'Marc Bolan Day' 🎤 16 September
Celebrating Marc Bolan, T. Rex and the Glittering World of Glam Rock
Marc Bolan was one of the most distinctive and influential stars of the 1970s. With his unmistakable voice, poetic lyrics, flamboyant clothes and glitter-covered appearance, he helped transform British popular music and became known as one of the founding figures of glam rock.
These Cognitive Stimulation Therapy activities commemorate Marc Bolan on the anniversary of his death on 16 September 1977. They celebrate his life, the music of T. Rex and the colourful glam-rock era that he helped to create.
Begin with Facts About Marc Bolan and the Music of T. Rex, discovering how a young Mark Feld became Marc Bolan, how Tyrannosaurus Rex evolved into T. Rex and how the group became one of Britain’s biggest musical acts.
The Let’s Talk Glam Rock activity encourages participants to share memories of the 1970s. Did they enjoy glam rock? Which performers did they like? What did they think of the glitter, make-up, platform boots and flamboyant costumes?
What Was Glam Rock? explores the sound, fashions and theatrical performances that made the genre so memorable. It also provides an opportunity to compare glam rock with the music that came before and after it.
Several picture activities test visual recognition and encourage conversation. Participants can try to name famous glam-rock artists and groups, identify familiar 1970s fashions and discuss the extraordinary clothes worn by both performers and their fans.
The Complete These Glam Rock Song Titles challenge features memorable hits from Marc Bolan and T. Rex alongside songs by David Bowie, Slade, Sweet, Suzi Quatro, Mud, Roxy Music, Sparks and other favourites of the era. Encourage participants to sing the missing words if they cannot immediately remember them!
Music is at the heart of the session, with a selection of CST Songs of the Day:
Cosmic Dancer
I Love to Boogie
Bang a Gong (Get It On)
Children of the Revolution
Each song includes interesting facts and can be used for listening, singing, movement, reminiscence and discussion. Participants might remember hearing the record for the first time, seeing T. Rex on television or dancing to the song at a party or disco.
The activities can be used together as a complete Marc Bolan Day session or selected individually to suit the interests and abilities of your group. There is no need to be a glam-rock expert - the emphasis is on music, memories, conversation, shared enjoyment and having fun together.
So put on your platform boots, sprinkle on the glitter and get ready to celebrate Marc Bolan and the unforgettable music of glam rock!
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