Mickey Finn’s Entry into Tyrannosaurus Rex: A New Chapter in Bolan’s Vision

In late October 1969, the vibrant world of Tyrannosaurus Rex welcomed a new face: Mickey Finn, a charismatic figure whose arrival marked a pivotal shift for the band. Officially announced in Melody Maker for the week ending October 25, 1969, Finn’s recruitment as a percussionist came after a tumultuous split with original member Steve Peregrin Took. With the issue going to press on October 22, it’s estimated Finn joined around October 16 or 17, 1969, as he and Marc Bolan were already “rehearsing in Wales,” according to the announcement. But who was Mickey Finn, and how did this non-musician painter become Bolan’s new creative partner?

A Painter, Not a Musician

Unlike Steve Took, a skilled multi-instrumentalist, Mickey Finn wasn’t known for musical prowess. Described in Melody Maker as a “painter,” Finn’s background was more colorful than technical. He had worked as a house painter, notably contributing murals to the Beatles’ Apple Boutique, and had dabbled in rudimentary percussion with the art collective Hapshash and the Coloured Coat. His connection to Tyrannosaurus Rex came through photographer Pete Sanders, a mutual acquaintance in London’s Chelsea scene, who introduced Finn to Bolan.

As June Child, Bolan’s wife, later recalled, “He couldn’t play bongos particularly well, but he was beautiful” (The Guardian, 2003).

Finn’s hiring wasn’t about musical virtuosity. Bolan, the undeniable creative force behind Tyrannosaurus Rex, sought a sideman whose personality and aesthetic fit the band’s evolving image. Rumors swirled that Finn’s good looks, superficial resemblance to Took, and even his cool motorcycle swayed Bolan’s decision (Wikipedia: Mickey Finn). Finn’s charm and willingness to follow Bolan’s lead made him the perfect foil for the band’s next phase.

Rehearsals in Wales and a New Dynamic

By mid-October 1969, Finn and Bolan were holed up in a rented cottage at Plas Tan Y Bwlch, Wales, rehearsing for what would become A Beard of Stars, Tyrannosaurus Rex’s fourth album, released in March 1970. This retreat marked the start of their partnership, with Finn laying down simple percussion tracks to complement Bolan’s intricate guitar and poetic lyrics. Unlike Took, who had pushed for a more democratic creative process, Finn was content to be the “silent young man who obeyed Bolan’s every command” (The Independent, 2003). From the outset, it was clear Bolan was the dominant partner, steering the band toward its eventual transformation into the glam-rock juggernaut T. Rex.

The Melody Maker Moment

The Melody Maker announcement was a publicity coup orchestrated by Bolan, who reportedly brought Finn to the magazine’s offices for an impromptu performance to seal the deal. The ad Bolan placed for a “gentle guy to play bongos” had drawn 300 replies, but Finn stood out—not for his musical chops but for his vibe (The Guardian, 2003). This moment, publicized in late October, set the stage for Finn’s debut with the band, including a BBC radio session on November 17, 1969, and his first public performance on November 21.

A Sideman’s Legacy

Mickey Finn’s role in Tyrannosaurus Rex was less about technical skill and more about embodying Bolan’s vision. His percussion added a raw, primal texture to albums like A Beard of Stars and T. Rex (1970), paving the way for the band’s commercial breakthrough with Electric Warrior (1971). While Bolan’s star power defined the group, Finn’s easygoing presence and photogenic appeal helped cement T. Rex’s iconic image during the glam era.

Finn’s story is a testament to the power of personality in rock ‘n’ roll. A painter turned percussionist, he stepped into a musical whirlwind led by Marc Bolan, proving that sometimes, the right vibe can outshine technical expertise. For fans of T. Rex, Finn’s entry in October 1969 remains a turning point—a moment when the band began its metamorphosis into a cultural phenomenon.

**Sources**:

1. Paytress, Mark. “Mickey Finn: T. Rex percussionist.” *The Independent*, January 14, 2003. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/mickey-finn-124194.html

2. Sweeting, Adam. “Mickey Finn: Bongo player with T. Rex.” *The Guardian*, January 18, 2003. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2003/jan/18/guardianobituaries.artsobituaries

3. “Mickey Finn (percussionist).” *Wikipedia*. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Finn_%28percussionist%29

4. “A Beard of Stars.” *Wikipedia*. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Beard_of_Stars

5. “Mickey Finn.” *Bolan World* (reprinting *The Independent* obituary), January 14, 2011. https://mistymist.wordpress.com/legacy/mickey-finn-obituary-in-the-independent/

6. “Unsung Heroes: Mickey Finn.” *The Future is Past*, April 10, 2016. https://thefutureispast.co.uk/2016/04/10/unsung-heroes-mickey-finn/

7. “Mickey Finn.” *Bolan World*, 2017. https://mistymist.wordpress.com/discography/solid-gold-easy-action/mickey-finn/

*Note*: The exact *Melody Maker* issue (week ending October 25, 1969) isn’t digitized in freely accessible online archives. For precise verification, consult physical archives at institutions like the British Library.