marc at this high point of his stardom.

It could be said the heavy use of make-up and the blouses were going a bit over the top but hey the guitar still looks ace!

Apart from promo films made by The Beatles and The Stones, T.Rex can probably claim to be the 3rd act ever to make videos!

This video plus ‘Get It On (Bang A Gong)’ and ‘Jeepster’ are now available to buy on the DVD ‘The Final Word’ which is an amazing documentary and includes extra footage of Tony Visconti dissecting the recording process for ‘Ride A White Swan’ and ‘Jeepster’!

It’s now easy to keep a little Marc in your heart.

Dylan White

T.Rex ‘Children Of The Revolution’