T. Rex Ignites the Crowd Hot Love Live 1972 in London
A remarkable piece of live rock history has resurfaced online capturing T. Rex performing Hot Love in 1972, and the reaction from the audience clearly shows just how electrifying the band’s presence was on stage. The footage from this period displays Marc Bolan and his band delivering the energy that helped propel them into the forefront of the early seventies glam rock movement.
Hot Love was originally released as a single in February nineteen seventy one and became T. Rex’s first number one hit on the United Kingdom singles chart, where it stayed at the top for six consecutive weeks. The song marked a key moment in the evolution of the band, transitioning from their earlier folk-based style toward a more electric, groove-oriented sound that came to define glam rock. Its success was accompanied by some of the most iconic television performances of the era, with Bolan’s glittery stagewear and charismatic delivery helping to spark what was soon called “T. Rextasy.”
In the London performance from nineteen seventy two, Hot Love retains much of the swagger and infectious rhythm that made the studio version a sensation. The recording captures Bolan’s distinctive vocal style and sharp guitar rhythm, backed by the strength of drummer Bill Legend and bassist Steve Currie, who had been incorporated into the band following the song’s studio sessions. Producer Tony Visconti’s influence on the track is evident even in this live setting, with arrangements that emphasize both the beat and melodic hooks that fans instantly recognize.
What sets the live footage apart is the palpable enthusiasm of the crowd. From the very first chords, there is a sense that the audience is not just watching a performance but actively participating in the moment. The cheers and applause between phrases reflect how Hot Love had quickly become more than a hit single. It was a cultural touchstone felt keenly by those present, many of whom were witnessing T. Rex during one of the most exciting phases of their career.
This live version of Hot Love remains more than a nostalgic artifact. It stands as evidence of the band’s ability to translate studio innovation into raw, kinetic energy that could animate a room full of fans. Decades after its original release, the song continues to be celebrated for its role in shaping glam rock and for the unforgettable spectacle that Bolan and his band brought to the stage.