A plaque will be unveiled in September to remember Summerstown star Marc Bolan.
The sign will be displayed on the wall of Tesco Express, on Garratt Lane, near where the famous T. Rex singer spent a large part of his youth.
The public can attend the big reveal at the 'Marc Bolan's Teenage Dream' event on Saturday, September 18.
The Tesco Express was formerly one of Bolan’s favourite busking spots, the Prince of Wales pub.
“It’s a very old building and will survive the changes all around it. Part of it extends seductively behind the main shopfront, beckoning people towards the stadium and the road called Summerstown where the Felds lived,” said south London historian Geoff Simmons, who has organised the plaque.
Marc Bolan, previously Marc Feld, moved to a prefab house near the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium with his family in the 1960s.
The Felds lived in a prefab by the greyhound stadium
Although the former “Sun Cottage” is demolished now, the impact of the glam rock idol had a lasting impact on Wandsworth residents.
“I’ve met a number of people on my walks who remembered Mark Feld from his early Summerstown days. He had a swagger and was often seen with a guitar slung over his shoulder,” said Mr Simmons.
The lead singer of band T. Rex was known for chart-topping hits “Get it On” and “Metal Guru” but few know about his humble roots in SW17.
He attended Hillcroft School - now Ernest Bevin College – and worked part-time jobs as a dish washer at the local Wimpy burger bar and a menswear shop near Tooting Broadway.
In his spare time, he practised in teen band, ‘The Cabinet’, at a youth club at Tranmere Road School, now Earlsfield Primary.
Bolan later bought a property on Upper Richmond Road, Barnes, which was where he and girlfriend Gloria Jones were driving when he died in a car accident in 1977.
Due to traffic and space considerations, the speeches, recitals and performances at the unveiling event will take place next door at the By the Horns Brewery from 1pm.
“This extremely important location is the site of the prefab where Marc and his family lived. For that reason alone, it is a symbolic choice but also a sensible one as we will also be less affected by traffic noise,” said Mr Simmons.
After the last speech, a group of local musicians will we hope lead the procession to the viewing area opposite and the plaque will be unveiled.
Food, drink and after-party music will be available at By the Horns.
Do you have any memories of Wandsworth celebrity Marc Bolan? Let us know at: francesca.adkins@newsquest.co.uk
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