🔘 King of the Rumbling Spires – Single: Jul. 1969

In the summer of 1969, Tyrannosaurus Rex continued their unique journey through mystical, poetic folk-rock. Marc Bolan, accompanied by Steve Peregrin Took, released “King of the Rumbling Spires” — a rhythmic, upbeat track filled with Bolan’s signature wordplay, mythical imagery, and energetic delivery.

Released on July 25, 1969 (some sources list late July), the single appeared on Regal Zonophone under catalogue number RZ 3022. This 7-inch release was the band’s fifth single and showcased their evolving sound just before the major transition to electric glam as T. Rex.

Label: Regal Zonophone

Catalogue Number: RZ 3022

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

Released: July 25, 1969 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Regal Zonophone – RZ 3022 — 1969

A. King of the Rumbling Spires

B. Do You Remember

Written by: Marc Bolan (both tracks)

Produced by: Tony Visconti

Recorded: 1969

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released July 25, 1969

• Fifth single by Tyrannosaurus Rex

• Upbeat, rhythmic folk-rock track with Bolan’s playful, mythical lyrics

• Did not chart in the UK

🔘 The Story

“King of the Rumbling Spires” was a lively, percussion-driven number with Bolan’s characteristic blend of fantasy and rhythmic bounce. It reflected the band’s continued exploration of acoustic, poetic songwriting during their late folk period. The B-side “Do You Remember” offered a gentler, more reflective contrast.

Although the single did not achieve commercial chart success, it remains a charming and important release from Tyrannosaurus Rex’s acoustic era, bridging their early work with the electric transformation that would soon follow.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Regal Zonophone – RZ 3022 — UK — 1969

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Regal Zonophone – RZ 3022 — UK — 1969

• Issued in standard Regal Zonophone company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Did not chart.

Total Weeks: 0

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “King of the Rumbling Spires” – rhythmic, upbeat folk-rock track with mythical lyrics and strong percussion.

• B-side: “Do You Remember” – gentler, reflective acoustic number.

• Production: Tony Visconti – continuing his key collaboration with Bolan.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Regal Zonophone company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released during the final phase of Tyrannosaurus Rex’s acoustic period, just before the band’s major shift to electric glam as T. Rex in 1970.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on Tyrannosaurus Rex rarities compilations and early T. Rex collections.

🔘 Related Material

• Pewter Suitor (1969)

• Unicorn (1969 album)

• Ride a White Swan (1970)

• T. Rex (1970)

🔘 Discography

Pewter Suitor – Single: 1969

King of the Rumbling Spires – Single: 1969

Ride a White Swan – Single: 1970

Hot Love – Single: 1971

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1969 — Recorded during the acoustic Tyrannosaurus Rex period

✦ July 25, 1969 — UK single released

✦ Did not enter UK Singles Chart

🔘 Glam Flashback

Before the electric riffs and silver boots, Marc Bolan ruled the rumbling spires with poetic grace in July 1969 — the last gentle whispers of acoustic magic before the glam storm arrived.

#ReleaseChronicle #TyrannosaurusRex #KingOfTheRumblingSpires #1969 #RegalZonophone

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Regal Zonophone, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.