📰 Unusual Name, Unusual Music – News: Apr. 1968

A warm, lightly amused tone runs through this late‑’60s profile, capturing Tyrannosaurus Rex at the moment they first began to attract wider attention. The atmosphere is one of curiosity and discovery — two young musicians emerging from London’s underground scene with a sound and identity unlike anything else in the pop pages of the time.

“‘Tyrannosaurus Rex’ means ‘King of the Lizards.’”

“Their music is as unusual as their name.”

📰 Publication Details

Publication: Widnes Weekly News

Date: 19 April 1968

Country: UK

Section / Page: Page 19

Format: News Item / Artist Profile

📰 What the Clipping Shows

The clipping is a compact article titled “Unusual name, unusual music”, introducing Marc Bolan and Steve Took as Tyrannosaurus Rex. The layout is simple and text‑only, typical of regional newspapers of the period. The article explains the meaning of their name, notes their ages, and describes their early performances in London’s underground clubs.

Typography is straightforward, with the duo’s name given prominence. The article highlights their early support from John Peel, their appearances on Top Gear and Radio One, and their debut Regal Zonophone disc featuring “Deborah” and “Child Star.” Short biographical notes on both Marc and Steve close the piece.

This clipping matters because it captures a rare early regional profile of Tyrannosaurus Rex, documenting their transition from underground performers to emerging recording artists.

📰 The Story Behind It

In April 1968, the Widnes Weekly News introduced its readers to Tyrannosaurus Rex, describing the origins of their name and the unusual qualities of their music. The article notes that Marc Bolan and Steve Took adopted the name because they liked the idea of something ancient and powerful once having existed.

“‘Tyrannosaurus Rex’ means ‘King of the Lizards.’”

The piece emphasises how quickly the duo had become a talking point in the pop world. John Peel had championed Marc’s earlier solo single “Hippy Gumbo”, and continued to feature the duo on Top Gear and his late‑night Radio One programme. Their first public appearance in Hyde Park is mentioned, along with performances in London’s underground clubs and two concerts at the Purcell Room.

“Their music is as unusual as their name.”

The article also provides brief biographical sketches of Marc and Steve — their ages, backgrounds, and instruments — grounding the duo in the everyday details of two young London musicians on the cusp of wider recognition.

📰 Related Material

• Tyrannosaurus Rex – Deborah / Child Star single coverage (1968)

• Early John Peel features, 1967–68

• Related Chronicle entry: Tyrannosaurus Rex early press, 1967–68

Additional material connected to this entry is listed in the tag index at the foot of the page.

📰 Visual Archive

Early profile of Marc Bolan and Steve Took as Tyrannosaurus Rex, Widnes Weekly News, April 1968.

The layout is text‑only, with a descriptive introduction to the duo’s name, sound, and early career.

📰 Closing Notes

This clipping preserves a charming early glimpse of Tyrannosaurus Rex — a duo defined by their unusual name, distinctive sound, and underground beginnings. As captured here, the article reflects the curiosity and excitement that surrounded Marc Bolan and Steve Took at the dawn of their musical journey.

#TyrannosaurusRex #MarcBolan #SteveTook #1968

📝 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.