Marc Bolan

Marc Bolan was one of the most charismatic and influential figures in British rock music. He started his career as a mod model and a folk singer, before forming the band Tyrannosaurus Rex with percussionist Steve Peregrin Took in 1967. The duo recorded four albums of whimsical and mystical acoustic songs, gaining a cult following in the underground scene. Bolan later replaced Took with Mickey Finn and changed the band's name to T. Rex, adopting a more electric and rock-oriented sound. He also developed a distinctive image of glitter, feather boas, and platform shoes, becoming a leader of the glam rock movement. T. Rex achieved huge success in the early 1970s, with a string of number one singles such as "Hot Love", "Get It On", "Telegram Sam", and "Metal Guru". Bolan's catchy melodies, poetic lyrics, and flamboyant stage presence made him a pop idol and a teen sensation. He also collaborated with other artists such as David Bowie, Ringo Starr, and Elton John, and starred in his own movie Born to Boogie (1972). However, by the mid-1970s, T. Rex's popularity began to decline, as Bolan struggled with weight gain, drug abuse, and tax problems. He also faced competition from newer bands such as Slade, Sweet, and Queen. Bolan attempted to revive his career by diversifying his musical style, incorporating elements of soul, funk, disco, and R&B. He also hosted his own TV show Marc, where he introduced emerging punk and new wave acts. He was planning to relocate to the US and work on new projects when he died in a car crash on September 16, 1977, two weeks before his 30th birthday. He was a passenger in a Mini driven by his girlfriend Gloria Jones, who survived the accident. The car hit a tree near Barnes Common in southwest London, where a memorial shrine was later erected by his fans. Marc Bolan's legacy lives on as one of the most influential figures in rock history. His songs have been covered by many artists, such as Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Guns N' Roses, Morrissey, and Oasis. He has also inspired generations of musicians with his style, attitude, and vision. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 as a member of T. Rex.