Small Faces

I am a mega fan and this is my way of showing it...don't sue :p.The Small Faces were an English rock and roll band of the 1960s. The group's classic line-up featured singer/guitarist Steve Marriott, bassist Ronnie Lane, organist Ian McLagan, and drummer Kenney Jones. Although starting out as a R&B-inspired mod group--the second-most popular mod band in the UK after The Who--The Small Faces later evolved into one of England's most successful psychedelic acts before breaking up at the end of 1960s.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.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.Recruiting friends Kenny Jones and organist Jimmy Winston (born Jimmy Langwith), 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.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 for free 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.The band appeared in a 1965 adventure movie crime musical, called Dateline Diamonds, about their manager (Kenneth Cope) smuggling diamonds out of the country with the help of a former Army man (William Lucas). Some of the scenes were filmed on Radio London's boat. It was released as a supporting feature to Doctor in Clover.