The Small Faces

For the Scottish movie Small Faces, see Small Faces (movie).

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The Small Faces were a British rock and roll band of the 1960s, led by Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane with Kenny Jones and original organist Jimmy Winston. The Small Faces were all genuine East End mods and they ranked a very close second to The Who as Britain's premier Mod band.

Related Topics:
British - Rock and roll - 1960s - Steve Marriott - Ronnie Lane - Kenny Jones - Jimmy Winston - The Who - Mod

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Steve Marriott was born and raised in the East End of London; he became a noted child actor and appeared as The Artful Dodger in an early London stage production of Oliver! and appeared in two films in his early teens, one with Peter Sellers.

Related Topics:
Steve Marriott - The Artful Dodger - Oliver! - Peter Sellers

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Lane and Marriott met in their mid-teens in 1965 while Marriott was working at the J60 Music Bar in Manor Park; Lane came in with his father Stan to buy a bass guitar, struck up a conversation with Marriott, bought the bass and went back to Marriott's house after work to listen to records. The core of the band was born that afternoon and evening.

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Recruiting friends Kenny Jones and Jimmy Winston, they rapidly progressed from rehearsals to ramshackle pub gigs to semi-pro club dates, and while not yet the crack live outfit they became -- Marriott was still learning guitar -- his explosive, sandpapery soul-belter voice attracted rising attention. They were spotted by singer Elkie Brooks who was struck by Stevie's vocal prowess and recommended them to a local club owner, Maurice King. Impressed, he began finding them work in London and beyond. However, they carried on without the services of Jimmy Winston who was released from the band, although stories as to why are extremely varied. He was replaced by fellow Mod Ian McLagan, recently released from the Boz People, who due to lack of height fitted into the groove of the band perfectly.

Related Topics:
Belter - Elkie Brooks

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They were kicked out of their first out-of-town gig -- a workingmen's club in Sheffield -- after only three songs. Despondent, they literally walked into the mod-oriented Mojo Club nearby, offered to perform gratis and played a blistering set that had the locals screaming for more and started a strong buzz. During a crucial residency at Leicester Square Cavern, they were strongly supported by Sonny & Cher, who were living in London at the time and had first spotted them in Sheffield.

Related Topics:
Sheffield - Sonny & Cher

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