Angelheaded Hipster: David Bowie and Marc Bolan’s Glam Rivalry Shines in New Documentary

August 10, 2025 rocknews

A Deep Dive into the Friendship and Feud of Two Glam Rock Icons

On September 5, 2025, Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex hits on-demand platforms, offering a vibrant, evocative exploration of Marc Bolan, the pioneering frontman of T. Rex, and his complex relationship with fellow glam rock legend David Bowie. Directed by Ethan Silverman and produced by Bill Curbishley, this documentary uses the 2020 tribute album of the same name as its backbone, weaving rare archival footage, interviews with rock royalty like Elton John, Ringo Starr, and Joan Jett, and bold musical reinterpretations by artists like Nick Cave, U2, and Father John Misty. Available now in select theaters and streaming from September 5, this film is a must-watch for fans of glam rock, Bowie, and Bolan’s glittering legacy.

A Tale of Friendship and Rivalry

At its core, Angelheaded Hipster is a story of two visionaries who shaped the 1970s glam rock scene. Marc Bolan, born Mark Feld in 1947, and David Bowie, born David Jones in 1947, were teenage friends scouring London’s Carnaby Street for inspiration. Together, they injected rock’n’roll with esoteric lyrics, androgynous flair, and psychedelic swagger, paving the way for punk, new wave, and beyond. But as their stars rose, so did their rivalry. “We were very close in the beginning,” Bowie says in archival clips, “but as it got closer to us actually making it, we drifted apart, wary of each other. It was like, who’s gonna do it first?”

Bolan’s T. Rex soared in the UK with four Number 1 singles, including 1971’s “Hot Love” and “Bang a Gong (Get It On),” but struggled in the U.S., where they were a one-hit wonder with the latter. Bowie, meanwhile, became a global icon with Ziggy Stardust. The documentary, enriched by interviews with peers like Billy Idol and Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, explores this “frenemy” dynamic, with rock journalist Cameron Crowe noting the UK’s cutthroat music press—Melody Maker, NME—fueled their competitive sniping. Tragically, Bolan’s life ended in a 1977 car crash at age 29, leaving Bowie to reflect on their bond in heartfelt archival footage.

A Musical and Visual Triumph

Angelheaded Hipster isn’t your typical music documentary. It’s a kaleidoscope of glam, poetry, and rebellion, centered on the creation of the 2020 tribute album produced by the late Hal Willner. The film captures behind-the-scenes recording sessions with artists like Kesha, Perry Farrell, and Lucinda Williams, who reimagine T. Rex classics like “Cosmic Dancer” and “Children of the Revolution.” Nick Cave’s fragile take on “Cosmic Dancer” and U2’s slowcore “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” highlight Bolan’s poetic and sensual songwriting, while Gloria Jones, Bolan’s partner, and their son Rolan Bolan offer intimate insights into his life.

The documentary dazzles with vintage Top of the Pops performances, sold-out concert clips, and glam-era home movies, immersing viewers in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s London scene. Director Ethan Silverman balances these with stylized cinematic sequences, making Bolan’s world feel as fresh as it did in 1977. “In an era revisiting self-expression and cultural rebellion, Bolan’s a blueprint for creative freedom,” Silverman told People, cementing the film’s relevance today.

**Why Angelheaded Hipster Resonates**

For fans, Angelheaded Hipster is a love letter to Marc Bolan’s underappreciated genius and a chance to see Bowie’s early years through a new lens. Its star-studded cast—Ringo Starr, Elton John, The Edge, Joan Jett—and rare footage make it a treasure trove for glam rock devotees. One fan on X raved, “Angelheaded Hipster is pure magic! Bolan and Bowie’s story is electric, and this doc’s gonna blow up the rock scene!” This buzz reflects the film’s appeal, bridging old-school fans with a new generation discovering T. Rex’s influence on everyone from The Runaways to The Smiths.

The documentary also honors Bolan’s legacy as a glam rock pioneer whose androgynous style and genre-blending sound—folk, rock, funk—paved the way for modern acts. Its theatrical run, starting August 8, 2025, and on-demand release on September 5, 2025, via platforms like Apple TV and Amazon, make it accessible to all. Special screenings with Q&As featuring Silverman, Gloria Jones, and Rolan Bolan are planned in cities like New York and Los Angeles, adding to the excitement.

Where to Watch and What’s Next

Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex is playing in select theaters now and available on-demand from September 5, 2025, on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon, and Fandango at Home. Check showtimes at fandango.com or stream via tv.apple.com. For updates on screenings and T. Rex’s enduring legacy, follow @TRexOfficial on X or visit rocknews.co.uk, your ultimate source for rock music news.