Imagine a music world without the Faces—a band that seamlessly blended rock, blues, and soul, leaving an indelible mark on music history. But here’s where it gets fascinating: their formation was sparked by a surprising turn of events involving Steve Marriott’s departure from the Small Faces. And this is the part most people miss—how Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart stepped in to not only save the day but create something entirely new. Now, Wood is revisiting this pivotal moment in his career as part of his Fearless: Anthology 1965-2025, a sprawling compilation celebrating his 60-year musical journey. In a series of candid social media videos, Wood shares behind-the-scenes stories, including the birth of the Faces, a band that would become a cornerstone of his legacy before he joined the Rolling Stones in 1975.
It all began in 1968, when Wood and Stewart were touring the U.S. with the Jeff Beck Group. Their go-to album? The Small Faces’ Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake, a record they adored. Fast forward to 1969, and the duo was stunned to learn that Small Faces frontman Steve Marriott was leaving to form Humble Pie with Peter Frampton. But here’s where it gets controversial: Wood, who didn’t even know the remaining Small Faces members personally, felt it was a ‘criminal shame’ that the band might dissolve. ‘We can’t let this happen,’ he thought. And so, he took matters into his own hands.
Wood reached out to Small Faces bassist Ronnie Lane, whose number he somehow tracked down. ‘What are you guys going to do now?’ Wood asked. Lane’s response? ‘I don’t know. Would you help us?’ Without hesitation, Wood said yes. And this is the part most people miss: the Jeff Beck Group, which included Wood and Stewart, was also on the brink of collapse at the time. Yet, Wood’s focus was on salvaging the Small Faces’ legacy—or at least what remained of it.
Lane invited Wood to Bermondsey, London, where the Rolling Stones had a rehearsal space. There, Wood, Lane, keyboardist Ian McLagan, and drummer Kenney Jones—all original Small Faces members—jammed instrumentally, their backs to each other. They played tracks by The Meters and Booker T. & the MG’s, creating a sound that felt both familiar and refreshingly new. Here’s a fun fact: the Small Faces got their name because all four original members were, well, small in stature. ‘They were perfectly suited for each other,’ Wood noted with a smile.
After a few months of jamming, the question arose: who would sing? The answer came when Rod Stewart joined the lineup. Since Stewart and Wood were taller than the rest, the band dropped ‘Small’ from their name, and the Faces were officially born. But here’s where it gets controversial: was this a continuation of the Small Faces or an entirely new band? Some fans argue it was the latter, while others see it as a natural evolution. What do you think?
Wood’s Fearless compilation, released in September, is more than just a greatest hits album. It’s a retrospective of his collaborations—from The Creation to the Faces to the Rolling Stones—and includes four brand-new solo tracks. It’s a testament to his enduring influence and creativity. And this is the part most people miss: Wood’s ability to turn a potential tragedy—the breakup of the Small Faces—into a triumph that reshaped music history. What’s your take on the Faces’ legacy? Do you see them as a continuation of the Small Faces or a bold new chapter? Let’s discuss in the comments!
