Category: Rock Guitarists

The History of T. Rex and Marc Bolan: Glam Rock’s Shining Star

Few bands captured the raw energy and flamboyant spirit of early 1970s glam rock like T. Rex. Fronted by the magnetic Marc Bolan, the band not only helped define the genre but also left behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians today.

From Tyrannosaurus Rex to T. Rex

T. Rex began as Tyrannosaurus Rex, a psychedelic folk duo formed in 1967 by Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took. With fantasy-filled lyrics and a mystical, acoustic sound, the band gained a loyal underground following.

By 1969, Took was replaced by Mickey Finn. Bolan began shifting toward a louder, more electric sound. In 1970, the band shortened its name to T. Rex, signaling a new rock-oriented direction.

The Rise of Glam Rock and Stardom

The turning point came with the release of T. Rex (1970) and the breakthrough single “Ride a White Swan.” Bolan’s charisma and new glam look—sparkly jackets, top hats, and feather boas—made him a sensation.

Their 1971 album, Electric Warrior, launched the band into superstardom. The track “Get It On” (known as “Bang a Gong” in the U.S.) became their signature hit. Alongside David Bowie, Bolan helped birth glam rock, a flamboyant, theatrical branch of rock that embraced style as much as sound.

T. Rextasy: Pop Culture Phenomenon

From 1971 to 1973, T. Rex ruled the UK charts with hits like:

• “Telegram Sam”
• “Metal Guru”
• “Children of the Revolution”
• “20th Century Boy”

The band’s fanbase, dubbed “T. Rextasy,” reached fever pitch. Bolan became a household name in Britain and a fashion icon, though success in the U.S. remained more limited.

Decline and a Life Cut Short

As glam rock faded in the mid-1970s, so did T. Rex’s popularity. Bolan struggled with substance issues and changing musical landscapes. Still, his 1977 album Dandy in the Underworld hinted at a creative rebirth.

Tragically, Marc Bolan died in a car accident on September 16, 1977, just before his 30th birthday. He was a passenger in a car driven by his girlfriend, singer Gloria Jones.

The Enduring Legacy of Marc Bolan

Despite his short life, Marc Bolan’s impact on music is enduring. Artists from David Bowie and Prince to The Smiths and Joan Jett have cited him as an influence. In 2020, T. Rex was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

With poetic lyrics, unforgettable hooks, and glitter-soaked charisma, Bolan remains a symbol of rock ‘n’ roll’s power to inspire and transform. His music lives on, as vital and electric as ever.

Suzi Quatro: The Queen of Rock and Roll

Few artists have broken barriers in rock and roll quite like Suzi Quatro. With her signature leather jumpsuits, a bass guitar slung low, and a voice that could command any stage, she redefined what it meant to be a woman in rock music. Quatro’s influence is undeniable, and her legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.

Early Life and Breakthrough

Born Susan Kay Quatro on June 3, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, Suzi was raised in a musical family. Her father was a jazz musician, and she developed a passion for music at an early age. In her teenage years, she played in local bands, including The Pleasure Seekers, a pioneering all-female rock group she formed with her sisters.

Her big break came in the early 1970s when legendary British producer Mickie Most spotted her talent and invited her to England. There, she adopted a tougher, more aggressive sound that set her apart from other female artists of the era.

Rise to Stardom

Quatro’s first single, “Can the Can” (1973), was an instant hit, topping the charts in the UK and Australia. This was followed by other chartbusters like “48 Crash,” “Devil Gate Drive,” and “The Wild One.” Her blend of hard rock and glam aesthetics made her an international sensation, especially in Europe and Australia. Despite her success overseas, she never reached the same level of superstardom in her native U.S., though she remained a cult favorite.

She gained further recognition in America through her role as Leather Tuscadero on the hit TV series Happy Days in the late 1970s, which showcased her charisma and stage presence to a new audience.

Musical Legacy and Influence

Suzi Quatro’s impact on rock music is monumental. She paved the way for female rock musicians like Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, and Chrissie Hynde. Her fearless approach to music and performance challenged gender stereotypes and proved that women could rock just as hard—if not harder—than their male counterparts.

Quatro has sold over 55 million records worldwide and continues to perform and record new music well into her 70s. Her 2019 album No Control and 2021’s The Devil in Me show that her energy and passion for rock and roll remain as strong as ever.

A Lasting Icon

Suzi Quatro’s contributions to rock music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She remains an enduring symbol of empowerment and rock and roll rebellion. Whether through her music, her stage performances, or her role as a trailblazer for women in rock, Quatro’s influence continues to be felt in every chord struck by the next generation of rockers.

As she once said, “I will retire when I go on stage, shake my ass, and there is silence.”

With her unbreakable spirit and electrifying performances, that day still seems far away.

The History of Uriah Heep and Their Timeless Classic “The Wizard”

Few bands have left as indelible a mark on rock history as Uriah Heep. Emerging from the British hard rock and progressive rock scene of the late 1960s, the band crafted a unique sound that blended heavy guitar riffs, soaring harmonies, and symphonic elements. While they may not have always enjoyed the mainstream success of their contemporaries like Led Zeppelin or Deep Purple, Uriah Heep cultivated a dedicated global fan base and produced some of the most memorable tracks in classic rock history. Among these songs, The Wizard stands out as an enduring classic that continues to captivate listeners with its mystical lyrics and haunting melody.

The Rise of Uriah Heep

Uriah Heep was formed in London in 1969 by guitarist Mick Box and vocalist David Byron, originally under the name Spice. The addition of keyboardist Ken Hensley was a turning point, as his songwriting and musical vision helped shape the band’s signature sound. The group took its name from a character in Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield and quickly made waves in the burgeoning hard rock scene.

Their debut album, …Very ‘Eavy …Very ‘Umble (1970), introduced listeners to their blend of progressive rock and heavy metal. Songs like Gypsy showcased their ability to combine thunderous guitar with lush vocal harmonies. As the band evolved, they experimented with fantasy themes, powerful ballads, and intricate compositions, setting them apart from many of their peers.

Throughout the early 1970s, Uriah Heep released a string of successful albums, including Salisbury (1971), Look at Yourself (1971), and Demons and Wizards (1972). These records solidified their place in the pantheon of classic rock, earning them a devoted international following, particularly in Europe and Japan.

“The Wizard” – A Song of Mystical Reflection

Released in 1972 as the opening track on Demons and Wizards, The Wizard is one of Uriah Heep’s most beloved songs. It was co-written by keyboardist Ken Hensley and bassist Mark Clarke and marked a slight departure from the band’s heavier sound, leaning into an acoustic, almost folk-like atmosphere.

Lyrically, The Wizard tells the tale of an enigmatic figure who brings wisdom and enlightenment to the narrator, a common theme in rock songs of the era that flirted with fantasy and mysticism. The lyrics evoke a sense of wonder and discovery:

*”He was the wizard of a thousand kings And I chanced to meet him one night wandering He told me tales and he drank my wine

Led Zeppelin

British rock group was founded in 1968. It included Jimmy Page (guitar), Robert Plant (vocals), John Paul Jones (bass, keyboards), and John Bonham (drums). Thanks to the guitar sound, she is referred to as one of the first heavy metal bands, although her style is difficult to qualify for only one genre; in their work, you can hear inspirations drawn from blues, folk, Celtic, Indian and Arabic music, through reggae, soul, funk and classical music, as well as from country. The characteristic voice of the singer is considered by many to be the best in rock history.

The group first met in a room adjacent to a recording studio on Gerrard Street, London. Musicians very quickly found a common language and they got along very well. Soon after, they played their first composition “Jim’s Blues”. Between August and September 1968, the first few songs with a strong blues undertone were written, with which they never broke up until the end. They were completing a Scandinavian tour as The New Yardbirds. It was clear, however, that the time was inevitably drawing near to appearing under a name of its own, rather than borrowed from a formation that no longer existed. The history of the creation of a new name – Led Zeppelin, has become legendary. It is attributed to Keith Moon, who was supposed to say after one of the concerts that the music “floated like a lead airship” or “lead Zeppelin”. Following the suggestions of manager Peter Grant, the first part of “lead” was changed to “leed”, and finally read as “led”. The case ended up in court, due to the rights of the constructor’s family to the name of the ship – the lawsuit of Ferdinand von Zeppelin’s heirs was dismissed and the musicians could remain with the chosen name. In November 1968, the band signed a huge contract for those times with Atlantic Records, worth 200,000 pounds.