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Small Faces were an English rock band from London. The group was founded in 1965 by members Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Jimmy Winston, although by 1966 Winston was replaced by Ian McLagan as the band's keyboardist.
Small Faces: The Compelling Tale of a Beloved British Rock Band
When it comes to British rock bands of the 1960s, Small Faces is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and influential. Despite being active for only a brief period, their music paved the way for numerous bands and artists that followed. Often regarded as the pioneers of mod rock, Small Faces created a distinct sound that blended R&B, soul, and rock-n-roll to form an entirely new sub-genre of music. In this article, we’ll dive into the musical biography of Small Faces, highlight their best songs, discuss their contribution to music genres, and take a look at some of their famous concerts and critic reviews.
Small Faces formed in East London in 1965, comprised of lead vocalist and guitarist Steve Marriott, bassist Ronnie Lane, keyboardist Ian McLagan, and drummer Kenney Jones. The band quickly became a sensation in the UK, particularly within the mod community, which admired the band’s sharp style and edgy sound. Their first big hit was Whatcha Gonna Do About It in 1965, which showcased the band’s signature fast-paced, rhythmic sound. They followed it up with another hit, Sha-La-La-La-Lee, which garnered the first-time popularity across Europe.
The band’s third hit and arguably their best-known song is Itchycoo Park, which reached number three in the UK charts in 1967 and number sixteen on the US charts. The song features vivid psychedelic lyrics and harmonies that meld perfectly with the music. Fans of the band also hold Lazy Sunday in high regard, a witty and catchy tune that satirizes the British class system.
Small Faces is often credited with creating mod rock, a sub-genre that put an emphasis on sharp suits, scooters, and a rock and roll sound. The band’s look and music have become synonymous with the style and attitude that defined the mod era of the 1960s. However, Small Faces also incorporated elements of R&B and soul into their songs, giving their music a unique flavor that would influence many bands to come.
In 1968, after the departure of Steve Marriott, the remaining members of the band recruited vocalist Rod Stewart and guitarist Ron Wood to fill the void. This new iteration of the band, now known as The Faces, would enjoy success of their own. However, Small Faces’ legacy remains indelible, and their influence continues to be felt in rock music to this day.
Small Faces gave numerous memorable performances in their all-too-brief career. In 1966 they performed at the legendary Mod Ball concert, where they shared the stage with top mod acts of the day like The Who and The Yardbirds. The band also performed in the US, including a memorable appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, where they pulled out all the stops in a performance of Lazy Sunday.
Critics of the band applauded their tight musicianship and acknowledged their vital contribution to the mod rock genre. However, some felt that the band’s penchant for psychedelic and experimental lyrics and sounds was ultimately a distraction from their raw, energetic sound. Regardless of criticism or praise, there’s no denying the significance of Small Faces.
Small Faces’ impact on the music world is undeniable, and their influence can still be heard in various genres of rock music today. From creating mod rock to incorporating elements of soul and R&B into their sound, Small Faces paved the way for countless rock bands and artists. With so many memorable hits, it’s hard not to appreciate the legacy of this beloved British rock outfit. Small Faces may have been short-lived, but they certainly left their mark on music history.