He would seize any opportunity to further his own career. What T. Rex conquered in their decade long . All in all very sad that people need to lie after the event all in all it would seem that Marc was a fairly decent sort of person. People got as weirded-out with Marc as they did with Bowie. It was thought Bolan was killed when his car hit the now much-beribboned sycamore tree. Marc Bolan, June and Alice Ormsby-Gore having fun at Eric Claptons house in Surrey in 1970. This is the story of his final hours, You see, my idea of rocknroll is that subterranean homesick blues feel, said Marc Bolan. The eulogy was beautiful, and then this funereal music started up on the organ. Bless him. You should never You should never meet your idols. If thats not a saying, an adage, a maxim, a motto then it damn well should be. Wanted to attend his funeral, but I could not handle it. Thats when the penny dropped. K.A.L.M.I.Y.H. Terrible isnt it dont tell the press! It never happened, but his music lives on It was very fashionable to use my face on the cover of everything. Im still shocked and saddened that his house was ransacked and emptied very soon after his death was broadcast. Magazine - No Thyself. The tour was a supposedly low-key one, hence the undersized attendance. It did 3,000., Marc had to talk everything up. I took my mother's rug from the back of my car and put it on the ground. He loved life. The driver of the Mini, a purple 1275GT model, was his partner Gloria Jones, once one of Bolans backing singers but by then the mother of his 20 month old son Rolan. Someone here is a fantasist; a liar; or, has some private motive: possibly attention-seeking. The images here are courtesy of a new website devoted to nostalgia, Flashbak and the Press Association. Here was a guy with glitter on his cheeks, wearing gold shoes. Photo of T REX and Marc BOLAN; studio, posed . He never thought he was going to die young. I don't think Richard thought Marc was dead, but I knew he was. Just so sad. Heres how it works. Either a tall story from the guy who attended, or journalism at its worse. Nobody could have foreseen that., Estranged wife June Bolan (ne Child) went to pay her respects to Marcs dead body. Now in his 40s, Rolan contributed vocals to a new version of T Rex's 'Children of the Revolution' for a Marc Bolan tribute album in 2020. Daisy Jones & The Six has yet to premiere, but the retro series is already causing a buzz for its bohemian wardrobe. The death of Marc Bolan. Marc was invited by Radio Hallam to do promo work for his new single . All the same, I listened intently, half in awe of the man, half in bemusement at his agitated blathering. I remember gulping down about three shots of something just to handle the news. He thrived on it., Marc was grateful to have a second chance, says Tony Visconti. 1986. Then theres the matter of lying to the police, the courts, and everyone else. Bolan looked coolly confident, well accustomed to the experience of The Interview. Marc was scared of driving and it was the drivers responsibility to ensure that they were compos mentis when doing so hence many fans will always blame Marcs early demise as her fault she couldve booked a taxi they couldve stayed in a hotel overnight many other options of course. Marc Bolan remains one of the most iconic figureheads in the history of British music despite losing his life in tragic circumstances, painfully too early as the T. Rex man passed away following a car crash on 16th September 1977, just two weeks prior to his 30th birthday. Ill have to get back into cars, I might be doing something with Marvel Comics. Marc Bolan was my inspiration at a young age, I did see him live twice. Thanks for all your research. The 7.30 news bulletin stopped me in my tracks as I was getting ready for work, I could not believe it. In 1970, Micky Finn replaced Took, the group shortened its name to T. Rex and began moving toward more of a hard-rock sound. He had been reduced to playing Londons Lyceum Ballroom on his Futuristic Dragon tour in front of just 1,000 people. Surrealistic rocknroll. Marc bought me The Lord Of The Rings and said: If you want to know more about me, read this., BP Fallon was Bolans publicist at the height of his charges fame. Together with Steve Peregrine Took, who played assorted percussion to Bolans acoustic guitar and vocals, he formed the psychedelic folk-rock due Tyrannosaurus Rex in late 1967 and the following year played two dates in Worcestershire. Available for both RF and RM licensing. I think he would have written a film. For very little girls, who had just outgrown their teddy bears, Marc Bolan became a replacement. Singer and guitarist Marc Bolan , of English glam rock group T-Rex, on stage during a soundcheck on the group's four-date British tour, June 1972. When they got to the scene near a humpback bridge on Queens Ride, Barnes, it was pretty obvious there was no rescuing to be done. Fire service Records showed that there was no warehouse fire on that date. He was my mate. The little girls soon started to scream for the singers whose music was aimed specifically at them the Osmonds, David Cassidy. She pulled him back to normality. No other vehicle was involved. Neither one was wearing a seat belt,and she was not notified of his death until after the funeral. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, I could imagine Marc saying: For fucks sake, there he goes, hes standing right where I died, by the tree, and hes chatting up a bird. People may lose their physical continuity but it doesnt mean you have to lose them., In contrast to BP Fallons somewhat spiritual outlook, Steve Harley refutes any claim that Bolan had a death wish. A face-to-face encounter with an idol can be a deflating, sobering, even depressing experience. She was the type to have one drink, then call it quits and not have any more, because she wanted to stay in control of her faculties., The spotlight fell on the Mini, which had recently been serviced. He was, in fact, killed when his Mini hit a steel-reinforced fence post. This site was Created, Designed & is Updated by TAG CIC: Legal Guardians of Marc Bolan's Rock Shrine in Barnes, London. Never before and possibly never since, have men taken to the stage in full face make-up with lipstick and glitter, sparkling high heeled boots, feather boas and sometimes frocks. M arc Bolan, best-known as the frizzy-haired leader of T. Rex, died September 16th in a car crash. One was Malvern Winter Gardens a premier venue at the time because it also hosted the Who, the Moody Blues and the Kinks, among others and the other was Frank Freemans Dance Studio in Kidderminster. Still, that didnt stop Melody Maker describing Marc as a faded old tart in a live review. Marc Bolan was one of the biggest stars of the 70s until his tragic death in 1977 I mean those who do so for paid, self-publicity, as some may perhaps either be unwell, or have become somehow deranged, which can eventually happen if you constantly dwell on morbidity, because of love, or curiosity; the constant pining seeks relief. This is not true ,Marcs brother said Marc looked perfect, like he was just asleep,Ive seen the photos of the car ,it had not been cut open ,werent wearing seatbelts,of course not,cars didnt have them then .This man wants to get his facts straight ,just looking for attention obviously and should stop spreading disinformation ,I spent a day photographing the fire brigade as a photojournalist and Ive seen what a car looks like that has had someone cut out of it .why does this man make it sound like Gloria was standing by the car ? Marc loved it all. This article originally appeared in Classic Rock #111. English glam rock star Marc Bolan with his girlfriend, American singer Gloria Jones, and their son Rolan Bolan, 2nd October 1975. In retrospective, back then Marc Bolan dying was just as shocking as the death of David Bowie, and some others of the brightest rock stardome. He was right. It was his first real hit, and Bolans elfin face and wispily Afro hair style suddenly hit the front pages, dominated the music magazines and almost single-handedly created the teeny-bop phenomenon. I think he would have stretched out into other fields. Tony Visconti: 'What I saw in Marc Bolan was raw talent. Ended up here as I visited this site today as I was in Barnes and my cousin used to live in the house directly behind the crash site double nostalgia. Penny..would you email me pleasethanks Bari. Marc bolan was my idol. But there were drugs mostly cocaine. Late reply: This entire situation sounded horrific. He was never going to burn out, Sid and Nancy style. Im still the groover honey !! Im a lunatic.. What kind of person lies like this absolutely disgusting. He would be good-looking and still sharp., Tony Visconti: I think he would have acted. You might have seen me on Top Of The Pops. It was absolutely brilliant. Surely Prince knew. By spring 1976 Bowie had re-energised himself as the ber-suave Thin White Duke and was playing six sold-out shows at the aforementioned Empire Pool on his Station To Station tour. Bolan and Jones left Mortons at about four oclock in the morning in a purple Mini 1275 GT. 59 now, retired, and spending a wonderful afternoon having a few drinks whilst listening to T-Rex songs. Mark Feld, like many another, got to make a record. Displaying john_cooper's root gallery. I think I was still a schoolboy, actually, recalls Captain Sensible of The Damned. The Old Rectory at Weston-under- Penyard, near Ross on Wye belonged to the Hereford Diocese and was put up for sale because it was too expensive to maintain as a clergy house. Already people had started leaving notes and messages. We want to hear it. At the height of his fame in the early to mid-1970s, Bolan born Mark Feld outsold Jimi Hendrix and The Who with his band T Rex. For the last couple of years Ive been researching and writing a book which covers the last few months of Marcs life. Theyll grow up soon and change. It covers the accident in near forensic detail and I have located and interviewed pretty much every member of all 3 emergency services who were present and I can assure you that Chris Watts story is Not true. After being friendly glam-rock adversaries, the pairs careers veered off in radically different paths. Thanks for reading this. Yes, you are correct, my father was the ambulance driver that attended, he was thrown through the window sadly. If Paul McCartney had died and John Lennon had lived, what wouldve happened then? When David started singing he and Marc forged a great friendship, recalls Jones today. But they were such contrasting personalities. So were my friends, the next day I told them about the incident. I thought I might learn the details of Marc Bolans death this weekend. Im really glad I didnt die today because I wouldnt have made the main story. When Marc died I think it was the same day as Maria Callas he got the main story, thank goodness. The funeral held four days later at the Golders Green Crematorium was attended by Les Paul, Rod Stewart, Bolan producer Tony Visconti, Eric Clapton and a contingent of sobbing fans. she never says sorry, or even acknowledges she did anything wrong. "I said 'we've got to get them out, this car might blow up'. All Rights reserved. Hair tinted with wispy gold and blue hues, he sported large square spectacles, presenting a somewhat bizarre cross between Cliff Richard conservativeness and Elton John outlandishness. Marc Bolan and Gloria Jones at Rod Stewart's party at Morton's on the night that he died. Its really tough to answer., BP Fallon: Hed be writing fantastic books. Fans from all over the globe have flocked to the tree in southwest London where the glam rock legend died 35 years ago today. Bolan spent 67,000 on the 10- bedroomed 17th-century property and another small fortune on renovation, but never lived there. Camila Morrone is an American model and actress. My book: Marc Bolan. And there was booze. Think the conspiracy theories might be getting a bit stretched. The British Establishment clasped him to its grisly bosom, and he appeared in anti-litter advertisements. Often the men were prettier than the women. 1975). My choice would still be Nye but theyd have to shoot it soon because hes already into his 30s. Hi Penny..Could you please make contact with me via email thanks Bari. Marc Bolans funeral took place on Tuesday, September 20, 1977 at Golders Green Crematorium. She was going to be charged with DD, but Richard got here out of UK, so she could be charged, hence lots of Bolan fans, blamed her for, the loss of Marc. Marc Bolan and 'Tainted Love' singer Gloria Jones were in a romantic relationship from 1973 until his death in September 1977. He was best known as the lead singer of the rock band T. Rex. Its a great idea you open up a cloak and its full of eagles. Wikipaedia is very useful . I can say that in absolute, total truth. Im afraid it is, he admitted. By BalbinaStudio. I didnt understand but now of course I learned that he had a form of dyslexia. Required fields are marked *. and then she became a TV producer. 1964 (pre Marc Bolan) I was 18 he was 16/17 My Electric Warrior character was meant to be a sort of Conan, actually, except that he didnt follow the conventional boring barbarian pattern, Bolan rambled on, going round and round in ever-decreasing circles. Jones released an album in 1976, called Vixen . I still have a photo of Marc on my mantlepiece. He used to write wonderful stories, but I dont know what happened to them. Marc Bolan, the Guru Of Glitter, was killed in a car crash in 1977 just as his career was on the rise again. The scale of the task ahead was rammed home when, on May 3, 1976, Marc and Gloria Jones went to see David Bowie play Wembleys Empire Pool. I know one person who shouldnt play him, though: Jack Whitehall!!! I found myself chatting her up. I mocked him, constantly. Very sad that he died that way. Dubbed AngelHeaded Hipster, it features countless Bolan classics covered by artists like Nick Cave, U2, and Father John Misty, with the late Hal Willner serving as producer.. Luckily he had sold the property, because there was a legal wrangle . Assuming we are all on This site as fans of Marc , best we dont claw over Gloria , she has worked on a giving charity project , and she claims to be very poor when Marc passed away . Gloria did not pen the song Tainted Love. Ed Cobb wrote it. A young couple comfort each other in front of the floral white swan. Marc Bolan Photos Marc Bolan Photos Death Bolan died on 16 September 1977, two weeks before his 30th birthday. She told the Express of his regular predictions of an early death: "I don't know why he said . Early 1971. He was a little afraid. Some of the fans are comforted by the fact he was laid on a nice lady's rug. But he still chased his dream of a successful career in music. His death was said to be as a result of heroin overdose, something that was not seen as suicide. A subscription makes a thoughtful gift for both family and friends. It cant last, he told me in 1972, when the hit parade was studded with his records. Born: 30 September 1947 in Hackney, London, England, UK. It caused outrage., While its true that the hits never totally dried up for Marc Bolan, theres little doubt his creative muse fizzled rather than sizzled in his latter years. I dont believe this either. I dont think Ive any idea. I came back and went straight to the hospital to see Gloria she had facial injuries and her jaw was all wired up., I was in Berlin working and I immediately flew home for the funeral, says Tony Visconti. How can one person, then, from what Im given to understand, publically lie and not be held to account ? Crews at the capitals other stations were ordered to standby as cover and the men from Blue Watch at Manchester Square W1 took to the road in readiness. Bolans long-time record producer Tony Visconti recalls the battle with Bowie: They saw each other as competition right from the start. Marc Bolan was killed instantly. With his band T. Rex, Bolan helped create glam rock, and the band enjoyed a top-10 hit in America. The book Marc Bolan: A Tale Untold will now be published in the New Year. She offered Marc a teatime TV series. Bolan began his rock & roll career in 1966 as a member of Johns Children, a group that had two minor British hits. I think there should be a revival of 70s music to let the new generation of youth get inspired by pioneers of the industry. R.i.p. How Did Bolin Die? But Richard cried and said 'please don't leave me'." Because that was the plan. Marcs brother harry , has embraced Gloria as , its Rolans Mum , I was upset to hear that when Rolan was growing up he new very little about his dad from Gloria . So we cut the passenger out and he was taken by ambulance to hospital. BA1 1UA. When the iconic figure and lead singer of T-Rex, Marc Bolan, sadly died following a fatal car crash in 1977 and the musical world was thrown into widespread mourning. Thanks. As the scene rotted, male prostitution gnawed its edges, but in its dedicated pursuit of style an image that could outstare the world the Mod world groomed many a future star. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Nina Hagens Nunsexmonkrock: Greatest (and weirdest) unsung masterpiece of the postpunk era?