🔘 Children of the Revolution – Single: Sep. 1972

T.Rex
Sep 8, 1972
3 min read

In the golden autumn of 1972, Marc Bolan and T. Rex were at the absolute peak of T. Rextasy. With glitter on their cheeks and electric boogie in their veins, the band delivered one of their most confident and anthemic singles yet. “Children of the Revolution” was a swaggering, riff-heavy declaration of rock ’n’ roll rebellion, perfectly capturing the euphoric spirit of the glam era.

Released on September 8, 1972, the single appeared on EMI Records under Marc Bolan’s own T. Rex Wax Co. label with catalogue number T. REX 101. Backed with “Jitterbug Love” and “Sunken Rags,” this 7-inch release became another major hit for the band and further solidified T. Rex’s dominance on the UK charts.

Label: T. Rex Wax Co. / EMI Records

Catalogue Number: T. REX 101

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

Released: September 8, 1972 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — T. Rex Wax Co. – T. REX 101 — 1972

A. Children of the Revolution

B. Jitterbug Love / Sunken Rags

Written by: Marc Bolan (all tracks)

Produced by: Tony Visconti

Recorded: 1972

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released September 8, 1972

• Powerful glam anthem with a driving boogie riff and bold, rebellious lyrics

• Triple A-side style release showcasing three strong tracks

• Chart debut: September 16, 1972

• Peaked at No. 2 in the UK

🔘 The Story

By September 1972 Marc Bolan was riding high on a string of No. 1 hits including “Telegram Sam” and “Metal Guru.” “Children of the Revolution” continued the winning formula with its stomping rhythm, catchy chorus and Bolan’s signature blend of mysticism and rock ’n’ roll bravado. The lyrics spoke directly to the army of fans who had made T. Rex the biggest band in Britain at the time.

The B-side featured two tracks: the energetic “Jitterbug Love” and the gentler, more reflective “Sunken Rags.” This multi-track release gave fans plenty of value and highlighted Bolan’s prolific songwriting. Although it narrowly missed the top spot, “Children of the Revolution” became one of T. Rex’s most enduring and beloved singles, perfectly encapsulating the glamour, confidence and excitement of 1972.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — T. Rex Wax Co. – T. REX 101 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — T. Rex Wax Co. – T. REX 101 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Demo — T. Rex Wax Co. – T. REX 101 — UK — 1972

• Issued in standard EMI / T. Rex company sleeve

One- Page Avert in Melody Maker, September 16, 1972.

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on September 16, 1972 and peaked at No. 2. It spent a total of 11 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 11

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Children of the Revolution” – swaggering glam boogie anthem with a powerful riff and rebellious spirit.

• B-sides: “Jitterbug Love” and “Sunken Rags” – energetic rocker paired with a more atmospheric track.

• Production: Tony Visconti – delivering the classic T. Rex sound with depth and punch.

• Sleeve notes: Standard T. Rex / EMI company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released at the height of T. Rextasy, during the peak year of British glam rock alongside Bowie, Slade and Sweet.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: A regular feature on T. Rex greatest hits albums and *The Slider* reissues.

🔘 Related Material

• Metal Guru (1972)

• Telegram Sam (1972)

• The Slider (1972)

• Solid Gold Easy Action (1972)

🔘 Discography

Metal Guru – Single: 1972

Children of the Revolution – Single: 1972

Solid Gold Easy Action – Single: 1972

20th Century Boy – Single: 1973

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1972 — Recorded during *The Slider* sessions

✦ September 8, 1972 — UK single released

✦ September 16, 1972 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ September 1972 — Peaks at No. 2

✦ Late 1972 — Completes 11-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

With glitter in his hair and a boogie riff that shook the dancefloor, Marc Bolan led the children of the revolution straight to the top of the charts in the glittering summer of 1972.

#ReleaseChronicle #TRex #ChildrenOfTheRevolution #1972 #TRexWaxCo

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: T. Rex Wax Co., EMI Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.