🔘 Get It On – Single: Jul. 1971

Marc Bolan and T. Rex were transforming from underground cult favourites into genuine pop stars. With their glitter, boas and electric boogie sound, the band delivered their breakthrough hit “Get It On” — a raw, swaggering rocker driven by a killer riff and Bolan’s unmistakable purr.

Released on July 2, 1971, the single appeared on Fly Records under catalogue number BUG 10. In the United States, it was released as “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” on Reprise Records (catalogue 1015) on September 24, 1971. This 7-inch became T. Rex’s first UK No. 1 single and their biggest international hit.

Label: Fly Records (UK) / Reprise Records (US)

Catalogue Number: BUG 10 (UK) / 1015 (US)

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: July 2, 1971 (UK) / September 24, 1971 (US)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Fly – BUG 10 — 1971

A. Get It On

B. There Was a Time / Raw Ramp

US 7" Single — Reprise – 1015 — 1971

A. Bang a Gong (Get It On)

B. There Was a Time / Raw Ramp

Written by: Marc Bolan

Produced by: Tony Visconti

Recorded: 1971

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released July 2, 1971 (UK)

• T. Rex’s first UK No. 1 single

• Iconic glam boogie riff that became one of the defining sounds of the era

• Reached No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100

• Chart debut: July 10, 1971 (UK)

🔘 The Story

“Get It On” was the song that catapulted T. Rex into the mainstream. Built around a simple, devastatingly effective Bo Diddley-style riff and Bolan’s seductive vocal, the track perfectly captured the sensual, playful energy of early glam rock. Marc Bolan’s lyrics mixed cars, dancing and desire into a hypnotic package that resonated with both teenagers and rock fans.

The B-side featured “There Was a Time” and the raw, bluesy “Raw Ramp.” In America, the title was changed to “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” to avoid any potential radio censorship. The single topped the UK charts for four weeks and became T. Rex’s signature song, cementing their status as leaders of the glam movement.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Fly – BUG 10 — UK — 1971

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Fly – BUG 10 — UK — 1971

• Issued in standard Fly company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on July 10, 1971, climbed to No. 1 and spent four weeks at the top. Total of 13 weeks on the chart.

US — Billboard Hot 100

Peaked at No. 10.

Total Weeks: 13 (UK)

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Get It On” (UK) / “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” (US) – quintessential glam boogie with one of rock’s most recognisable riffs.

• B-side: “There Was a Time / Raw Ramp” – strong bluesy rocker.

• Production: Tony Visconti – delivering the bright, powerful T. Rex sound.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Fly / Reprise company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released at the very beginning of the glam rock explosion, marking T. Rex’s commercial breakthrough.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Appears on virtually every T. Rex greatest hits collection and is one of the most played glam tracks of all time.

🔘 Related Material

• Hot Love (1971)

• Jeepster (1971)

• Telegram Sam (1972)

• The Slider (1972)

🔘 Discography

Hot Love – Single: 1971

Get It On – Single: 1971

Jeepster – Single: 1971

Telegram Sam – Single: 1972

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1971 — Recorded with Tony Visconti

✦ July 2, 1971 — UK single released

✦ July 10, 1971 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ July 1971 — Peaks at No. 1 (four weeks at the top)

✦ September 24, 1971 — US release as “Bang a Gong (Get It On)”

✦ Late 1971 — Completes 13-week UK chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

With a killer riff, silver boots and pure sexual swagger, Marc Bolan made “Get It On” the ultimate summer anthem of 1971 and lit the fuse for the entire glam rock explosion.

#ReleaseChronicle #TRex #GetItOn #1971 #FlyRecords

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Fly Records, Reprise Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.

It influenced countless artists, from David Bowie to the punk and new wave movements. The song’s riff and attitude made it timeless, with covers by acts like The Power Station (1985, reaching US No. 9) and its use in films, TV, and commercials.

The UK B-side was "There Was a Time/Raw Ramp," while the US release featured "Cosmic Dancer." The song’s US title, "Bang a Gong," was chosen to avoid confusion with another song called "Get It On" by Chase. The track’s runtime is around 4:27, though radio edits were shorter.

The song’s production is notable for its layered textures, including Wakeman’s piano, a saxophone solo by Ian McDonald (of King Crimson), and Visconti’s polished yet gritty sound. Unlike "Ride a White Swan," it featured a full drum kit, giving it a heavier, more driving rhythm, though still with a minimalist rock edge.

The first pressing was released in a picture sleeve with the labels printed in handwritten text with a silver Fly logo.

The second pressing label was still in a handwritten text but the Fly logo is white

In later pressings return to silver Fly logo and text but the handwritten form has been replaced by a TYPESET in upper case.