Small Faces: What Made Them Great and Why They Split Up

It's hard to find an artist out there who can get the same sort of emotion-packed delivery as Small Faces. Whether you listen to their upbeat jams like Lazy Sunday Afternoon or ballads like All Or Nothing, the band creates eminently relatable rock that makes you want to jump up and dance, wistfully smile, and tear up all at once. Unfortunately, this incredible talent is oftentimes overshadowed by a history built on controversy regarding original members firing each other over issues with mismanagement and lawsuits. Here, we'll take a look at both sides of Small Faces' legacy: reflecting back on what made them so popular before discussing why they eventually broke up and never quite reached full potential stardom.

When it comes to classic rock from the 60s, Small Faces is a name that will inevitably come up. The band's unique blend of energetic rock and deeply emotional ballads made them a chart-topping success in their heyday. But for all their success, Small Faces is also known for its complicated history, involving multiple breakups, lawsuits, and members firing each other. Despite their tumultuous past, we are here to celebrate the greatness that was Small Faces and understand the reasons behind their split.

Small Faces was a band that formed in London in 1965 and consisted of members Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Jimmy Winston. Their music was a unique blend of rhythm and blues, mod, and psychedelic rock. They were known for their tight musicianship, catchy melodies, and, of course, Marriott's soaring vocals. Songs like Tin Soldier and Here Come The Nice showcased their energy and skill while tracks like Afterglow of Your Love and All or Nothing showed their more emotional and introspective side.

One reason why Small Faces was such a great band was their ability to convey deep emotions through their music, something that was rare in rock music at the time. Steve Marriott's vocals were particularly potent in this regard. He had an incredibly expressive voice that was able to convey pain, joy, and every other emotion in between. Their music was raw and honest, and it touched a nerve with many of their fans across the world.

Despite their success, Small Faces had a tumultuous history. For one, the band was plagued by mismanagement and money troubles, leading to disputes amongst the members. Eventually, Jimmy Winston was fired from the band, leading to Ian McLagan joining as a replacement. However, even with their new line-up, things didn't quite work out. By 1969, the band had decided to call it quits and move on to new musical projects.

It's unfortunate that Small Faces couldn't keep it together, as they had the potential to become one of the biggest rock bands in history. Their music was certainly good enough, and their live performances were legendary. But sometimes, things just don't work out, and personalities clash. Nevertheless, the legacy of Small Faces lives on, and their influence can be heard in many bands today, such as Oasis and Blur.

Small Faces was a unique and special band that had an undeniable impact on the music of the 60s. Their music touched people's hearts and souls in a way that few bands could. Despite their rocky history, we should celebrate the greatness that was Small Faces and appreciate the incredible music that they left behind. They were truly a one-of-a-kind band, and their legacy will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come.