Lost T. Rex Tracks Discovered as Marc Bolan Receives English Heritage 'Blue Plaque' Honour
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After 50 years in the vaults, two exclusive T. Rex recordings have been unearthed and fans are about to hear Marc Bolan like never before.
The two unheard tracks coincide with a major moment of recognition for Marc Bolan’s enduring influence, as English Heritage today unveiled a blue plaque at Bolan’s former home at 31 Clarendon Gardens, Maida Vale, London W9 1AZ, commemorating his extraordinary contribution to British music and culture.
The ceremony, held on what would have been Bolan’s birthday, was led by legendary Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman CBE, joined by fans, fellow musicians, colleagues and friends in celebration of Bolan’s life and legacy.
On the same day, Demon Music Group have released “I’m Dazed”, a completely unheard T. Rex song recorded in 1975, alongside a rare take of “Billy Super Duper.” These treasures were recently discovered on forgotten studio tapes, giving a remarkable new window into Bolan’s musical world.
The unearthing of ‘I’m Dazed’ has proved a mystery for Bolan devotees – who only heard rumours of a possible recording. From newly discovered studio tapes from the period, the track was first laid down at the famed Château d'Hérouville studios near Paris in March 1975. Moving on from France to Germany, T. Rex recorded this second version on 22nd April at Musicland Studios in Munich. With Marc producing and Reinhold Mack (Sparks, Queen, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones) in the engineer’s chair, the track features the classic mid-‘70s T. Rex lineup of Marc, Steve Currie, Gloria Jones, Davey Lutton, and Dino Dines.
Bolan’s legacy includes an astonishing run of hits with T.Rex, among them four UK No.1 singles – Hot Love, Get It On, Telegram Sam, and Metal Guru – as well as timeless classics such as Ride A White Swan, Jeepster, Children Of The Revolution, Solid Gold Easy Action, 20th Century Boy, The Groover, and I Love To Boogie. T.Rex additionally scored three number one albums, including Electric Warrior which spent eight weeks atop the UK charts in 1971-21.
Bolan’s enduring influence continues to resonate across the music industry and beyond through the gift of royalties to charities including the PRS Members’ Fund, which offers vital support to songwriters and composers including financial assistance during periods of hardship.
Rolan Bolan, Marc Bolan’s son said:
There have been many re-releases and reissues over the years, but this time, we have a fresh and new song in which we really experience the transition of the T.Rex sound. The electrified intro into the soulful groove took me to a new place which almost made it feel like the song came out from a modern band today. I could definitely hear a different angst and passion in my father's voice and I was captivated by the energy of the band when I first heard it.”
Martin Barden, consultant to Demon Music, who discovered the tracks said:
“While cataloguing some old T. Rex tapes, I spotted tracks I’d never heard before. When we played the reel and Marc’s voice came through, it was magical. To unearth this completely unheard track, ‘I’m Dazed’, after 50 years, feels like finding hidden treasure and is a true gift for fans. This song was recorded when Marc was living an itinerant life, hopping across borders and continents – and producing some of the most innovative music of his life. It is such a pleasure to be sharing new music after all these years.”
Yes keyboardist and PRS Members’ Fund patron, Rick Wakeman CBE, said:
“I am pretty sure that if Marc is with us in spirit today he’d be absolutely thrilled to see the blue plaque and probably would write a song about it. Marc was a truly remarkable person, with an extraordinary clarity of vision about what he wanted to achieve — a quality that made him unique across so many musical, fashion, and artistic forms.” “To think that after all these years, we’re still discovering unheard T. Rex tracks like ‘I’m Dazed’ and ‘Billy Super Duper’ is just incredible and proves how deep and rich his creativity really was.”
BBC Radio 3 presenter and English Heritage blue plaques panel member, Petroc Trelawny, said:
“Marc Bolan was not just a hitmaker, he was a visionary who led a glitter-drenched revolution that transformed the sound – and style – of the 70s, both in the music scene and beyond. His fusion of folk roots, electric rock, and decadent style opened the door to glam, and his fearless self-expression paved the way for future icons. This plaque in Maida Vale marks the building he called home at the peak of his artistry: from here, he captured the imagination of a generation.”
The “I’m Dazed” track has been mixed from master tapes by acclaimed musician and sound wizard (and T. Rex superfan!) Steven Wilson and comes backed with an unearthed studio take of a Bolan rarity ‘Billy Super Duper’. Both tracks will be available to stream on September 30th with a very limited edition 7” single being released on 7th November HERE
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Notes to Editors:
For further information about the new T. Rex tracks, please contact: julian@jmspr.co.uk
Photo Credits ©Keith Morris Archive
Marc Bolan (1947–1977): Marc Bolan, born Mark Feld in Stoke Newington, London, was a pioneering glam rock icon best known as the frontman of T. Rex. Drawn to rock 'n' roll and dandyism from an early age, Bolan transformed himself into a pop romantic, changing his name and embracing the mystique of stardom.
After early stints as a solo artist and with the band John's Children, he founded the psychedelic folk duo Tyrannosaurus Rex, which later evolved into the electric, glitter-laden T. Rex. Between 1970 and 1973, Bolan spearheaded the glam rock movement, scoring a string of hits like Get It On, Hot Love, and Telegram Sam, and sparking a wave of “T. Rextasy” among British youth.
Known for his flamboyant style and poetic lyrics, Bolan’s influence extended to punk, pop, and beyond. Despite a commercial decline in the mid-70s, he began a creative resurgence before his life was tragically cut short in a car crash just before his 30th birthday. He remains a beloved and influential figure in British music history. T,Rex were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.
Marc’s legacy serves as a powerful testament to the importance of empowering the creator community, sustaining the art of songwriting for generations to come. Find out more about PRS Members’ Fund. https://www.prsmembersfund.com/
History of London’s Blue Plaques Scheme: The London-wide blue plaques scheme has been running for 150 years. The idea of erecting ‘memorial tablets’ was first proposed by William Ewart MP in the House of Commons in 1863. It had an immediate impact on the public imagination, and in 1866 the (Royal) Society of Arts founded an official plaques scheme. The Society erected its first plaque – to poet, Lord Byron – in 1867. The blue plaques scheme was subsequently administered by the London County Council (1901–65) and by the Greater London Council (1965–86), before being taken on by English Heritage in 1986. www.english-heritage.org.uk/discover/blue-plaques/
English Heritage cares for over 400 historic monuments, buildings and sites – from world famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of empire to Cold War Bunkers. Through these, we bring the story of England to life for over 10 million visitors each year.
Registered charity no. 1140351.
The English Heritage London Blue Plaques scheme is generously supported by David Pearl and members of the public.
For further information or images, please contact the English Heritage Press Office on 020 7973 3390 or at press@english-heritage.org.uk.
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