This was definitely "top of the tree" for the former Mark Feld (recycled as Marc Bolan). There never was a more triumphant BBC "Top Of The Pops" appearance than the one T.Rex played on in the week this went to Number One in the UK (May 1972, and not being dislodged until the following month). Bolan had them eating out of his hand by then, he'd got where he planned to get all along, years of hard work and hard sell had paid off.
However - the struggle to stay at the top would defeat Bolan, just as it eventually defeats all artists who get there and think they can maintain it. It's impossible - unless your name is David Bowie, or some similar icon willing to move with the trends. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Guru
@DiamondDog On the album front, I agree. However, the fight to keep on top of the more popular Singles Chart was ever more intense in the Seventies and Eighties (before the advent of CD and downloads). Very tricky to keep the foothold at the top of that mountain...
16 Comments (since 3 Sep 2013)
leejohnson
This was definitely "top of the tree" for the former Mark Feld (recycled as Marc Bolan). There never was a more triumphant BBC "Top Of The Pops" appearance than the one T.Rex played on in the week this went to Number One in the UK (May 1972, and not being dislodged until the following month). Bolan had them eating out of his hand by then, he'd got where he planned to get all along, years of hard work and hard sell had paid off.
leejohnson
However - the struggle to stay at the top would defeat Bolan, just as it eventually defeats all artists who get there and think they can maintain it. It's impossible - unless your name is David Bowie, or some similar icon willing to move with the trends. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Guru
DiamondDog
Great jam....agree with you about Mr Bowie but Tin Machine was abysmal.....we can allow him one misdemeanour ;)
lindatee
Love Bolan - remember queuing up to see Born To Boogie. had a lovely poster of him sitting on a tank!
BeeBee
Talent and attitude.such a rare combination!
leejohnson
@DiamondDog On the album front, I agree. However, the fight to keep on top of the more popular Singles Chart was ever more intense in the Seventies and Eighties (before the advent of CD and downloads). Very tricky to keep the foothold at the top of that mountain...
MsSue
Oh you rotten, rotten swine. That was my next jam. *stomps off sulking*
AlicejustMay
IS it you, Metal Guru?
leejohnson
@MsSue_ Oops - sorry! D'ohh! *looks sheepish*
leejohnson
@AlicejustMay I think it is ... hang on, I'll have another look ..... Yes - yes, it is, it's Metal Guru alright! :)
leejohnson
@BeeBee Why thank you! A compliment indeed! But, let's not forget that Bolan had it too, you know. It's not all about MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE............. ;)
MsSue
@leejohnson I'm okay now. Bourbon washes away my bitterness ;)
lynn200
i agree with Bee Bee,T R had a real edge back then,,,,gorgeous Marc.
hussamkwai
"AWESOME" - To coin a phrase...
bibilynch
Hate to be *that* person, but… *how* beautiful was he?!
glimmer9
one of the best