Marc Bolan and T. Rex’s performance of “Get It On” (also known as “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” in the U.S.) on Top Of The Pops Christmas Part 2, aired on 27th December 1971.
Originally aired on BBC1 and later featured on TOTP2, this version preserves the raw glam vibe of the original broadcast.
Written by T. Rex lead singer Marc Bolan, this song is all about sex, but with imagery so comically vague it would be hard for even the most prudish listeners to take offense. Bolan’s delivery is feral, and he does keep calling the girl “dirty and sweet,” but you really have to stretch to find sexual connotations in a “hubcap diamond star halo” or a “cloak full of eagles.” The biggest suggestion is in the title.
The track was recorded at Trident Studios, London, and the piano on the record was performed by either Rick Wakeman or Blue Weaver. Mark Paytress notes that both pianists may have played separate parts on the song, with Wakeman contributing only the piano glissandos that feature several times throughout the song. Wakeman, who was desperate for work at the time to pay his rent, had bumped into Bolan in Oxford Street, who offered him the session. Wakeman pointed out to Tony Visconti that the record did not actually need a piano player. Visconti suggested that he could add a gliss. Wakeman said that Visconti could do that, to which Bolan replied, “You want your rent, don’t you?” Wakeman did, and earned £9 for his efforts.
Saxophones were played by Ian McDonald of King Crimson.
During a December 1971 Top of the Pops performance, Elton John mimed playing a piano on the song.
“Get It On” – Single by T. Rex from the album Electric Warrior
B-side: “There Was a Time” / “Raw Ramp”
Released: 2 July 1971
Songwriter: Marc Bolan
Producer: Tony Visconti
Charted No.10 in US and No. 1 in UK
