Metal Guru

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying "Metal Guru" by T. Rex, a glam rock anthem from their 1972 album The Slider. This track, the band's fourth and final UK number-one single, held the top spot for four weeks from May to June 1972. Marc Bolan, the creative force behind T. Rex, described "Metal Guru" as a "festival of life song," blending spiritual musings with his signature glitter-soaked swagger. In a 1972 interview, Bolan explained, "I relate 'Metal Guru' to all gods around... I believe in a god, but I have no religion. With 'Metal Guru', it's like someone special, it must be a godhead. I thought how God would be, he'd be all alone without a telephone." This quirky vision of a divine figure, isolated yet powerful, infuses the song with a mystical charm that resonated with fans, earning it a place as a glam rock classic.

Recorded at Strawberry Studios (later known as the "Honky Chateau" after Elton John's sessions there) at Chateau d'Herouville in France, "Metal Guru" was produced by Tony Visconti, a longtime collaborator who shaped T. Rex's sound from their psychedelic folk roots to their glam rock peak. The song's infectious energy comes from its layered production, with massive overdubs of electric guitars, orchestral flourishes, and the falsetto backing vocals of Flo and Eddie (former members of The Turtles and Mothers of Invention). Visconti recalled the recording as a "kitchen-sink mix," noting Bolan's superstition about including strings on every hit single after their success on earlier tracks like "Hot Love." This insistence on strings, combined with Bolan's repetitive lyrics—repeating "Metal Guru" 21 times—created a hypnotic, larger-than-life sound that Zoo Freaks can't resist.

The song's influence extends beyond its chart success, inspiring artists like The Smiths, whose 1986 track "Panic" was directly modeled on "Metal Guru." Johnny Marr, The Smiths' guitarist, admitted to mimicking its guitar break, while Morrissey aimed to capture Bolan's vocal style. Fans on social media have echoed this enthusiasm; a 2021 post on X by user @colinphoenix highlighted Bolan's festival-of-life quote, celebrating the song's spiritual undertones. Another post from 2022 by @JakeRudh marked the 50th anniversary of The Slider, noting its release with a photo credited to Ringo Starr. Despite its UK dominance, "Metal Guru" surprisingly failed to chart in the US, a fact that puzzled fans given the success of "Get It On" stateside.

Marc Bolan, born Mark Feld in 1947 in London, began his musical journey as a teen in the mod scene, adopting the stage name Marc Bolan in his early years. His first band, John's Children, dabbled in psychedelic rock, but it was with Tyrannosaurus Rex, formed in 1967, that he found his voice. Initially a psychedelic folk duo with percussionist Steve Peregrin Took, the band released albums like My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair..., blending poetic lyrics with acoustic grooves. Bolan's shift to electric rock in 1969, renaming the band T. Rex in 1970, marked a turning point. The 1970 single "Ride a White Swan" became their first major hit, paving the way for the glam rock explosion of Electric Warrior (1971) and The Slider. Bolan's flamboyant style—think satin jackets and glitter—made him a cultural icon, dubbed "T. Rextasy" by the press for the fan frenzy he inspired.

T. Rex's legacy lives on through their official channels and fan communities. The band's official website offers a deep dive into Bolan's life and music, while their Facebook page keeps fans updated on reissues and tributes. On Instagram, @trexbolan shares vintage photos and album art, and the X account @officialtrex engages with Zoo Freaks worldwide. Fan communities thrive online, with groups like the T. Rex Fans Facebook Group connecting enthusiasts to share stories and memorabilia. Websites like Till Dawn, a dedicated T. Rex fan site, offer detailed discographies and rare photos, keeping Bolan's spirit alive for new generations of glam rock devotees.