My Shrewsbury reviewer James Warman enjoyed a heady night of Glam Rock at Theatre Severn enjoying hits and stories from tribute band T. Rextasy. Pic taken at the Shrewsbury gig by Robin Carr.
Shrewsbury was transported back to the heady days of Glam Rock at the weekend when Theatre Severn played host to T. Rextasy, the only officially endorsed Marc Bolan and T. Rex tribute band.
The audience, who clearly ‘loved to boogie on a Saturday night’ we’re on fine form, decked out in their glam and glitter, singing along to their favourite songs and even shouting out songs suggestions, which to be fair to Danielz (the band’s charismatic frontman who embraced Bolan's spirit with unparalleled authenticity), was only too happy to indulge.
Danielz has previously said about portraying this icon of the 70s: "No-one can ever take Marc's place, no-one could ever be that naive. Treat T. Rextasy as a band of today, playing Marc's music as faithfully as possible and recreating that special energy and performance."
T. Rextasy certainly delivered on that front. Songs ranged from album tracks, personal favourites of Danielz and of course the big hits, most of which were interspersed with stories and reflections of Bolan and his short but spectacular life.
Not only did Danielz capture the essence of Bolan visually and vocally, but he also is an incredible guitar player, supported by an equally impressive band. Together they skillfully brought to life T. Rex's biggest hits, including classics like ‘Get it On’, ‘Ride a White Swan’ and ‘Children of the Revolution’.
Danielz’ stage presence and clear passion for Bolan’s music shone through like a big glitter covered star, fitting of the ‘Father of Glam Rock’.
These timeless tracks not only defined an era but influenced several music genres in the decades that followed including artists such as the New York Dolls, the Ramones, Kate Bush, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, R.E.M., the Smiths, the Pixies and Tricky. So to experience, if only for a moment, the 20th Century Boy that was Marc Bolan, was a real privilege.
Looking around the auditorium I could see people up on their feet, boogying away, singing along and waving their light-up feather boas. The atmosphere was electric and I’m sure that, if the Electric Warrior that was Marc Bolan could see us, he’d approve.
After the show, we got talking to one couple who’d clearly loved it: “We’re from Cardiff but every time they (T. Rextasy) play there, we’ve been away, so this time we’ve come to Shrewsbury so we wouldn’t miss them”.
A fitting tribute to T. Rex, T. Rextasy (and Theatre Severn) if ever I heard one.
This is not the first time T. Rextasy has played Theatre Severn and Danielz told us he was keen to come back, so keep an eye on the theatre’s website for this and other great acts https://www.theatresevern.co.uk
But if you really can’t wait, T. Rextasy will be performing at next year’s WoodShrop Festival on July 19th - 21st at West Mid Showground - more details here:www.woodshrop.co.uk/
In essence, T. Rextasy's performance at Theatre Severn was more than a tribute—it was a celebration of Marc Bolan's musical legacy, skillfully delivered by a band dedicated to preserving the essence of T. Rex's extraordinary contribution to the world of rock, and to encourage us to (as Danielz suggested in his farewell) ‘Keep a little Marc in all of our hearts’.
