And today Gloria,. . The car crash that killed him 30 years ago this month, brought him abruptly to the end of a . How revolting, like he didnt matter There will be unanswered questions indefinitely, and it is a shame that todays younger generation arent exposed or more exposed to T-Rex Marc Bolan music. Did I detect some slight nervousness, a little apprehension behind those lenses? Success has its degrees. Soul singer Gloria Jones, 64, is best known for two things: the original classic version of Tainted Love and being Marc Bolan's girlfriend - she was in the Mini that crashed . That was how Geoffrey Bayldon [the actor in Catweazle] got a part in the Born To Boogie movie. The bad years had taken little toll of his looks, but he would have been 30 next year. Chris states that his unit was on route to a large warehouse fire in Kingston and was redirected to the accident in Barnes. Hed just make things up. I cant think, I dont have anything to say. No one thinks they are going to get wrapped around a fucking tree in the early hours of the morning. Two weeks before his thirtieth birthday, Bolan was killed when the Mini his partner Gloria Jones was driving hit a metal fence. Just one tiny little mark.. He gave up writing proper poetry once he realised he could be on every girls bedroom wall with Ride A White Swan onward. While driving home from a London club with Bolan, Gloria Jones lost control of her car, smashing into a tree. K.A.L.M.I.Y.H. She is still in hospital, with a broken jaw and serious facial injuries. The centrepiece was a huge white swan made out of chrysanthemums. He was the cosmic punk again.. She was the type to have one drink, then call it quits and not have any more, because she wanted to stay in control of her faculties., The spotlight fell on the Mini, which had recently been serviced. He was never going to burn out, Sid and Nancy style. People got as weirded-out with Marc as they did with Bowie. A Tale Untold is on course to be published late this year. The young London pop fan, Mark Feld, first approached the glitter world of the pop star when he carried the guitar of Eddie Cochrane into a London concert hall 18 years ago. It did 3,000., Marc had to talk everything up. Marc Bolans mini-revival ended abruptly in the early hours of Friday, September 16, 1977. Their Hippy period had never been as fey as Britains, and there were no American DJs with dues to pay to their flower-power pasts. A little before five oclock the car left the road at Queens Ride, Barnes Common, and crashed into a tree. Steve Harley takes up to story: Muriel Young kick-started it all. During my research I contacted the archivist for the London Fire Brigade. Marc Bolan, riding in the passenger's seat of the car, was killed instantly. Marc Bolan Death. Marc Bolan remains one of the most iconic figureheads in the history of British music despite losing his life in tragic circumstances, painfully too early as the T. Rex man passed away following a car crash on 16th September 1977, just two weeks prior to his 30th birthday. Also he has the watch colours wrong for the time of day. Ilkka Suni, Joutseno, Finland Embed from Getty Images. Im talking about him as if I can see him now. I was on the same label as him, EMI, and hed say: Oh yeah, my new single, its done 30,000. And Id say: Marc, Ive seen the figures. Gloria Jones lost her husband and father of her child, from a pure accident that any of us, even good drivers, could make. You just called him a racist. She recorded the original version of "Tainted Love" as a B-side in 1964 and the powerful track was instantly forgotten - if it was known. Unfortunately, it didnt. In fact she did not even learn of his death until after his funeral. Jones was driving. Always keep a little Marc in your heart. Lesley-Ann Jones captures perfectly the spirit of the time, and tells beautifully the wider story of Marc's extraordinary life. Ive written some great lyrics, and people say its all mindless garbage. Marc Bolan (born Mark Feld; 1947 - 1977) was an English singer-songwriter, guitarist and poet. The car was driven by his girlfriend, American singer Gloria Jones, who crashed into a tree in Gipsy Lane, Barnes, in London. A subscription makes a thoughtful gift for both family and friends. Bolans June 1976 single, I Love To Boogie, was more of a simplistic chant than a cast-iron classic. My mum came back from the shops and said: Your pop-star mate, Roley or Boley or whatever his name was, has died. I said: Not Marc Bolan! I ran round the corner, got an Evening Standard, and there it was. I came back and went straight to the hospital to see Gloria she had facial injuries and her jaw was all wired up., I was in Berlin working and I immediately flew home for the funeral, says Tony Visconti. He dabbled in some more groups, and in 1968, making a vague living by playing acoustic guitar around the clubs (and in restaurants for a free meal) he met Steven Took, and together they formed one of the classic groups of the Hippy era, Tyrannosaurus Rex. Im afraid it is. I found myself chatting her up. Thanks. The mini hit a tree in Queens Ride, Bawnes and was a Write-of''. I am now writing the final parts and then it will be the basic proof reading and editing process. Marc Bolan, T. Rex,Ed Cobb: Gloria Jones (nascida como Gloria Richetta Jones em Cincinnati, Ohio, 19 de outubro de 1945) uma cantora americana de soul e gospel [1]. . Bowie was due to guest star on Bolan's ITV series . Mr. The eulogy was beautiful, and then this funereal music started up on the organ. Bolans mind was brimful of new projects, some completed, several half-finished but most of which never saw the light of day. He is best known for his work with British rock band T. Rex. The driver of the Mini, a purple 1275GT model, was his partner Gloria Jones, once one of Bolans backing singers but by then the mother of his 20 month old son Rolan. Yes Gloria Jones was the driver and its likely she wasnt entirely sober and had alcohol & cocaine in her system, two things Bolan and his entire circle indulged in. Thanks for all your research. Singer Marc Bolan (1947-1977) on a tour bus in June 1972. Marc wasnt perfect, far from it, but he put himself out there and God bless him! Through 1971 and 1972 I was much newer and fresher than I am now, and I hit a big peak. In retrospective, back then Marc Bolan dying was just as shocking as the death of David Bowie, and some others of the brightest rock stardome. Stay up to date with in depth music reviews, exclusive interviews and widespread coverage of whats happening from your favourite music genre. He had been reduced to playing Londons Lyceum Ballroom on his Futuristic Dragon tour in front of just 1,000 people. and was an editor of Sounds music magazine. Sign up below to get the latest from Classic Rock, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! yes a 1973 mini clubman had seat belts fitted , and it was top of the range 1275gt T-Rex; he was 29. His death haunts so many of us to this day.But how low down for this guy to fabricate such a tale,when there are so many documented accounts of the crash site. Hed got rid of his drug habit, hed gone through his arrogant stage, he was almost humble. If I knew I was telling the truth, especially about a fatal occurrence, and somebody, not by direct accusation but by countering my accurate description of events, (thereby injuring untold numbers of hearts forever), I should make it a duty in life to arrange a public meeting with them to stop it ,once and for all. I also rang Chris Watts and he couldnt even tell me who his other crew members were. He used to write wonderful stories, but I dont know what happened to them. So very sad. For the next six and a half years their lives were to continue a universe apart, until late one night they crossed at a sycamore tree by a hump back bridge on the South Circular. The couple's son Rolan Bolan settled in Los Angeles and became a musician and model for clothing brand Tommy Hilfiger. so how easy was he lifted out ? It was amazing, because Bolan had just had his first big hit single. It was once said of the Rolling Stones: Would you let your daughter marry one of these? But as far as the stars of glam rock were concerned you had to work out the gender first. Nevertheless, it heralded a comeback of sorts, reaching No.13 in the chart. Image supplied by Memory Lane Prints. Any proof? Someone here is a fantasist; a liar; or, has some private motive: possibly attention-seeking. Remember keep a little Marc in your hearts. Gloria and Marc - whose son Rolan was 20-months-old at the time - had been returning to their Richmond home after a night out in London's Mayfair around 4am when their purple mini crashed. I would be surprised if Gloria had been stone cold sober..but she wasnt charged with any offense. Now Ive levelled out. You cant believe a word of that. A few heads grumbled the words sell and out, but Bolan left them for dust. Hi Penny..Could you please make contact with me via email thanks Bari. ": How porn, poop and chicken coops derailed Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy, Every issue delivered direct to your door. Still amazing after all these years. I was close to Mark towards the end of her injuries (i want to say unfortunately, but i wont) were not life-threatening. 742 Gloria Jones Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO All Sports Entertainment News Archival Browse 742 gloria jones stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. The scale of the task ahead was rammed home when, on May 3, 1976, Marc and Gloria Jones went to see David Bowie play Wembleys Empire Pool. Many T-Rex fans claimed that Rolan's mother had "killed their rock star." 2: Son of Marc Bolan (Feld) and Gloria Jones. On September 16, 1977, two weeks before Bolan would have turned 30, returning from a party thrown by Rod Stewart, he was killed when the purple Mini being driven by his girlfriend, American soul singer Gloria Jones (she recorded the original version of Ed Cobb's "Tainted Love") hit a chainlink fence and then a tree near Gypsy Lane in Southwest Oh, no. Its actually the fans and media that keep Marcs popularity . He is best known for his work with British rock band T. Rex. Black & white. On 16th Sept 1977, 29-year-old former T. Rex singer Marc Bolan was killed instantly when the car driven by his girlfriend, Gloria Jones, left the road and hit a tree in Barnes, London.. Thanks for the topic and the comments, still. But at the same time, he was strangely compelling. Will NEVER forget when I was told of his death. Because her brother wasnt a fool and new she had been drinking , so got her out of Uk , that said it was the mechanic that was racist and left her wheel nut lose. I ribbed him. She was going to be charged with DD, but Richard got here out of UK, so she could be charged, hence lots of Bolan fans, blamed her for, the loss of Marc. His earlier work was a joy to behold A Beard Of Stars [Tyrannosaurus Rexs 1970 album] is a classic, its in my Top 20 of all time. and the blanket was in vickys car behind.prior to going to a callbox for help.she told me he was in the car and appeared uninjured and laying on the floor of the car..Gloria appeared to have had head injuries and her brother took him from the car and layed him on a blanket from vickys boot while she went to a callbox to call emergency services.. I was unable to return to London He would be good-looking and still sharp., Tony Visconti: I think he would have acted. The Godfather. He was lifted out of the car by Glorias brother. and should not have happened, Accidental? 3: Earned a degree in recording arts at Loyola Marymount . He had fallen a long way. Why, even William Blake would have grooved to my lyrics, you know, Ive got a great story called Future Man Buick, which is incredible, it may be done as a movie. Gloria did not pen the song Tainted Love. Marc loved it all. No names mentioned, but the reality more often than not fails to live up to your fantasy. the fireman is not the only one not telling the truth. Nowhere is the affection between Bowie and Bolan clearer than in the way Bowie took care of Bolan's son Rolan. Artistic Director (and Hair Advisor) should be Danielz from T.Rextasy Danielz knows Marc inside out, IMO. Penny..would you email me pleasethanks Bari. I remember one Top Of The Pops where Marc was wearing a toy plastic Roman breastplate that hed bought in Woolworths and one of his nipples was showing! She and Bolan were also in a committed romantic relationship and had a son, Rolan Bolan (born September 26, 1975), together. However, Steve Harley believes Bolans endorsement of punk was purely a means to an end. The car was written off, chunks of engine forced through into the passenger compartment. As our interview progressed, it took on a jumbled, disorganised, almost stream of consciousness quality. Im not sure on your comment , but please feel free to ask . Hello. The time of the crash was 5am, just as dawn was breaking. Bolan was killed instantly and Jones sustained minor injuries. Radio 1 DJ John Peel who brought Tyrannosaurus Rex to public attention ferried Bolan and Took up to Kidderminster for an allnighter on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1968, following an appearance on his Top Gear show in London. Six months later T. Rex bassist Steve Currie was killed in a road accident in Portugal. Not a chance. There were flames bursting out in front of us. Bowie had been a long-time friend of Marc's. When Bolan's career faltered in the mid-Seventies, Bowie encouraged him to make a comeback. This is not factually true. THIRTY one years ago, in the early hours of the morning of September 16, 1977, a huge fire broke out in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, pulling most of the fire appliances from the south of London.. Fashion was a part of the phenomenon, so were the new, cool discos of Swinging London. BOB HARRIS OBE Following . When they got to the scene near a humpback bridge on Queens Ride, Barnes, it was pretty obvious there was no rescuing to be done. Marc Bolan AKA Mark Feld Born: 30-Sep-1947 Birthplace: London, England [1] Died: 16-Sep-1977 Location of death: London, England Cause of death: Accident - Automobile Remains . *Marc Bolan (Marc Feld), car accident in 1977. He thrived on it., Marc was grateful to have a second chance, says Tony Visconti. The pair headed to their house in Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen. A racist mechanic? Is it a boy? "When I arrived a girl was lying on the bonnet and a man with long dark curly hair was stretched out in the road - there was a hell of a mess, I rushed to get the police," he said. It was a Jewish ceremony. We need to move on now., It has been alleged that Jones was drunk at the wheel but one source who does not want to be named, but who was close to Jones at the time, refutes this: Gloria had a lot of self-control. Its a tragic loss. I came up with something stock. All rights reserved. By the time Marc Bolan joined the ranks of John's Children in 1967, the British band had already established quite a reputation. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). No one can quite agree on what exactly Marc Bolan would be doing today, if hed lived. She was later summonsed to appear in court in London on charges of being unfit to drive and driving a car in a dangerous condition, but she never returned to face the allegations. Well her brother and her Career along with the song writing should not of left her destitute but I dont know the in and outs of why she claims to have been very poor as a bonus David Bowie put in place in education facility for Marcs son. Its a great idea you open up a cloak and its full of eagles. By the end of 1973 he was drinking a bottle a day. I couldnt even believe hed died., I was sitting out in my garden. There was no one there apart from me. I doubt it. #, "Thats what people forget about Marc. I can still remember hearing the news on Radio one that fateful morning ! He died aged just 29 when he and Tainted Love singer Gloria, now 71, crashed in a purple Mini just a mile from home in Barnes, South West London. The driver of the car, Gloria Jones, who was also Rolan's mother, emerged from the accident alive but severely injured. It was less to do with fighting Rockers at Clacton than with the pursuit of style. A pair of doors opened up like the mouth of Hades. My point with this book is to expose the much repeated erroneous reports and false statements surrounding the last few months of Marc Bolans life and to hopefully draw a line under things once and for all. The singer had transcended the underbelly of glam rock and had become a fully-fledged pop star, even helming his own television show and becoming a huge household name. I was living with my mum and dad. According to research, he was 29 years old and killed in an accident. yeah yeah yeah, His guitars , well actually a few are around , The night I cut Marc Bolan from the wreckage of his car By Mike Pryce THIRTY one years ago, in the early hours of the morning of September 16, 1977, a huge fire broke out in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, pulling most of the fire appliances from the south of London. I hope you expose the fantasists in your book. When we rang the hospital later they told us the driver had a broken arm and jaw, but the passenger was DOA (dead on arrival), he added. My tour manager and I were on the first plane to England. T Rex. You have your guess the year on Peak 107 in my area (Chesterfield Derbyshire) from the 80s onwards and its the same old stuff repeated. Im So sad to be morning mark after fourty five years.i have hundreds of his records I play his songs every day and most of them are especially his early songs with Steve,they all bring tears to my eyes even after all this time,I was 17 when mark left us and I still cannot live it down ,I never saw him live but I am a devoted fan of( too rex )and Ive seen them on many occasions , somehow it helps with the pain of having to live my life with out the real mark in our midst. "If people still want to speculate about the manner of his death, fine. But when you think about some of Marcs phraseology Tyrannosaurus Rex eater of cars. Hubcap diamond star halo. Seventy-seven is going to be heaven. [The latter being a line from Bolans final single, Celebrate Summer.] Than with the pursuit of style nevertheless, it heralded a comeback of sorts, reaching No.13 in the &! ; he was strangely compelling Bowie was due to guest star on &! 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