Mark Bolan was a self made pop icon, and one of the original Glam Rock stars in England. Born Marc Feld, he had a brief career as a superstar with his band T-Rex, but was eventually reduced to hosting a Children’s TV series. On the night of September 16, 1977, Marc had dinner with his love Gloria Jones, with whom he had a 2-year-old son Rolan. After much merriment, Gloria got behind the wheel of her purple Mini 1275 GT (license plate FOX 66IL) to drive Marc and herself home. This was about 4am. Shortly thereafter, the Mini was traveling on  Queens Ride, at the southern edge of Barnes Common, south London. The Mini left the road as it crossed a hump backed bridge, shot through the fence and smashed into a sycamore tree. Marc’s side took the impact, and he was thrown into the back of the car, and killed instantly. Gloria was unconscious but alive.

Official Cause of Death: Shock and Hemorrhage due to multiple injuries consistent with Road Traffic Accident. Passenger in a private motor car which collided with a tree. Accidental. Mourners at his funeral at Golders Green Crematorium included Rod Stewart, Elton John and David Bowie. Flowers and wreaths were sent from Keith Moon, Gary Glitter and Cliff Richard. His ashes are spread under a rose bush in the   Keats Rose Bed, at Golders Green.