Marc Bolan of T. Rex and his girlfriend Gloria Jones were less than a Mile from their home in Richmond when, a few minutes before 5:00 am on September 16, 1977 when the car (a Mini) driven by his gloria hit a tree in Barnes, South West London, less than a Mile from their home in Richmond a few minutes before 5:00 am on September 16, 1977.
The tree which has survived is a Sycamore (see Sycamore maple).
Since 1977 it has acted as a shrine to his memory, and receives frequent visits from fans to this day.
Wishbone Ash wrote a song about it called Bolan's Monument.
In 1997 the Performing Right Society installed a Memorial Stone for the twentieth anniversary of Bolan's death.
In 1998 the UK newspaper the Daily Mail reported "The Tree was damaged beyond repair." ... "Experts say the tree is dying" ... "We have a duty to ensure it is not a danger to the public" ... "Felling is a possibility in the future".(1).
In 1999TAG - (T.Rex Action Group) was formed and granted a lease on the site and ownership of The Bolan Tree.
TAG care for Bolan's Rock Shrine on a charity basis and work as Guardians for The Tree.
In 2000 TAG laid steps and viewing platform around The Tree and after consulting Tree Surgeons TAG fitted a metal calliper to support weight of the tree across the rotted section of trunk and have saved the tree from felling!
In 2002 TAG installed a Bronze Bust of Marc Bolan at the site to commemmorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of his death. The bust was unveiled by his son Rolan Bolan and the event was attended by fans from around the world as well as by friends and collegues including T Rex members Mickey Finn and Paul Fenton.
TAG founder Fee Warner is currently researching the biography of Marc Bolan's original partner in T.Rex - Steve Peregrin Took with the assistance of many of his UK Underground friends and fellow musicians.
