The entire debate about Sgt. Pepper’s is somewhat hilarious since there are so many examples of that album’s far reaching influence that, around every corner it seems, comes another milestone that shines more light on its relevance.Forty years ago today, Marc Bolan decided to leave the comforts of the band John’s Children and placed an ad in Melody Maker magazine. There’s a good probability that Pepper’s far reaching scope prompted him to consider that in order for him to achieve his own vision, he would have to set out on his own.
The actual classified read as follows:
“Freaky lead guitarist, bass guitarist and drummer wanted for Marc Bolan’s new group. Also any other astral flyers like with cars, amplification and that which never grows in window boxes.”
Ironically, Bolan (who’d never owned a guitar before joining John’s Children) must have had second thoughts about the “amplification,” choosing to pursue an acoustic approach with his new project.
Percussionist Steve Took answered the ad and joined with Bolan under the moniker Tyrannosaurus Rex. The duo released their debut album My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair But Now They’re Content to Wear Stars On Their Brows later on that same year.
