The Faces

The Faces were a British rock and roll band that emerged in the late 1960s and enjoyed significant success in the early 1970s.

The band was known for its raucous live performances, blending rock, blues, and soul influences into their music. The Faces' history is closely tied to the individual careers of its members and their previous bands. Here's a detailed history of The Faces:

Formation:

The story of The Faces begins with the dissolution of two influential British bands in the late 1960s: The Small Faces and The Jeff Beck Group. In 1969, Steve Marriott, the lead singer and guitarist of The Small Faces, left the band. Meanwhile, guitarist Ron Wood and keyboardist Ian McLagan were part of The Jeff Beck Group, which disbanded after Jeff Beck's departure. These departures set the stage for the formation of a new group.

The Core Lineup:

The core lineup of The Faces came together in 1969. It included:

1. Rod Stewart - Lead vocals: Rod Stewart, formerly of The Jeff Beck Group, became the charismatic frontman of The Faces.

2. Ron Wood - Guitar: Ron Wood, also from The Jeff Beck Group, handled lead and rhythm guitar duties.

3. Ian McLagan - Keyboards: Ian McLagan, who was previously with The Small Faces, contributed keyboards and backing vocals.

4. Ronnie Lane - Bass and vocals: Ronnie Lane, a former member of The Small Faces, played bass and shared lead vocal duties with Stewart.

5. Kenney Jones - Drums: Kenney Jones, who had played with various bands, joined as the drummer.

Early Success:

The Faces quickly gained recognition for their energetic live performances, and their debut album, "First Step," was released in 1970. Although it wasn't a commercial hit, it showcased their mix of rock, blues, and soul. The band's reputation as a great live act continued to grow.

"Long Player" and "A Nod Is as Good as a Wink... to a Blind Horse" (1971):

The Faces' second album, "Long Player," featured a cover of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed." However, it was their third album, "A Nod Is as Good as a Wink... to a Blind Horse," that really catapulted the band to fame. The album included the hit single "Stay with Me," which remains one of their most recognizable songs.

Personnel Changes:

In 1973, Ronnie Lane left the band due to creative and personal differences with Rod Stewart. He was replaced by Tetsu Yamauchi on bass. The Faces released their final studio album, "Ooh La La," in the same year.

Disbandment:

The Faces decided to disband in 1975. Several factors contributed to this decision, including Rod Stewart's increasing solo success and diverging musical interests within the band.

Legacy:

The Faces left a lasting impact on rock and roll. Their music was influential in the development of rock genres like pub rock and punk rock, and their spirited, rollicking performances earned them a reputation as one of the great live bands of the era.

Individually, the members went on to have successful careers. Rod Stewart, in particular, became a global superstar with a string of hit albums and singles. Ronnie Wood joined The Rolling Stones in 1975, solidifying his status as a rock legend. Ian McLagan continued to play with various artists, and Kenney Jones became a member of The Who after the death of their drummer, Keith Moon.

In conclusion, The Faces were a short-lived but influential rock and roll band that made a significant impact on the music scene in the early 1970s. Their legacy endures, and their music continues to be celebrated by rock enthusiasts worldwide.