T. Rex Hit No.1 with Electric Warrior

On This Day 18th December 1971

On this day in 1971, T. Rex reached a major milestone when their sixth studio album, Electric Warrior, climbed to No.1 on the UK Albums Chart. It became the biggest-selling album of the entire year, cementing Marc Bolan’s status as the glitter drenched leader of Britain’s fast rising glam rock movement.

Released in September 1971, Electric Warrior signalled a dramatic shift for T. Rex. Gone were the purely acoustic, mystical folk stylings of Bolan’s earlier work. In their place came a bold, electric sound—sleek, rhythmic, sensual, and swaggering. Working with producer Tony Visconti, Bolan crafted an album full of sharp riffs, hypnotic grooves, and the shimmering confidence that would define 1970s glam rock.

The album features two of T. Rex’s most enduring and influential songs:

• “Get It On” (known in the US as “Bang a Gong (Get It On)”): A slinky, groove-driven masterpiece that topped the UK singles chart and became the band’s signature hit. With its irresistible riff and smoky vocal delivery, it helped introduce glam rock’s unmistakable strut to the mainstream.

• “Jeepster”: A vintage Bolan blend of bluesy rhythms and playful lyricism. Though it peaked at No.2, it became a fan favourite and remains one of the era’s most recognisable tracks.

The album also includes deeper cuts like “Cosmic Dancer” and “Life’s a Gas”—songs that showcase Bolan’s poetic side and have since been rediscovered by new generations of listeners.

By late 1971, the UK was in the middle of “T. Rextasy,” with fans swept up in Bolan’s charismatic stage presence, feather boas, glittered cheeks, and fantastical lyrics. Electric Warrior was more than a chart-topping record—it was a cultural turning point that helped ignite the glam rock explosion later carried by acts like David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Slade.

The album remains one of the most influential in British rock history, consistently appearing on “greatest albums” lists around the world.

Explore London’s Glam Rock Roots on my Rock & Roll Tour of Soho, where we visit the venues and hangouts that shaped the careers of Marc Bolan, David Bowie, and the artists who transformed London into the epicentre of glam, glitter, and rock ’n’ roll flair.

In Soho we will pass by the office of Marc Feld's (Bolan) manager and the Mod Cafe where Bowie and Bolan would breakfast together whilst discussing how they would launch their careers in the music world.

📆 Please check the Calendar in the main menu for available tour dates and times.

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