T. Rex & Slade – Article: Feb. 1971

Melody Maker article covering a post‑concert disagreement between T. Rex and Slade, February 13, 1971.

📰 Excerpt

A brief report from Melody Maker covering a disagreement between T. Rex and Slade following a Cardiff concert. The article captures the tensions, logistics, and competitive atmosphere surrounding two rising British rock acts in early 1971.

📰 Overview

This one‑page article from Melody Maker (February 13, 1971) documents a dispute between T. Rex and Slade after a scheduled appearance at the Top Rank in Cardiff. The piece highlights the complexities of touring, billing, and band hierarchy during a period when both groups were gaining significant momentum in the UK rock scene.

📰 Source Details

Publication: Melody Maker

Date: February 13, 1971

Issue: One‑page article

Provenance Notes: Original print edition; part of Melody Maker’s early‑1970s coverage of emerging British rock acts.

📰 The Story

The article reports conflicting accounts from both camps following a Cardiff concert.

Slade’s spokesman claimed that T. Rex did not want them on the same bill, suggesting that T. Rex’s rising popularity influenced the decision. In contrast, T. Rex’s spokesman stated that the Roy Young Band had already been booked as support and that they were unaware Slade would be appearing until they arrived with equipment.

The piece reflects the competitive environment of the early 1970s British rock circuit, where scheduling, billing, and audience expectations often created friction between acts. It also illustrates how quickly T. Rex’s popularity was accelerating, placing them in situations where their status was both an asset and a point of contention.

📰 Key Highlights

Reports a disagreement between T. Rex and Slade after a Cardiff concert

Shows the competitive dynamics between rising UK rock acts in early 1971

Provides insight into touring logistics and communication issues of the era

📰 Article Text:

Cardiff gig

A ROW has broken out between Slade and T. Rex over Monday's concert at the Top Rank, Cardiff.

A spokesman for Slade claimed that T. Rex did not want Slade on the same bill and as a result they were unable to play.

"T. Rex have given no reason at all for their decision to have Slade removed from the bill and as the group are one of the most popular acts in the Cardiff area, they are very anxious that their fans should not be disap-

pointed. They will try to get to Cardiff for another gig as quickly as possible," said the spokesman.

But a spokesman for T. Rex told the MM that the Roy Young Band had been booked as support group, and they didn't require two supporting acts. "It was nothing to do with the skinhead thing, as T. Rex will play to any one who wants to listen. We generally play for two hours, so there would not have been time to fit all the groups in."

Noddy Holder, of Slade, told the MM: "1 suppose they are afraid that a lot of skinheads would come to the ballroom to see us. We are no longer a skinhead group and are get-ting more and more college bookings. This annoys us, because we thought we were finally rid of the skinhead image."

📰 Related Material

Explore the tags below for more connected posts and themes.

📰 Closing Notes

This article captures a moment of tension between two major British rock acts as they navigated rapid success and shifting audience expectations. It offers a snapshot of the competitive energy surrounding T. Rex and Slade during a formative period in their careers.

📰 Sources & Copyright

All original text and images remain the copyright of their respective publishers and creators.

This post is presented for historical, educational, and archival purposes only.

#GlamSlamChronicles #MusicEphemera #GlamRockHistory #TRex #Slade #MelodyMaker

---