The Faces in the London Rock Documentary (1970)

By Marcelo Sonaglioni on February 19, 2025

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Rolling Stones on video: The Faces (from ‘London Rock’ documentary, Metromedia, US TV), September 1970

Featuring an interview with Ronnie Wood and Ronnie Lane during a walk in a London park in early June, plus The Mona (rehearsal by Ronnie Wood)
*Info taken from The Complete Works site

*Click for MORE STONES ON VIDEO

By 1970, The Faces were in full swing, fueled by the raw energy of Rod Stewart’s raspy vocals and Ronnie Wood’s bluesy, swaggering guitar. Formed from the ashes of the Small Faces after Steve Marriott’s departure, the band brought together Wood and Stewart—fresh from their stint with Jeff Beck’s group—alongside Ian McLagan, Ronnie Lane, and Kenney Jones. What followed was pure rock and roll magic.

With their loose, boozy style and a love for raucous live performances, The Faces quickly became one of the most exciting bands of the early ‘70s. Their debut album, First Step (1970), showed off their blend of rock, blues, and soul, with Wood’s raw guitar work and Stewart’s unmistakable voice setting the tone. Tracks like Three Button Hand Me Down and Flying highlighted their mix of grit and melody, while the band’s chemistry made every song feel like a jam session among friends.

Unlike the more polished rock acts of the time, The Faces embraced a chaotic, good-time vibe. Their concerts were legendary—filled with beer-soaked singalongs, extended jams, and a general sense of unpredictability. Stewart, already gaining fame as a solo artist, was the charismatic frontman, but Wood’s slinky guitar licks and slide work were just as essential to their sound.

Though The Faces never quite hit the same commercial heights as Stewart’s solo career, their influence is undeniable. They laid the groundwork for countless rock bands that followed, and their spirit of unfiltered, no-frills rock still resonates today. Whether blasting through Had Me a Real Good Time or slowing it down with Debris, The Faces in 1970 were the definition of rock and roll fun—messy, soulful, and totally unforgettable.

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