T. Rex: Born to Boogie Review

Ringo Starr was not just the Beatles' drummer, nor was he just an actor (The Magic Christian, That'll Be the Day), he was also a director, making his debut with 1967's Magical Mystery Tour. If that film is his Citizen Kane, then Born to Boogie is his Magnificent Ambersons. 

The 1972 concert film documents the phenomenon known as "T. Rextasy," an early '70s variation on Beatlemania that swept Britain and made Marc Bolan a rock star. Known primarily in the US for the hits "Get It On (Bang a Gong)" and "Jeepster," T. Rex had a great run from '70 to '73, racking up a series of number ones in the UK.

T. Rex was so huge in England that the band accounted for a quarter of all records sold in 1972, and was able to headline the 70,000-capacity Wembley Stadium and sell out two shows. Both shows are presented on this deluxe double-DVD, which has been restored by a crack team including original T. Rex producer Tony Visconti (the original footage sat mouldering  in Ringo's basement for over 30 years), along with a couple of documentaries narrated by Bolan's son Rolan.

Among the highlights are an in-studio version of "Children of the Revolution" featuring Elton John and a nice version of Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti" with Ringo sitting in on drums. The version of "Jeepster" that opens the Wembley show is one of my all-time favorite rock-on-film moments, as Bolan rocks out next to an over-sized cardboard cut-out of himself, while wearing a shirt emblazoned with his face. Let's just say he had a healthy ego.

Marc Bolan died on September 16, 1977 (my 16th birthday, by the way), just as he was making a comeback. This DVD is a stunning testament to his mad genius.

Originally produced for Apple Films Ltd., the DVD is available from Sanctuary Classics.