Children of the Revolution ’87 – Single: Feb. 1987
- T.Rex
- Feb 22, 1987
- 3 min read
A late‑80s remix revival of Bolan’s 1972 classic, returning T. Rex to the UK charts for two weeks.
🔘 – Overview
Released in the UK in early February 1987, the Tony Visconti ’87 Remix of “Children of the Revolution” marked a renewed interest in Marc Bolan’s catalogue during the mid‑1980s. Issued across 7", 12", and a shaped picture disc, the single reintroduced one of T. Rex’s most iconic anthems to a new generation, pairing the remix with updated versions of “The Slider” and “Free Angel”, alongside a tribute track by Dave Ash‑B.
The remix was handled by longtime Bolan collaborator Tony Visconti, whose production shaped much of T. Rex’s classic early‑70s sound. The 1987 versions retain the swagger of the originals while adding a polished, era‑appropriate sheen typical of late‑80s remix culture.
The single entered the UK Singles Chart on February 22, 1987, remaining for two weeks. Although not a major commercial resurgence, it stands as a notable moment in the ongoing reappraisal of Bolan’s legacy during the decade.
🔘 – Track List
7" Single — T. Rex — 1987
Side A
Children of the Revolution (’87 Remix)
Side B1
The Slider (’87 Remix)
Side B2
A Tear for the High Star (A Tribute) — Dave Ash‑B
12" Single — T. Rex — 1987
Side A
Children of the Revolution ’87 (Extended)
Side B1
The Slider (’87 Remix)
Side B2
Free Angel (’87 Remix)
Side B3
A Tear for the High Star (A Tribute) — Dave Ash‑B
7" Shaped Picture Disc — T. Rex — 1987
Side A
Children of the Revolution (’87 Remix)
Side B1
The Slider (’87 Remix)
Side B2
A Tear for the High Star (A Tribute) — Dave Ash‑B
🔘 – Variants
7", 45 RPM, Single — T. Rex — UK — 1987
7", 45 RPM, Shaped Picture Disc — T. Rex — UK — 1987
12", 45 RPM, Extended Mix — T. Rex — UK — 1987
🔘 – Chart Performance
UK — Official Singles Chart
Peak No. — (Entered chart) · 2 Weeks on Chart (1987)
Pos — — Feb 22, 1987
Pos — — (Second Week)
(Exact positions not provided in source data.)
🔘 – Context & Notes
• Remix produced by Tony Visconti
• Original track recorded in 1972
• Part of a mid‑80s revival of Bolan’s catalogue
• Includes tribute track by Dave Ash‑B
• Issued in multiple formats including a shaped picture disc with plinth
• Extended mix exclusive to the 12" edition
• “The Slider” and “Free Angel” remixed for this release
🔘 – Visual Archive
Image:
1987 single sleeve featuring a vibrant, colour‑saturated portrait of a guitarist mid‑performance, with bold typography announcing the Tony Visconti ’87 Remix.
Caption:
T. Rex – “Children of the Revolution” (Tony Visconti ’87 Remix), UK single artwork, 1987.
🔘 – Related Material
• “Children of the Revolution” (Original 1972 Single)
• The Slider (1972)
• “20th Century Boy” (1973)
• Marc Bolan 1980s remix and reissue campaigns
🔘 –
Explore the tags below for connected posts and themes.
🔘 – Discography
Children of the Revolution — 1972
The Slider — 1972
Children of the Revolution (’87 Remix) — 1987
🔘 – Mini‑Timeline
✦ 1972 — Original “Children of the Revolution” released
✦ 1986 — Renewed interest in Bolan’s catalogue
✦ February 1987 — ’87 Remix issued on 7", 12", and picture disc
✦ February 22, 1987 — Enters UK Singles Chart
🔘 – Glam Flashback
The ’87 remix captures the enduring power of Bolan’s songwriting — a reminder that even fifteen years after its debut, “Children of the Revolution” still carried the rebellious spark that defined glam rock’s golden age.
🔘 – Closing Notes
Though only a modest chart entry, the Tony Visconti ’87 Remix stands as a testament to the longevity of Bolan’s influence and the continued fascination with T. Rex’s revolutionary sound.
🔘 – Sources
Discogs
Official Charts Company
T. Rex Records
Wikipedia
🔘 – Copyright
All original text and images remain the copyright of their respective publishers and creators.
Presented for historical, educational, and archival purposes.
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