The rock anthem that ended a legendary friendship and paid a pianist's rent
In short: T. Rex's 1971 hit "Get It On" is a masterclass in studio alchemy. From unscripted ad-libs and borrowed riffs to a piano player who was essentially paid to do nothing, the song's creation reveals the messy, human mechanics behind one of rock's most enduring grooves.
The genesis of "Get It On" was rooted in Marc Bolan's desire to record Chuck Berry's "Little Queenie." While Bolan claimed the main riff was inspired by Berry, the track actually contains a slightly edited line from the original song—an unscripted ad-lib delivered during the fade. The song's rhythmic foundation was brainstormed with drummer Bill Legend in New York in March 1971, eventually becoming the band's biggest hit, with Bolan claiming it sold a million copies.
The production involved a series of calculated compromises and creative maneuvers. Producer Tony Visconti arranged for Ian McDonald of King Crimson to play three different saxophones, while backing vocals were provided by Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan. Notably, the piano was performed by Rick Wakeman, who was desperate for work. Even though Visconti noted the record didn't technically need a piano, Wakeman performed the glissandos for a mere £9 (roughly £110 today) after Bolan joked about him needing his rent paid.
Beyond the studio, the song carried significant cultural weight and friction. It effectively ended the friendship between Bolan and influential DJ John Peel, who expressed a lack of enthusiasm for the track on air. Despite this, the song's reach was massive: it topped the UK charts for four weeks in July 1971 and became the band's only major US hit, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1972. Its legacy persists through covers by U2, Elton John, and even its influence on Def Leppard's album titles.
The track also highlights the complexities of international branding. To prevent mix-ups with a Chase track, the North American release adopted the name "Bang a Gong (Get It On)". This naming convention persisted through various covers, including a 1985 version by the Power Station that actually peaked higher on the US charts than the original.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Get It On (T. Rex song)
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