London Boys – Single: Feb. 1976
- T.Rex
- Feb 20, 1976
- 3 min read
A late‑period glam single from Marc Bolan, originally conceived for two abandoned rock operas.
🔘 – Overview
Released in the UK on February 20, 1976, “London Boys” stands as one of Marc Bolan’s most intriguing mid‑70s singles — a track not tied to any studio album, but instead drawn from the remnants of two unrealised Bolan projects: The London Opera and Billy Super Duper. Issued on T. Rex Records (MARC 13), the single arrived during a transitional period for Bolan, as glam rock’s commercial dominance waned and his own sound shifted toward a leaner, funk‑tinged style.
The B‑side, “Solid Baby,” was taken from the 1975 album Bolan’s Zip Gun, linking the standalone A‑side to Bolan’s recent studio output. Produced by Bolan himself, the single features his characteristic swagger, sharp guitar phrasing, and a lyrical nod to the urban mythology he often explored in the mid‑70s.
“London Boys” entered the UK Singles Chart in the week commencing February 29, 1976, remaining for three weeks and peaking at No. 40. Though not a major hit, it has since become a cult favourite among collectors, especially due to its non‑album status and the variety of international pressings.
🔘 – Track List
UK 7" Single — T. Rex Records – MARC 13 — 1976
Side A
London Boys
Written‑By: Marc Bolan
Produced by Marc Bolan
Side B
Solid Baby
Written‑By: Marc Bolan
Produced by Marc Bolan
(From the album Bolan’s Zip Gun, 1975)
🔘 – Variants
7", 45 RPM, Single — T. Rex – MARC 13 — UK — 1976
7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo — T. Rex – MARC 13 — UK — 1976
7", 45 RPM — T. Rex – MARC 13 — New Zealand — 1976
7", 45 RPM, Single — Ariola – 16 753 AT — Germany — 1976
7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI – EMR‑10951 — Japan — 1976
7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, White Label — EMI – EMR‑10951 — Japan — 1976
🔘 – Chart Performance
UK — Official Singles Chart
Peak No. 40 · 3 Weeks on Chart (1976)
Pos 40 — February 29, 1976
Pos — (Second Week)
Pos — (Third Week)
(Dropped out after three weeks)
🔘 – Context & Notes
• A‑side originally intended for Bolan’s abandoned rock operas The London Opera and Billy Super Duper
• B‑side sourced from Bolan’s Zip Gun (1975)
• Produced by Marc Bolan
• Published by Wizard Publishing Ltd.
• ℗ Wizard (Delaware) Ltd. / Wizard Artists Ltd.
• Lacquer cut by HTM
• Pressed and distributed by EMI / EMI Records Ltd.
• Non‑album single, now a collector’s favourite
• Represents Bolan’s mid‑70s stylistic shift post‑glam peak
🔘 – Visual Archive
T. Rex’s “London Boys” (1976), issued on T. Rex Records as MARC 13.
🔘 – Related Material
• Bolan’s Zip Gun (1975)
• “Dreamy Lady” (1975)
• “I Love to Boogie” (1976)
• Billy Super Duper (posthumous 1982 reconstruction)
Explore the tags below for connected posts and themes.
🔘 – Discography
Bolan’s Zip Gun — 1975
Dreamy Lady — 1975
London Boys — 1976
I Love to Boogie — 1976
🔘 – Mini‑Timeline
✦ 1975 — Bolan’s Zip Gun released
✦ Early 1976 — “London Boys” recorded
✦ February 20, 1976 — Single released
✦ February 29, 1976 — Enters UK chart at No. 40
🔘 – Glam Flashback
“London Boys” captures Bolan in his late‑glam twilight — still swaggering, still myth‑making, but now experimenting with sharper edges and urban storytelling. It’s a glimpse of the restless creativity that defined his mid‑70s output, even as the glam era faded around him.
🔘 – Closing Notes
A non‑album gem from Bolan’s later T. Rex years, “London Boys” remains a fascinating snapshot of an artist evolving beyond glam while still carrying its unmistakable spark.
🔘 – Excerpt Text
🔘 – Sources & Copyright
Primary reference sources: Discogs, Official Charts Company, EMI Records, T. Rex Records, Wikipedia.
All original text and images remain the copyright of their respective publishers and creators.
Presented for historical, educational, and archival purposes.
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