Too REX

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Date/Fri 12 January, 2007
Reviewed by/Denis Hill

In the past couple of decades, the live music scene in middle and smaller sized venues has gone tribute crazy, with a massive proliferation of bands, some very talented, but others inevitably I suppose, one might more accurately describe as a mockery than a tribute.

Happily, Too Rex came to us with a reputation placing them squarely into the former category. And so it proved on the night with a performance which demonstrated the confidence and showmanship of seasoned entertainers.

But this was a rather different interpretation of the T Rex legacy than one I had witnessed before at Plinston and so again I was reminded that opinions tend to divide between those who like the purist approach, where a slavish copying of the original is demanded, and those who think that mimicry should not come ahead of entertainment value.

Those to whom “soundalike” is all-important, may have preferred the T Rextasy version of three years ago. Personally, I thought that what Too Rex may have occasionally lacked in accuracy (and it wasn’t much), they more than made up for with great energy and stage presence plus an irresistible sense of being caught in the blast from a live glam rock explosion.

If anyone came to this gig still suffering from a post-Christmas malaise, then Too Rex offered the ideal antidote. After an unusual Radio Caroline style intro, the band began with Rawramp – OK, I liked it but forgive me if I call this one ‘obscure’ – I had never heard it before! Electric Boogie dismissed that feeling in fine style and Children of the Revolution showed with a pleasing rawness, our Marc Bolan lookalike Bobby T, displaying pouting, posing perfection. Jeepster and Thunderwing were my favourites from an impressive first set, where Colin and Rocky’s guitar work plus Steevi Bacon on drums shone brightly.

After the break, a feast of classics from the glam rock era lifted the atmosphere to new heights. The only surprise was that it took until I Love to Boogie, for the massed Plinston dancers to really find their feet. On this track, Marc Bolan’s idiosyncratic vocal style was much in evidence from Bobby T. Summertime Blues was a nice surprise – the first record I ever owned!

Of all the tracks on show including everything from Metal Guru to Telegram Sam, I felt the one which showed the most raw power and vitality was Ride a White Swan. For good measure Steevi followed this with a terrific little drum cameo, underlining his obvious talent.

The rapturous ovation at the end of the gig was richly deserved. With the T Rex legacy in these safe hands, remembering what it was really like to experience a live glam rock night in those hedonistic days of the seventies, need not be a distant memory shared only by the middle-aged!

Too Rex were:

Bobby T (Lead Guitar & vocals)
Col Stanton Bass Guitar and backing vocals
Rocky Lewis Guitars and percussion
Steevi Bacon Drums