Faces

Overview

Faces was a British rock band formed in 1969 by members of the Small Faces after Steve Marriott left the group. The remaining members decided to continue as a band, recruiting Rod Stewart and Ron Wood from the Jeff Beck Group. This marked a transformation from Small Faces' mod band style to a more hard rock sound infused with blues and soul, which would define Faces' musical journey. The band was characterized by their boisterous live performances and reputation for bringing a sense of humor and camaraderie to the stage, which quickly endeared them to audiences. Rod Stewart's distinctive raspy voice and Ron Wood's catchy guitar riffs became signature elements of the group's sound, while the tight rhythm section formed by Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan, and Kenney Jones kept the energy high. Despite their success, internal tensions and the surging solo careers of the members, particularly Stewart's, eventually led to their breakup in the mid-1970s.

Formation and Early Years

The origin of Faces can be traced back to the Small Faces, a mod band from London. When lead singer and guitarist Steve Marriott left to form Humble Pie in 1969, the remaining members Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan, and Kenney Jones were left with an uncertain future. They decided to regroup, opting to broaden their musical aspirations and make a name for themselves outside the mod scene. Their search for a new lead vocalist led them to Rod Stewart, whose powerful and soulful voice was already making waves with the Jeff Beck Group. Alongside Stewart, they recruited guitarist Ron Wood, who also played in the Jeff Beck Group. The reformation under the name Faces marked a new era for the band as they began to develop and define their sound, diverging from their mod roots to a sound heavily inspired by blues, rock, and soul music. With each member bringing their distinct influences and talents, Faces established themselves on the music scene with infectious energy and authenticity.

Career Highlights

Faces released their debut album 'First Step' in 1970, which received moderate success. However, it was with their subsequent albums that they really began to make an impact. Their second album 'Long Player', released in 1971, saw the band finding their groove with a mix of robust rock tunes and blues-tinged tracks. The band's signature boozy and raucous sound was fully realized in their third album 'A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse', which became their most successful album. It included the hit single 'Stay with Me,' which became a staple in their live performances and solidified their reputation as crowd-pleasers. Faces were known not just for their recorded music but also for their exhilarating and unpredictable live shows. They developed a reputation for partying both on and off stage, with elements of their humorous and laid-back approach to rock and roll permeating their concerts. However, as Rod Stewart's solo career started to ascend dramatically during the mid-70s, tension arose among the band members regarding commitments and priorities, which led to their eventual dissolution in 1975.

Musical Style

Faces' musical style was a blend of rock, blues, and soul, infused with a sense of playfulness and spontaneity. They were known for their gritty and raw sound, characterized by Rod Stewart's distinct raspy vocals and Ron Wood's dynamic guitar work, which often involved slide guitar techniques and expressive solos. The rhythm section, consisting of Ronnie Lane on bass and Kenney Jones on drums, provided a sturdy and energetic backbone that drove their songs with infectious grooves. Ian McLagan's keyboards added layers of depth and richness to their arrangements, often engaging in musical dialogue with the guitar lines. Their lyrics frequently touched on themes of love, living for the moment, and the hedonistic lifestyle that they and their audience reveled in. Faces were celebrated for their loose and lively approach to music, which was reflected in their concerts where improvisation and audience interaction were integral to the experience.

Most Important Albums

Faces released four studio albums during their career. Their debut album, 'First Step', laid the foundation for their musical identity, featuring a mix of rock and blues influences. The album included tracks such as 'Flying' and 'Three Button Hand Me Down', which showcased the group's raw energy and evolving sound. Their second album, 'Long Player', continued this trajectory with notable songs like 'Bad 'n' Ruin' and 'Richmond', highlighting their growing cohesion as a band. However, it was their third album, 'A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse', released in 1971, that garnered them critical acclaim and commercial success. The album featured some of their best-known tracks, including 'Stay with Me', which became a top ten hit in the US and captured the essence of their raucous, good-time appeal. Their fourth and final album, 'Ooh La La', released in 1973, saw a shift towards a more reflective and introspective style with songs like the titular track 'Ooh La La', which has since become a beloved classic.

Legacy and Influence

Despite their relatively short existence, Faces left a lasting impact on the rock music landscape and influenced countless artists and bands that followed. Their approach to live performances, marked by spontaneity and engagement with their audience, set a template for future rock concerts. The energy and camaraderie they projected on stage was infectious and became a hallmark of rock and roll. Rod Stewart's later success as a solo artist introduced Faces' style to a broader audience, and he often paid tribute to his roots with covers of their songs. Ron Wood went on to have a long and successful tenure with the Rolling Stones, bringing with him the sensibilities he honed with Faces. The band's music continued to resonate with new generations of musicians who admired their dedication to the craft of songmaking, attitude, and style. In 2012, Faces was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their place as influential figures in the history of popular music. Their legacy lies in their timeless songs and the joyous spirit they imbued in everything they did, ensuring they remain cult heroes to fans around the world.