(Warning, please note there is a linked image of the car involved in this accident, taken some days after in a garage lot)
In 1977 Marc Bolan, a singer from the Glam rock group T.Rex died in a car crash in London. The Singer, songwriter poet, a guitarist was only 29.
Marc Bolan was born on 30th September 1947, in Hackney London. Died -16/9/77 Barnes, Richmond upon Thames. Hits Include “Ride a White Swan” – 1970, “Children of the Revolution” – 1972 “Metal Guru” -1972 “Telegram Sam”-1972 “20th Century Boy” 1973
In the early hours of September 16, 1977, tragedy struck the quiet street of Gipsy Lane in South West London. On a road that was best described as a country lane without street lighting or pavement, a car carrying two famous musicians crashed into a tree, changing the course of their lives forever.
Marc Bolan, the lead singer and guitarist of the band T. Rex, was the passenger in the car. He was not driving; his American girlfriend, singer Gloria Jones, was behind the wheel. They were returning to Bolan’s home in Richmond after a night out in central London’s Mayfair district. Their small son Rolan Bolan was not in the car.
The accident happened on a dark, blind spot section of the road. The car hit a tree with such force that it wrapped around the trunk, instantly killing Bolan. Jones was fortunate enough to survive the crash but sustained serious injuries, including a broken arm and jaw.
The news of Bolan’s tragic death shocked his fans and the music industry. Bolan was a charismatic and influential figure in the glam rock era of the 1970s, with hits like “Get It On” and “Telegram Sam” that made him a household name. He was just 29 years old at the time of his death.
The accident on Gipsy Lane highlighted the dangers of driving on poorly lit, rural roads. Bolan’s death also highlighted the importance of wearing seat belts, as it was later revealed that Bolan had not been wearing one at the time of the crash.
Despite the tragedy, Bolan’s music and legacy continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. The impact of his death was felt throughout the music industry, with artists like David Bowie paying tribute to his talent and influence.
Eerily Bolan did have some premonitions about how he would die, in a car crash
Linked image from (https://www.marc-bolan.net/members/index-2.html)
Marc Bolan Shrine
There is a Marc Bolan Shrine, on the B306 not far from Barnes Rail station 10 gipsy lane London SW15 5RG.
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, London, Greater London, England, SW15 5RG, United Kingdom
[…] genre was characterized by its theatricality and flamboyance, with artists like David Bowie, and Marc Bolan leading the charge. They wore extravagant costumes, makeup, and hairstyles that were far from the […]