Marc Bolan, the pioneering force behind T. Rex, has been honoured with an English Heritage blue plaque. The plaque marks 31 Clarendon Gardens, Maida Vale, where Bolan lived with his wife June from late 1970 as his career soared with hits like ‘Ride a White Swan’, ‘Hot Love’, and ‘Get it On’. A number of his biggest hits were written and recorded while he lived at the address. Bolan left the first-floor flat late in 1972 after the attentions of fans became oppressive, but the Stoke Newington-born singer and songwriter lived in London all his life. The unveiling of the plaque coincides with the release of “I’m Dazed”, a previously unheard T. Rex track recorded in 1975 and newly released by Demon Music Group, alongside a rare alternate take of “Billy Super Duper”. Both songs were discovered on long-forgotten studio tapes, offering fans a fresh and intimate glimpse into Bolan’s creative world.

Between 1970 and 1973, T. Rex achieved phenomenal success, producing eleven Top 10 singles in the UK, including four #1 hits. Their groundbreaking album Electric Warrior topped UK charts and inspired the emergent glam rock movement. Bold visuals – silver lamé tops, glitter under the eyes – and theatrical flair became Bolan’s signature, his influence as a singer and songwriter spanning  generations of artists from Bowie to Lady Gaga.

Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman, who also played on T.Rex recordings, 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.”

Although Bolan’s life was tragically cut short in 1977 when he died in a car crash, his music endures. T. Rex were inducted into the US Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, and their music continues to soundtrack films like Billy Elliot, Moulin Rouge! and Baby Driver. A 2023 documentary, Angelhead Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex, celebrated his life and work, and his lasting presence in popular culture is attested by his continued influence on fashion, as well as music.

Bolan will join other iconic musicians commemorated by the blue plaques scheme, from Freddie Mercury, Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon to Jenny Lind and Adelaide Hall – and from earlier times, Mozart, Chopin and Handel.

The “I’m Dazed” track has been mixed from master tapes by acclaimed musician Steven Wilson and comes backed with an unearthed studio take of ‘Billy Super Duper’. Both tracks will be available to stream and download on September 30th, with a very limited edition 7” single launching on 7th November. 

The English Heritage London Blue Plaques scheme is generously supported by David Pearl and members of the public.