Gig Announcement Article: 1971

Bolan's Lyceum Farewell Tease

Published in the UK on January 16, 1971, Melody Maker’s article “REX GIG” announced T. Rex’s upcoming concert at London’s Lyceum on January 25, 1971 — billed as the group’s last major London appearance before their first American tour. Tickets were priced at just 10 shillings. Marc Bolan promised a two-hour-plus set with “a few surprises in store,” and the article hinted at possible guest musicians joining the stage.

Exact Text from the Article

REX GIG

T. Rex are appearing in concert at London's Lyceum on January 25, and it will be the group's last major London appearance before their American tour. Tickets will be just 10s.

Marc Bolan told MM: "We will be playing for two hours and maybe more, and we hope to have a few surprises in store."

The MM understands that the group will appear and various other musician "friends" may take the stage with them.

The group's four-week American tour starts on March 20. Currently T. Rex are in the studio recording a follow-up to "Ride A White Swan", which has sold well over 250,000 copies.

Legacy

This article captures the excitement of early T. Rextasy — the transition from folk to full glam, the promise of surprises, and the anticipation of the US breakthrough. A charming snapshot of the moment just before “Hot Love” and Electric Warrior took over.

Do you have this Melody Maker article in your archive? Were you at the Lyceum gig? Share in the comments!