After watching ITV1s very unsatisfactory 1/2 hour documenatary on the life of Marc Bolan, I was wondering, since that you were such a big star in the early 70's (and beyond) did you get to know this seemingly charismatic and iconic figure. Was he as charming and star-like as I imagine from someone that wasn't around when he was at his peak.

I can't believe it's 30 years. I remember how terrible I felt when I heard the news. I actually knew Marc
fairly well (if a journalist can ever say they know a rock musician). I found him incredible beautiful and charming, a little manipulative and a master of exaggeration. No matter what he did he always said he was the biggest, the best, the richest and the most famous. He never lived up to his potential live (at least not here in America). I was always very disappointed by his live shows. I felt he was a lot more effective as an acoustic performer than a "rock musician" although he was quite an accomplished guitarist.
When I think of Marc Bolan I think of his incredible smile his tiny feet in his Annelo and Davide maryjanes and his amazingly attractive halo of curls. Definitely one of a kind.

Yes Robbie - I knew him very well before he became famous; fame changed him, not in a good way.

He used to come round and play me his songs. I loved and supported Deborah, his first hit.

I agree with Tipsheet2002 - he was far better live in those days, sitting as a duo on the floor, just singing magic tunes.

I still play his records daily, although after 1973 there are very few gems.
I was too young to ever meet him, but a lot of guys I have worked with over the years knew and worked with him. The main word that kept comung up about his character was "shrewd".
Every generation loves "20th Century Boy", where are the simple basic cross genre riffs like that these days?
It`s fascinating to listen to the early developement of his career allowed by Regal Zonophone, before moving to Fly and then back to EMI, but retaining Tony Visconti at the controls.
There is a whole catalogue of hearing people grow up and go through phases together.