Was Rod Stewart in the Small Faces
Rod Stewart was a member of the Small Faces from 1965 to 1969, joining as lead vocalist and later sharing vocal duties with Steve Marriott. The band, formed in London in 1965, became a defining act of the mod and psychedelic rock era. Stewart's tenure with the group ended when he and guitarist Ron Wood left to form Faces with the remaining Small Faces members after Marriott departed. This transition marked a clear shift in the band's lineup and sound. For more background on Rod Stewart's career trajectory, see this overview from AllMusic.
During his time with the Small Faces, Stewart contributed to hits such as "Itchycoo Park," "Lazy Sunday," and "All or Nothing," which charted highly in the UK. The group released several studio albums, including "Small Faces" (1966) and "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake" (1968). Stewart's raspy voice became a signature element of the band's sound during this period. After leaving, Stewart pursued a solo career that made him one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with hundreds of millions of records sold worldwide. For details on his solo sales and chart performance, see this report from Billboard.
Small Faces Lineup and History
The Small Faces lineup that included Rod Stewart consisted of Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Ian McLagan, with Stewart joining in 1965. The band was signed to Immediate Records and later to Atlantic Records in the US. Their music blended rock, soul, and mod influences, and they are often cited as precursors to British hard rock. The band officially disbanded in 1969 when Marriott left, and the remaining members formed Faces with Stewart and Wood. For a detailed discography and timeline, see the band's entry on Discogs.
The Small Faces' influence extends beyond their recordings, with their style and sound inspiring generations of rock and mod bands. Their legacy is preserved through compilations, reissues, and recognition in music history books. Rod Stewart's departure to form Faces is one of the most notable lineup changes in 1960s rock history. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, recognizing their impact on popular music. For the Hall of Fame listing, see Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Rod Stewart's Role and Legacy
Rod Stewart's role in the Small Faces was primarily as a lead vocalist and co-writer on several tracks. His vocal style complemented Steve Marriott's, creating a distinctive dual-voice dynamic. After leaving the band, Stewart became a solo superstar, with albums like "Every Picture Tells a Story" and "Blondes Have More Fun" topping charts globally. His solo career has spanned decades, with continued touring and new releases into the 2020s. For his latest album releases and tour dates, see Rod Stewart Official Site.
The question of whether Rod Stewart was in the Small Faces is a common point of confusion due to the overlapping timelines of the Small Faces and Faces. Stewart was a member of the Small Faces before becoming the lead singer of Faces, which was formed from the remnants of the original band. This distinction is important for understanding the band's history and Stewart's career path