I Love To Boogie on Top Of The Pops 1976 A Defining Television Moment for T Rex
The performance of I Love To Boogie by T Rex on Top Of The Pops in June nineteen seventy six remains one of the most recognisable and enduring appearances of the glam rock era. Recently restored in high definition, the footage offers a clearer view of a moment that captured Marc Bolan and his band at a late but still vital stage of their career, bringing their distinctive style to millions of viewers through British television.
By the time I Love To Boogie was performed on Top Of The Pops on the seventeenth of June nineteen seventy six, T Rex were already an established cultural force. Formed and led entirely by Marc Bolan, the group had evolved dramatically since its origins in the late nineteen sixties counter culture. Bolan’s journey from acoustic folk performer to electric rock frontman was central to the band’s identity. Early recordings under the name Tyrannosaurus Rex explored mystical and poetic themes, but the shift to the streamlined name T Rex marked the beginning of a louder, sharper, and more accessible sound.
That transformation reached its commercial peak in the early nineteen seventies. Songs such as Ride A White Swan and Get It On established Bolan as one of the defining figures of glam rock. Albums including Electric Warrior and The Slider achieved major chart success and helped turn T Rex into an international phenomenon across Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia, with growing recognition in North America as well.
I Love To Boogie arrived slightly later in this story, yet the Top Of The Pops performance demonstrates that Bolan’s charisma and instinct for pop presentation remained intact. The song itself is simple and direct, built around a driving rhythm and an infectious sense of movement. Its strength lies not in complexity but in attitude, reflecting Bolan’s understanding of how rock music could feel immediate and joyful.
The television performance highlights these qualities perfectly. Bolan appears relaxed but focused, combining confident body language with a playful sense of showmanship. The band supports him with tight, unfussy playing, ensuring that the song’s groove remains central. There is no attempt at spectacle beyond presence and style, which was often Bolan’s greatest strength.
Seen today in restored quality, the footage carries added historical weight. It documents one of Bolan’s later high profile television appearances before his death the following year. More importantly, it reinforces why T Rex remains influential decades later. The band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame reflects a legacy built not only on hit records, but on moments like this, where music, image, and personality aligned perfectly on screen.