🔘 The Wizard – Single: Nov. 1965

In the autumn of 1965, a 17-year-old Marc Bolan (then still known as Mark Feld) stepped into the spotlight for the first time as a solo artist. Long before the folk mysticism of Tyrannosaurus Rex or the electric glam of T. Rex, he released his debut solo single “The Wizard” — a gentle, folk-tinged pop song with a touch of whimsy.

Released on November 19, 1965, the single appeared on Decca Records under catalogue number F.12288. This 7-inch release marked the very beginning of Marc Bolan’s recording career.

Label: Decca Records

Catalogue Number: F.12288

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

Released: November 19, 1965 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Decca – F.12288 — 1965

A. The Wizard

B. Beyond The Rising Sun

Written by: Marc Bolan (both tracks)

Produced by: Denny Cordell

Recorded: 1965

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released November 19, 1965

• Marc Bolan’s official debut solo single (pre-Tyrannosaurus Rex)

• Early example of his folk-pop songwriting style

• Chart debut: Did not chart

• Extremely rare and highly collectable today

🔘 The Story

Before he adopted the name Marc Bolan and formed Tyrannosaurus Rex, the young Mark Feld recorded “The Wizard” under his own name. Produced by Denny Cordell (who would later work with The Move and Procol Harum), the track showed Bolan’s early fascination with mystical and fairy-tale themes that would later define his work.

The B-side “Beyond The Rising Sun” continued the same gentle, folk-pop direction. Although the single received little attention at the time and failed to chart, it remains a fascinating historical document — the first official recording by the artist who would go on to become one of the most influential figures in British glam rock.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Decca – F.12288 — UK — 1965

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Decca – F.12288 — UK — 1965

• Issued in standard Decca company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Did not chart.

Total Weeks: 0

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “The Wizard” – gentle folk-pop track with early mystical themes.

• B-side: “Beyond The Rising Sun” – similarly soft, folk-influenced number.

• Production: Denny Cordell – early professional production for the young Bolan.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Decca company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released in the mid-1960s beat era, several years before Bolan’s folk phase with Tyrannosaurus Rex and the glam explosion of T. Rex.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Very rare; appears on some Marc Bolan / T. Rex early career compilations and box sets.

🔘 Related Material

• The Wizard (Marc Bolan solo, 1965)

• Tyrannosaurus Rex early singles (1968)

• Ride a White Swan (1970)

🔘 Discography

The Wizard – Single: 1965 (as Marc Bolan)

Deborah – Single: 1968 (as Tyrannosaurus Rex)

Ride a White Swan – Single: 1970 (as T. Rex)

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1965 — Recorded as Marc Bolan’s debut solo single

✦ November 19, 1965 — UK single released

✦ Did not enter UK Singles Chart

🔘 Glam Flashback

Long before the glitter, the boas and the electric boogie, a teenage Marc Bolan stepped into the studio in 1965 and quietly cast his first spell with “The Wizard” — the very first note of a career that would later change British rock forever.

#ReleaseChronicle #MarcBolan #TheWizard #1965 #Decca

🔘 Sources

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