Band a Gong (Get It On)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some wild vibes as we spin "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" by T. Rex from their iconic Electric Warrior album! This track, originally titled "Get It On" in the UK, was renamed in the US to avoid confusion with a song by the jazz-rock band Chase, which also dropped in 1971. Marc Bolan, the glam rock genius behind T. Rex, crafted this tune with a riff inspired by Chuck Berry’s "Little Queenie," even sneaking in a line from it—“And meanwhile, I’m still thinking”—during the song’s fade-out. Bolan claimed he wrote it out of a desire to channel Berry’s energy, and the result was a sultry, groove-heavy banger that hit number one in the UK for four weeks and cracked the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 10.

The recording of "Bang a Gong" was a transatlantic adventure. While touring the US in 1971, Bolan and producer Tony Visconti booked time at Media Sound Studios in New York and Wally Heider’s studio in Los Angeles. The track features a stellar lineup, including Rick Wakeman on piano—who was reportedly desperate for cash and nailed a simple part—and Ian McDonald on saxophone, adding that extra swagger. Fun fact: there’s no actual gong in the song, despite the title, making it a quirky outlier in rock history. Social media posts on X have highlighted its cultural impact, with users like @EdwynCollins noting Elton John’s piano contribution in a 1971 Top of the Pops performance and praising its enduring energy. The song’s sexy, glitter-dusted vibe even caught the ear of fans on Reddit, who call it a classic that screams Bolan’s natural charisma.

Now, let’s rewind to how T. Rex came to be. Marc Bolan, born Mark Feld in 1947 in London, was a showbiz natural from the start. As a kid, he played guitar in a skiffle band at nine and landed an acting gig on the children’s TV series Orlando by 1963. After a stint as a teen model, Bolan dove into music, releasing his first single, "The Wizard," in 1965 with Decca Records. His early sound was Dylan- and Donovan-inspired, but a brief run with the psych-rock band John’s Children in 1967 sharpened his edge. That same year, he formed Tyrannosaurus Rex with percussionist Steve Peregrin Took, leaning into psychedelic folk with poetic, Tolkien-esque lyrics. Albums like My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair… built a cult following in the UK’s underground scene.

By 1970, Bolan was ready to electrify his sound. He shortened the band’s name to T. Rex, added bassist Steve Currie and drummer Bill Legend, and dropped the self-titled T. Rex album, which included the hit "Ride a White Swan." This shift, paired with Bolan’s glittery stage persona—think feather boas and sparkly outfits—ignited the glam rock craze. Electric Warrior, released in 1971, cemented T. Rex as pioneers, with Bolan’s sensual grooves and theatrical flair earning the term "T. Rextasy" for their Beatlemania-level fan frenzy. Tragically, Bolan’s life was cut short in a 1977 car crash, but his influence lives on in artists like The Smiths, R.E.M., and Kate Bush.

For more on T. Rex, check out their official website for music and merch. Connect with fans on Facebook, where the official T. Rex page shares updates, or follow Instagram for throwback photos and glam rock nostalgia. On X, the @T_Rex_MarcBolan account keeps Bolan’s spirit alive with fan tributes and song clips. Dive deeper with fan communities like the T.Rextasy Official Fan Club on Facebook or visit T-Rex.co.uk for a fan-run hub packed with discography details and tour history. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!