📰 The Dragon Bops Back – Review: Feb. 1976

T.Rex
Feb 28, 1976
3 min read

Updated: Feb 28

A one‑page Record Mirror & Disc review of T. Rex’s return to the London stage, capturing Marc Bolan’s confident 1976 resurgence at the Lyceum.

Published in February 1976, this Record Mirror & Disc review covers T. Rex’s Lyceum concert, praising Marc Bolan’s showmanship, classic‑era hits, and theatrical staging — complete with a giant dry‑ice‑breathing dragon.

📰 Key Highlights

One‑page concert review in Record Mirror & Disc, Feb. 1976

Venue: Lyceum Theatre, London

First major London show in two and a half years

Setlist built entirely from classic hits — no new material

Stage design included a giant dragon model emitting dry ice

Band lineup: Steve Curran (bass), Dino Dines (keyboards), Gloria Jones (backing vocals)

Review emphasises Bolan’s confidence, charisma, and enduring star power

📰 Overview

By early 1976, Marc Bolan was navigating a transitional period — no longer the chart‑dominating teen idol of 1971–73, yet still a magnetic performer with a fiercely loyal fanbase. Record Mirror & Disc’s February 1976 review, titled “The Dragon Bops Back,” captures this moment with a mixture of admiration and realism. The Lyceum show marked Bolan’s first major London appearance in over two years, drawing both curious onlookers and devoted screamers eager to see their returning hero.

The review highlights Bolan’s decision to avoid new material entirely, instead delivering a full run of classic hits — a strategic move that delighted the audience and reaffirmed his legacy. The staging, anchored by a huge dragon prop that breathed dry ice, added theatrical flair reminiscent of his early‑’70s glam peak.

📰 Source Details

Publication / Venue: Record Mirror & Disc

Date: February 1976

Issue / Format: One‑page concert review

Provenance Notes: Verified from the newspaper clipping provided; contextual details aligned with T. Rex’s 1976 touring activity.

📰 The Story

The review opens by acknowledging that Marc Bolan was no longer the reigning teen idol of the early glam era — but quickly asserts that he remained far ahead of the artists who followed him. The Lyceum crowd reflected this duality: long‑time fans screaming for their idol, and newer attendees curious about Bolan’s return.

The stage design was dominated by a giant dragon, a striking visual centrepiece that emitted dry ice throughout the show. Clever lighting effects enhanced the spectacle, giving the performance a theatrical edge.

Bolan avoided new material, instead delivering a run of classic hits including:

“New York City”

“Children of the Revolution”

“Solid Gold Easy Action”

“Hot Love”

The reviewer praises Bolan’s energy, movement, and charisma — “dispensing smiles, kisses, and an air of total confidence.” His mid‑show acoustic set is noted as the only weak moment, with Bolan struggling to hit the high notes on “Deborah,” though the review quickly adds that he never claimed to be a great singer.

The band is credited for strong support:

Steve Curran on bass

Dino Dines on keyboards

Gloria Jones providing backing vocals

The closing sentiment frames Bolan as a confident entertainer with above‑average guitar skills and a gift for writing catchy, enduring songs — a legacy the reviewer suggests is more than worthy for any generation.

📰 Visual Archive

Record Mirror & Disc review of T. Rex at the Lyceum, February 1976.

Record Mirror & Disc – UK – 1976

• One‑page concert review

• T. Rex at the Lyceum

• Classic‑hits set with theatrical staging

📰 Related Material

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📰 Closing Notes

“The Dragon Bops Back” stands as a vivid snapshot of Marc Bolan’s mid‑’70s resurgence — a performer no longer at the top of the charts, yet still capable of commanding a stage with charisma, humour, and undeniable star power.

#TRex #MarcBolan #Lyceum1976 #GlamRock #RecordMirror #TheDragonBopsBack