A Glittering, Glam Rock Anthem That Echoes Through Time
“Bang a Gong (Get It On)” is a primal, celebratory explosion of rock and roll sensuality, a declaration of pure, unadulterated hedonistic joy.
Ah, yes, T. Rex and their thunderous, shimmering anthem, “Bang a Gong (Get It On).” It’s a track that, even after all these years, retains its potent, almost feral energy. Back in 1971, when this sonic earthquake rattled the charts, it wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon. It stormed to number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, and, of course, conquered the UK Singles Chart, sitting proudly at number one. It was a moment, a glorious, glittering moment, when the world seemed to tilt on its axis, driven by the sheer, unbridled charisma of Marc Bolan.
Think back, if you will, to those times. The air was thick with change, a heady mix of rebellion and a yearning for something new. Glam rock was emerging, a dazzling, flamboyant counterpoint to the more earnest sounds of the era. And at the heart of it all, stood Marc Bolan, a pixie-like figure with a voice that could both seduce and command. “Bang a Gong (Get It On)”, released as a single and featured on the album “Electric Warrior,” was his clarion call.
The story behind the song is as delightfully simple as its driving rhythm. Bolan, ever the romantic, drew inspiration from the blues classic “Get It On” by Chuck Berry. But he transformed it, infused it with a raw, almost primal energy that was uniquely his. The title itself, originally just “Get It On,” was changed to “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” for the American release to avoid confusion with another song with the same title. It was a stroke of genius, adding a percussive, almost tribal element to the already intoxicating mix.
But what does it all mean? Beyond the obvious celebration of physical attraction, “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” is a testament to the power of rock and roll as a force of liberation. It’s about embracing the moment, throwing caution to the wind, and surrendering to the sheer, visceral thrill of the music. Bolan was a master of crafting lyrics that were both suggestive and poetic, hinting at deeper desires without ever being explicit. The song’s simple, repetitive structure, coupled with its driving beat, creates a hypnotic effect, drawing the listener into its intoxicating world.
The late, great Tony Visconti, who produced the track, added a crucial element: the distinctive saxophone solo played by Ian McDonald of King Crimson. That sax riff, a soaring, almost mournful cry, elevates the song from a simple rock and roll number to something truly transcendent. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated magic, a perfect counterpoint to Bolan’s swaggering vocals.
“Bang a Gong (Get It On)” is more than just a song; it’s a time capsule, a snapshot of a moment when rock and roll was at its most glamorous and uninhibited. It’s a reminder of a time when music could still shock and seduce, a time when a single song could change the landscape of popular culture. For those of us who remember those days, it’s a nostalgic trip back to a world of glitter, platform boots, and the undeniable magic of Marc Bolan. And for those who are discovering it for the first time, it’s a testament to the enduring power of a truly great rock and roll anthem.