T.Rextasy, a tribute band for T.Rex will be performing at the Wycombe Swan on Thursday.

Bolan, with his band T.Rex, was one of the most flamboyant stars of the original glam rock era.

Accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Bolan’s family, estate, original ex-members of T.Rex, and Bolan’s catalogue management, T.Rextasy have been described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’. 

Q&A with Danielz, lead vocalist and guitarist

Why did you form T.Rextasy?

“In 1992 I was an original musician who was promised recording deals from various companies, always let down at the last hurdle. I decided to then to form T.Rextasy, to go out playing the music of Marc Bolan – an artist that I had always loved while growing up through my teens and older. As Marc died in 1977, I wanted people to experience the energy, excitement, and the wonderful songs and performance that he gave – always 100%. It was this that drove me to push the band as far as I could.”

Did you ever see Marc Bolan/T.Rex live, and if so, how did it compare to your concerts?

“Yes, I saw Marc/T.Rex four times, twice in Germany, in 1972 and 1973 (my dad was in the Forces, so my family was based there for a few years), and then twice in England, in 1976 and 1977.  Marc’s concerts were crazy – fans screaming and dancing, singing and shouting. They most certainly were not a serene affair.  I try and re-create at least an atmosphere of those times, albeit at some venues times have changed and acting in that way is frowned upon! However, I do try to encourage fans to get involved with the gig as much as possible, as it’s a rock’n’roll gig after all.  My costumes are based on Marc’s originals, and as I own some of his original clothing, I have been able to get some things made very close to them. We play, as Marc did, 100% live, raw, and raunchy, just how T.Rex would’ve been back in the day – this is what makes the experience exciting.  A few years ago, we even had an original member, Dino Dines (Marc’s keyboardist) join the band, until his demise. I think having original members join a tribute band says a lot for our credibility and us as a live unit, not to mention receiving endorsements from Marc’s own family, and his record company.” 

What is your favourite track from the band?

“This differs, as it’s not the same as playing a favourite track live.  My fave track of all time is a song called ‘Metal Guru’, but playing live could be one of many, let’s say for now it could be ‘Get It On’, as we do a 8min version that encapsulates the single and also how Marc played it live with extended soloing and performance.”

Tell us a little more about your band members?

“Well, there’s me, Danielz – I take on lead vocals and lead guitar. Neil Cross, who plays rhythm guitar and does backing vocals, Rob Butterfield who plays bass guitar and does backing vocals, and John Skelton who plays drums and percussion.  I’m very fortunate with my musicians as they are skilful and loyal and love playing the music.”

What preparation do you need to do to get ready for the gig?

“I try to get to each venue in good time as I have a sequence of events that I follow through, such as on arrival I go into my dressing room, unpack my clothing and make-up, and set it all out in order. I then go out to eat.  It takes our roadie about 90mins to unload and set up all the equipment, then another 30mins for the engineer to mic up, so it gives us time to chill before sound-check. In the band, we all have our specific sounds that we require in each stage monitor, and after that, we sort out the out-front sound. With our regular sound-engineer, this normally takes only about 30mins, which is great. After sound-check, it’s backstage to sort out my band merchandise, and then I normally play music on my I-Pod which relaxes me while I’m putting on my make-up and change into stage clothing.  Then I go to side-of-stage to check the tuning of all my guitars, then believe it or not, the time has disappeared and it’s showtime!” 

What can an audience expect from attending one of your concerts?

“Excitement, enjoyment, singing along and boogieing, clapping, shouting…and I don’t mind if fans call out for a song, as I usually oblige them by singing a couple of verses to them if it’s a track that’s not in the actual set. A bit of heckling doesn’t go amiss either, as one-to-one contact with the crowd gives the evening an extra special kick!”

What do you enjoy most about the performances?

“I absolutely love playing the songs of T.Rex. It’s the actual buzz one gets of going on stage and giving the audience a live experience. Fans are coming to have a good time, and when I see people smiling and doing just that it makes it really worthwhile. I also love plugging my Gibson Les Paul into that amp and giving it some.  There’s nothing like it!”