T Rextasy - Stables Theatre

There are some tribute bands that look the part, some that only sound the part, some even combine both, but few, very few ever evoke the emotion felt when remembering the original artist.

I can only think of the Bootleg Beatles, Abba’s Bjorn Again that manage to capture the spirit of such treasured bands. Well on tonight’s evidence, I would now also include T Rextasy into the tribute hall of fame.

Led by the dazzling Danielz as Bolan and his kick ass band, punters were treated to an act that somehow has the music, persona and ambience of the legendary T Rex.

Some of the audience may have been lucky enough to witness Marc Bolan play live in his prime, some like me unfortunately didn’t. Something I deeply regret.

But from what I’ve seen via films, TV and documentaries T Rextasy do provide a brilliant representation of those halcyon days.

The beauty of Bolan’s anthems is their light touch, it’s an easy trait to play faster and louder in an effort to appease the audience. T Rextasy possessed the confidence not to do so.

Yes, there were wonderful full on rock moments that Bolan was renowned for, but it was Danielz and his band’s desire to leave space and let those melodies and hooks do their work.

It was lovely to see the band again, as I first come across them way back in the 1990s at Dukes, they were brilliant then and they were brilliant at the Stable Theatre last night.

The standing ovation given proved that class never fades, only shines.