Sometimes the stars align in ways that feel almost scripted. Just ask any T. Rex fan about the remarkable coincidence that unfolded in London’s Maida Vale neighborhood last month — a perfect harmony of past and present that would’ve surely brought a knowing smile to Marc Bolan’s face.
Picture this: On what would’ve been the glam rock pioneer’s birthday, a distinguished blue plaque was being unveiled at 31 Clarendon Gardens. Meanwhile, across town, music historians were preparing to announce something that seemed almost too good to be true — the discovery of a completely unheard T. Rex track from 1975.
The song, “I’m Dazed,” emerged from the depths of time like some long-lost treasure. Martin Barden, working with Demon Music Group, stumbled upon it while digging through old tapes. “When we played the reel and Marc’s voice came through, it was magical,” he recalled, probably understating the goosebump moment that every music archivist dreams about.
What makes this find particularly special? Well, it’s not just some rough demo or half-finished idea. The track features the classic mid-’70s T. Rex lineup in their prime — Bolan with Steve Currie, Gloria Jones, Davey Lutton, and Dino Dines. Recorded between the legendary Château d’Hérouville near Paris and Munich’s Musicland Studios, it’s practically a time capsule of the band at their creative peak.
The blue plaque ceremony itself was quite something. Rick Wakeman CBE — yes, that Rick Wakeman from Yes — led the proceedings with the kind of warmth you’d expect from someone who actually knew Bolan. “Marc was a truly remarkable person,” Wakeman mused, adding with a touch of humor that Bolan would’ve probably written a song about getting his own blue plaque.
That first-floor flat in Maida Vale? It’s practically hallowed ground for T. Rex fans. Between late 1970 and 1972, Bolan crafted some absolute bangers there — “Hot Love,” “Metal Guru,” “20th Century Boy” — before the constant parade of fans outside forced him to find somewhere a bit more private. Eleven top 10 hits in that period alone. Not too shabby for a small flat in West London.
BBC Radio 3’s Petroc Trelawny put it rather nicely: Bolan wasn’t just another hitmaker — he was the glitter-covered revolutionary who basically rewrote the rulebook for ’70s music and style. Four UK Number Ones and three chart-topping albums tell only part of the story. “Electric Warrior” (1971) remains the kind of album that makes modern producers shake their heads in wonder.
The newly discovered “I’m Dazed” has been given some tender loving care by T. Rex superfan Steven Wilson, who’s managed that tricky balance between preserving the vintage vibe while making it sound fresh enough for today’s streaming platforms. Come November 7th, fans can grab a limited edition 7″ single — because some things just deserve to exist in physical form, don’t they?
In an age where seemingly everything’s been found, catalogued, and uploaded, it’s properly exciting when genuine musical treasures surface. Between the blue plaque and this unexpected gift from the vaults, it feels like Marc Bolan’s artistic spirit is alive and kicking — proving that real magic never really fades, it just waits for the right moment to sparkle again.