📰 T. Rex Rising in America – Article: Apr. 1972
- T.Rex
- Apr 30, 1972
- 2 min read
A glowing 1972 American newspaper feature celebrated Marc Bolan and T. Rex as they broke through in the United States with the success of Electric Warrior and the infectious hit “Bang a Gong (Get It On)”.
Published on Sunday, 30 April 1972 in The State Journal-Register (Springfield, Illinois), this enthusiastic piece captured the growing excitement around T. Rex stateside.
đź“° Publication Details
Publication: The State Journal-Register
Date: Sunday, 30 April 1972
Country: United States
Section / Page: Page 68
Format: Feature Article / Music Profile
đź“° What the Clipping Shows
A detailed, positive article headlined around Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn of T. Rex. The text praises the band’s second album Electric Warrior, highlights “Bang a Gong” as a “snappy little tune,” and describes Bolan’s charismatic stage presence, wild curly hair, sequined outfits, and poetic lyrics. It also gives background on Mickey Finn and producer Tony Visconti.
This clipping is significant as an early American press piece documenting T. Rex’s breakthrough moment in the US during the height of the glam rock explosion.
“Electric Warrior is perhaps T. Rex’s finest effort as of yet, with all the writing, singing and guitar work done by Bolan.”
“T. Rex’s stage presence is like their music, exciting. Bolan often struts on wearing a wild colored suit, which is complemented by his long curly hair framing sequined eyes. Then the show gets hot as he works the audience into a frenzy with his twisting, flailing and jumping as he sings.
đź“° The Story Behind It
By late April 1972, T. Rex had already conquered Britain with multiple No.1 singles. The release of Electric Warrior and the American success of “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” marked their major breakthrough in the United States.
The article notes how Bolan’s unique voice, flamboyant stage style, and poetic yet accessible lyrics were winning over new fans. It also highlights the contribution of percussionist Mickey Finn and producer Tony Visconti’s orchestral touches on the album.
“Electric Warrior is perhaps T. Rex’s finest effort as of yet…”
đź“° Related Material
• Related entries on Electric Warrior (1971)
• “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” single campaign
• T. Rex’s 1972 US breakthrough
Additional material connected to this entry is listed in the tag index at the foot of the page.
đź“° Visual Archive
Full newspaper article from The State Journal-Register profiling Marc Bolan and T. Rex, discussing Electric Warrior and their rising American popularity.
“T. Rex Rising” — Detailed feature on Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn, The State Journal-Register, 30 April 1972.
đź“° Closing Notes
This warm and insightful 1972 American newspaper feature perfectly captures the moment T. Rex transitioned from British glam sensations to international stars. It showcases the growing fascination with Marc Bolan’s poetic lyrics, flamboyant style, and electrifying stage presence — a key chapter in the story of one of the most colourful bands of the 1970s.
đź“ť Copyright Notice
All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.
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