Complete List Of T. Rex Band Members

Feature Photo: Heinrich Klaffs, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

From the whimsical woodlands of psychedelic folk to the glitter-dusted stages of glam rock, the story of T. Rex is a chronicle of audacious transformation, dominated by the singular vision of its founder, Marc Bolan. The band began its life in London in 1967 as Tyrannosaurus Rex, a name as mythic and unwieldy as its early music. After a single, disastrous performance as a four-piece electric rock act, Bolan stripped the concept down to its core, forming an acoustic duo with percussionist Steve Peregrin Took. This incarnation, championed by influential BBC DJ John Peel, carved out a niche in London’s underground scene with a unique brand of psychedelic folk, blending Bolan’s poetic, often surreal lyrics with Took’s intricate, exotic rhythms.

The arrival of a new decade heralded a seismic shift. In 1970, Bolan shortened the group’s name to the punchier T. Rex, a change that mirrored a deliberate pivot from acoustic esoterica to amplified, visceral rock and roll. This metamorphosis saw Bolan expand the lineup to a full four-piece, a move that catapulted the band from cult curiosity to a national phenomenon and established them as pioneers of the nascent glam rock movement. Between 1970 and 1973, T. Rex dominated the British charts with a period of success dubbed “T. Rextacy,” scoring an incredible 11 top-ten singles, four of which—”Hot Love,” “Get It On,” “Telegram Sam,” and “Metal Guru”—reached number one. The band also landed three number-one albums in the UK, including the landmark Electric Warrior. In the United States, their success was more contained, with “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” serving as their sole, enduring Top 10 hit.

As quickly as it began, the fever started to break. From 1974, the band’s commercial fortunes in the UK began to wane, a period marked by a revolving door of musicians and Bolan’s stylistic explorations into American soul and funk. The band’s classic lineup had dissolved, and T. Rex became more of a vehicle for Bolan’s solo ambitions. The journey came to an abrupt and tragic end on September 16, 1977, when Bolan was killed in a car accident, leading to the immediate and permanent disbandment of T. Rex. The group’s profound influence on subsequent generations of artists was formally recognized in 2020 with the induction of its classic lineup—Marc Bolan, Mickey Finn, Steve Currie, and Bill Legend—into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Folk Duo (1967–1970)

The initial phase of the band’s history as Tyrannosaurus Rex was defined by the partnership between Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took. This period established not only their unique psychedelic folk sound but also the internal dynamic that would shape the band’s entire existence. While producer Tony Visconti described the duo as a “true 50:50 partnership,” the creative friction that led to Took’s dismissal revealed a fundamental truth: Tyrannosaurus Rex was always intended to be Marc Bolan’s artistic vehicle. Took’s desire to contribute his own songs was rejected by Bolan, setting a precedent that all future members would be sidemen in service of Bolan’s singular vision, not collaborative partners.

Marc Bolan

Marc Bolan was the founder, frontman, lead vocalist, guitarist, and the only consistent member of T. Rex from its inception in 1967 until his death in 1977. Born Mark Feld, his musical career began with a few solo singles and a brief, chaotic tenure as the guitarist for the mod-rock band John’s Children before he formed Tyrannosaurus Rex. As the band’s visionary and principal songwriter, Bolan was the creative engine behind all 12 of their studio albums, from the acoustic fantasy of My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair… (1968) to the polished rock of Dandy in the Underworld (1977). His lyrical style evolved dramatically, from the Tolkien-esque, whimsical poetry of the early days to the direct, sensual, and groove-oriented rock and roll that defined the glam era.

Bolan personally orchestrated the band’s most significant transformations, including the name change to T. Rex and the crucial shift to an electric sound with the 1970 single “Ride a White Swan”. His 1971 performance on the BBC’s Top of the Pops, where he famously wore glitter on his face, is widely regarded as a watershed moment that helped ignite the glam rock movement. Beyond the music, he expanded his artistic reach, directing the 1972 concert film Born to Boogie, which was filmed by his friend Ringo Starr and featured Elton John. In 1977, he embraced the changing musical landscape by hosting his own television show, Marc, which provided a platform for emerging punk bands like The Damned alongside established stars like David Bowie. The band effectively ceased to exist with his death in a car accident on September 16, 1977, just two weeks before his 30th birthday. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the leader of T. Rex in 2020.

Steve Peregrin Took

Steve Peregrin Took, born Stephen Porter, was the co-founding member of Tyrannosaurus Rex, serving as its percussionist and multi-instrumentalist from 1967 until his departure in 1969. He adopted his stage name from a hobbit character in J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. After answering Bolan’s newspaper ad, Took became the other half of the acoustic duo, providing the intricate and exotic rhythmic foundation for the band’s early sound. His contributions were vital to the texture of the first three albums: My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair… But Now They’re Content to Wear Stars on Their Brows (1968), Prophets, Seers & Sages: The Angels of the Ages (1968), and Unicorn (1969). Took’s instrumentation went far beyond simple bongos, incorporating African drums, kazoo, pixiphone, and harmony vocals that were essential to the band’s psychedelic folk appeal.

Took was fired by Bolan in September 1969 following the duo’s first tour of the United States. The reasons for his dismissal were complex, stemming from Bolan’s disapproval of Took’s increasing drug use and his immersion in the revolutionary UK underground scene, as well as Took’s desire to have his own songs included on the band’s albums—a request Bolan flatly refused. After leaving Tyrannosaurus Rex, Took became a key figure in the British underground, forming a prototype version of the Pink Fairies, leading his own band Shagrat, and collaborating with notable artists such as Syd Barrett and David Bowie. He later performed as a solo acoustic artist and fronted the group Steve Took’s Horns. Took died on October 27, 1980, at the age of 31. The official cause of death was asphyxiation after he inhaled a cocktail cherry, though it is often considered a death by “drugs misadventure”.

The Electric Warriors (1969–1974)

The “Electric Warrior” lineup of Marc Bolan, Mickey Finn, Steve Currie, and Bill Legend represented the perfect formula for T. Rex’s ascent to superstardom. The expansion from a duo to a full rock band was a direct response to the commercial success of the 1970 single “Ride a White Swan,” as Bolan recognized the need for a more powerful sound to deliver his new electric anthems. This specific four-piece unit recorded the band’s most iconic and commercially successful albums—Electric Warrior, The Slider, and Tanx—and became the definitive image of T. Rex at the height of glam rock, ultimately being the lineup honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, the internal structure established in the band’s early days persisted; Bolan remained the sole creative force, and the other members were essentially hired musicians. This dynamic, while incredibly successful, was not built for longevity. As the band’s chart dominance began to fade after 1973, the once-stable lineup began to fracture, with drummer Bill Legend being the first to depart, followed by Mickey Finn a year later.

Mickey Finn

Mickey Finn joined Tyrannosaurus Rex in October 1969 as the replacement for Steve Peregrin Took on percussion and remained with the band until the end of 1974. His percussive style was simpler and more direct than his predecessor’s, a quality that perfectly complemented the band’s new direction towards straightforward rock and roll. Finn’s visual presence, often sporting a distinctive hat, and his laid-back cool made him an ideal foil for Bolan’s flamboyant stage persona. While it was rumored Bolan hired him partly for his “superb” looks, his contributions on bongos, congas, and backing vocals were an essential component of the classic T. Rex groove. He made his debut on the album A Beard of Stars (1970) and played on the subsequent run of classic LPs: T. Rex (1970), Electric Warrior (1971), The Slider (1972), Tanx (1973), and Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow (1974).

Finn left the group at the end of 1974, at a time when T. Rex’s popularity was in decline. After his time with the band, he worked as a session musician for artists including The Blow Monkeys and The Soup Dragons. In 1997, recognizing the enduring love for the band’s music, he co-founded the successful legacy act Mickey Finn’s T-Rex, which toured extensively. Finn passed away on January 11, 2003, due to reported kidney and liver problems. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 as a member of T. Rex.

Steve Currie

Steve Currie was the first dedicated bass player in T. Rex, joining in late 1970 and solidifying the rhythm section that would power the band’s greatest hits. His tenure lasted until September 1976, making him one of the longest-serving members besides Bolan himself. Currie’s melodic, driving bass lines were a fundamental element of the classic T. Rex sound, providing a solid yet fluid foundation for Bolan’s guitar riffs and vocals. He played on a remarkable string of albums, beginning with the self-titled T. Rex (1970) and continuing through Electric Warrior (1971), The Slider (1972), Tanx (1973), Zinc Alloy (1974), Bolan’s Zip Gun (1975), and Futuristic Dragon (1976). His playing can also be heard on three tracks from the band’s final studio album, Dandy in the Underworld (1977), including the hit single “I Love To Boogie”.

Currie reportedly quit the band in September 1976, at the same time drummer Davy Lutton was fired, allegedly as a show of solidarity with his friend. Following his departure from T. Rex, he went on to work with rock guitarist Chris Spedding. Tragically, Steve Currie died in a car accident near his home in Portugal on April 28, 1981. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.

Bill Legend

Bill Legend, born William Fifield, joined T. Rex in late 1970, shortly after bassist Steve Currie, completing the classic four-piece lineup that would conquer the charts. Recruited by Bolan’s producer Tony Visconti, his powerful and steady drumming provided the essential backbeat for the band’s transformation into a full-fledged rock act. His stage name was suggested by Bolan himself, a nod to the name of Legend’s previous band. As the engine room of T. Rex during their peak, Legend’s drumming is featured on the seminal albums Electric Warrior (1971), The Slider (1972), and Tanx (1973), as well as on Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow (1974).

Legend left T. Rex at the beginning of 1974, as the band’s commercial momentum was beginning to slow and the classic lineup started to disintegrate. After his departure, he returned to work as a session drummer. In later years, he formed his own legacy band, X-T. Rex, to perform the classic material for fans. As of today, Bill Legend is the only surviving member of the iconic Electric Warrior-era T. Rex lineup. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 along with his bandmates.

The Hidden Riders and Final Lineup (1973–1977)

The period from 1973 to 1977 witnessed a significant evolution in the personnel and sound of T. Rex. As the classic lineup dissolved, the band transformed from a tight-knit group into a more fluid entity that could be described as “Marc Bolan & His All-Stars.” Bolan began augmenting his sound with a rotating cast of high-caliber musicians, many of whom were already established figures. This included American soul singer Gloria Jones, an accomplished Motown artist in her own right, and a series of respected instrumentalists like blues guitarist Miller Anderson and drummer Davy Lutton. The formal name change to “Marc Bolan & T. Rex” for the Zinc Alloy album explicitly signaled this shift from a band identity to a solo star backed by a formidable, professional unit. This culminated in the final lineup, which featured the elite session rhythm section of bassist Herbie Flowers and drummer Tony Newman, both fresh from working on David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs album and tour. This influx of talent was a clear reflection of Bolan’s attempt to evolve his music towards a more sophisticated, American-influenced “cosmic soul” and funk sound.

Jack Green

Scottish musician Jack Green joined T. Rex as a second guitarist in the summer of 1973, brought in to help flesh out the band’s sound for extensive tours of America and the Far East as Bolan’s musical arrangements grew more complex. His tenure was relatively brief, lasting until the end of 1974, when he departed at the same time as percussionist Mickey Finn. Green’s guitar work is featured on the 1974 album Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow. After leaving T. Rex, Green had a notable career, joining the influential band The Pretty Things from 1974 to 1976 and later having a three-week stint with Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow in 1978. He launched a solo career in 1980 with the album Humanesque and, in 1997, reunited with former bandmates to co-found the legacy group Mickey Finn’s T-Rex, with whom he played until 1999. Jack Green passed away in April 2024.

Gloria Jones

Gloria Jones was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who became a pivotal member of T. Rex from 1973 to 1976, providing backing vocals and playing keyboards and clavinet. She was also Marc Bolan’s romantic partner and the mother of his only child, Rolan Bolan. Jones’ powerful, soulful voice and clavinet playing were instrumental in guiding the band’s sound towards the funk and “cosmic soul” direction Bolan pursued in his later years. She is credited on the albums Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow (1974), Bolan’s Zip Gun (1975), Futuristic Dragon (1976), and made contributions to the final album, Dandy in the Underworld (1977). Before joining T. Rex, Jones was already an established artist, having recorded the original version of the soul classic “Tainted Love” in 1965 and worked as a songwriter for Motown. She also released several solo albums, including the 1976 LP Vixen, which was produced by Bolan. Jones was the driver of the car in the tragic accident that took Bolan’s life in September 1977.

Davy Lutton

Drummer Davy Lutton joined T. Rex in early 1974 as the replacement for Bill Legend, holding the position until he was reportedly fired by Bolan in the autumn of 1976. Lutton was the rhythmic anchor for the band during its mid-70s transitional phase, a period of stylistic experimentation and fluctuating commercial success. His drumming can be heard on the albums Bolan’s Zip Gun (1975) and Futuristic Dragon (1976). He also played on three tracks that later appeared on the band’s final studio album, Dandy in the Underworld (1977). Prior to his time with T. Rex, Lutton was a member of the Northern Irish band Eire Apparent, whose sole album was notably produced by Jimi Hendrix. After leaving T. Rex, he collaborated with his former bandmates Steve Currie and Tony Newman on an album by guitarist Chris Spedding.

Paul Fenton

Paul Fenton’s time with T. Rex is one of the more complex in the band’s history. An English drummer, he was first brought into the T. Rex orbit in 1973 by producer Tony Visconti, who was also working with Fenton’s band at the time, Carmen. Fenton’s role was primarily as a second drummer, playing alongside Davy Lutton to create a bigger, more powerful rhythm section for both studio recordings and the 1974 tour. He is credited with playing additional drums on the album Bolan’s Zip Gun (1975). Curiously, he also appears on a single track, “Visions of Domino,” from the 1977 album Dandy in the Underworld, a recording made years after he had officially left the touring band. Before his involvement with T. Rex, Fenton was the drummer for the band Christie, who had a worldwide hit with “Yellow River”. In 1997, he became a founding member of Mickey Finn’s T-Rex and continues to tour with the group, serving as its primary link to the original band’s history.

Dino Dines

Keyboardist Dino Dines joined T. Rex in late 1974, taking over keyboard duties in the live band from Gloria Jones, who was stepping back to focus on her solo career and starting a family with Bolan. Dines remained a core member of the band from that point until its dissolution following Bolan’s death in 1977, making him part of the final, stable lineup. His keyboard work was a key feature on the band’s last three studio albums: Bolan’s Zip Gun (1975), Futuristic Dragon (1976), and the final release, Dandy in the Underworld (1977). Prior to joining T. Rex, Dines had been a member of the Keef Hartley Band, where he played alongside future T. Rex guitarist Miller Anderson. In his later years, Dines brought his authentic experience to the acclaimed tribute band T. Rextasy, performing with them until his death from a heart attack on January 28, 2004.

Miller Anderson

Miller Anderson, a highly respected Scottish blues guitarist, was recruited to be T. Rex’s second guitarist in the summer of 1976, primarily to bolster the band’s live performances during their tours. He was an integral part of the touring band during 1976 and 1977, appearing on television performances with the group. Despite his significant role on stage, his studio contribution was minimal; he is credited on only one track, “Jason B. Sad,” from the final T. Rex album, Dandy in the Underworld (1977). Anderson left the band in 1977 to embark on a tour with the folk artist Donovan. Anderson’s career outside of T. Rex was extensive and varied; he was a member of the Keef Hartley Band, who famously performed at the 1969 Woodstock festival, and also played with notable groups such as Savoy Brown, the Spencer Davis Group, and Chicken Shack. He has also maintained a solo career, releasing several albums over the decades.

Herbie Flowers

Herbie Flowers was a legendary English session bassist who became a member of the final T. Rex lineup. He was brought into the band by Marc Bolan in late 1976 as a replacement for the long-serving Steve Currie. Flowers remained with T. Rex until Bolan’s death in September 1977. As part of this final, highly proficient incarnation of the band, he played bass on the majority of the Dandy in the Underworld (1977) album and was a featured member of the band on Bolan’s television series, Marc. Flowers’ career was one of the most distinguished in British popular music; he was a prolific session musician who is credited with creating the iconic dual bassline on Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side”. His extensive discography includes work with David Bowie (on albums like Space Oddity and Diamond Dogs), Elton John (Tumbleweed Connection), and Paul McCartney. He was also a founding member of the bands Blue Mink and the progressive rock outfit Sky. Herbie Flowers passed away on September 5, 2024.

Tony Newman

Tony Newman, an acclaimed and powerful English rock drummer, joined T. Rex in late 1976 as part of the band’s final rhythm section, having been recommended by his longtime friend and collaborator, Herbie Flowers. He replaced Davy Lutton and remained the band’s drummer until its end in 1977. Newman’s dynamic drumming is featured throughout the Dandy in the Underworld (1977) album, and he was a prominent member of the band during the supporting tour and on the Marc television show. Like Flowers, Newman had a storied career before joining T. Rex. He played on Jeff Beck’s classic album Beck-Ola, and was a key part of David Bowie’s band for the Diamond Dogs album and the subsequent David Live tour. He was also a member of the band Sounds Incorporated, who had the prestigious honor of being one of the opening acts for The Beatles at their historic Shea Stadium concert in 1965.

The Legacy Incarnations (1997–Present)

The death of Marc Bolan meant the definitive end of T. Rex as a creative entity, but the demand from fans to hear the music live never faded. This led to a unique situation where the band’s legacy was carried on not just by tribute acts, but by bands founded by the original musicians themselves. This created a duality in how the band’s heritage is perceived: for the members involved, it was a way to honor the music and continue playing for devoted audiences. For some of Bolan’s other close associates and fans, however, these groups existed in a gray area, as they felt that without Bolan, no band could truly be called T. Rex. This tension was highlighted by a petition signed by figures like David Bowie and Tony Visconti, which called for one of the bands to change its name to make its tribute status clearer. These legacy bands represent a complex but heartfelt effort to keep the spirit of the music alive.

Mickey Finn’s T-Rex (1997–Present)

This legacy band was formed in 1997 following an overwhelmingly positive fan reaction to a reunion of former members at a memorial concert for what would have been Marc Bolan’s 50th birthday. The original incarnation of this group featured three genuine T. Rex alumni: classic-era percussionist Mickey Finn, later-era guitarist Jack Green, and later-era drummer Paul Fenton. The band successfully acquired the legal trademark rights to use the “T-Rex” name for touring purposes. After Mickey Finn passed away in 2003, the band continued to tour with the blessing of his family. While the lineup has evolved over the decades, Paul Fenton has remained the consistent link to the original T. Rex, and the group continues to perform the band’s classic catalog for audiences across Europe.

X-T. Rex (c. 2014-Present)

X-T. Rex was formed by Bill Legend, the drummer from the band’s most celebrated and commercially successful “Electric Warrior” lineup. As the sole surviving member of that iconic four-piece, Legend’s decision to form his own touring version of the band added another layer to the ongoing conversation about the T. Rex legacy. The formation of a second group by another key original member underscored the deep and lasting impact of the music, as well as the differing views on how that legacy should be presented to the public decades after the original band’s end.

Conclusion

The history of T. Rex’s personnel is a testament to the fact that while the band was unequivocally the product of Marc Bolan’s singular artistic vision, its sound and identity were profoundly shaped by the talented musicians who moved through its ranks. From the foundational psychedelic textures woven by the inventive Steve Peregrin Took to the unshakeable rock-and-roll groove laid down by the “Electric Warriors”—Mickey Finn, Steve Currie, and Bill Legend—each era had its distinct sonic signature. The final lineups, featuring a cast of seasoned professionals, pushed the band’s sound towards a sophisticated and soulful frontier, reflecting Bolan’s own evolving tastes. The story did not end with Bolan’s death; the emergence of legacy bands led by original members like Mickey Finn, Paul Fenton, and Bill Legend illustrates the music’s enduring power. These groups demonstrate a commitment to keeping the spirit of T. Rex alive, ensuring its raw energy and glam-rock anthems continue to find new audiences and resonate decades after the last notes of Bolan’s final performance faded.