This new book by Simon Spence is truly a great read - meticulously researched and quoted directly from all those who were part of the story.

The book delves into one of the UKs best loved music stars from the 60’s - with a personality and lifestyle that ultimately overshadowed his enormous talent.

Steve Marriott was the complete package : a captivating performer , incredibly original songwriter , superb guitarist and maybe most importantly of all - he possessed an incredible soulful voice that belied his small 5’ 2” stature.

His voice was coveted and respected by his contemporaries - such as Robert Plant,Bob Dylan and David Bowie.

Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant is quoted as:

“I wanted to be Steve Marriott”

Rather than languish on his child star tensions acting in film and theatre at a young age - and later drug and alcohol problems ; instead the magic of Steve Marriott was in my opinion, his golden period of writing incredibly original songs.

Think of the Small Faces output in the 60’s with hits such as “Whatcha Gonna Do About It?” ,“Tin Soldier” , “Itchycoo Park” and the landmark 1968 concept album with the round cover “Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake”.

Credit is also due to the other bandmate contributions :the late great Ronnie Lane on bass (whose career and songwriting is equally special) as is Ian McLagan on organ and Kenny Jones on drums.

Those hits would influence future generations of bands - even the Sex Pistols who included Small Faces and Who songs in their live shows in 1976-77.

Although influenced by American R&B and soul - the writing was very British , extremely inventive and whimsical - which is why it stands up to this day.

Humble Pie that followed in the 70's - was more derivative roots rock and blues of course - and that really characterized Marriotts career for the rest of his life-until his untimely death aged 44 years.

Its fascinating to read that Humble Pie who opened for the Who at Charlton Athletic football stadium in 1974 (one of those historic huge outside gigs) - upstaged the headliners!

Steve Marriott was a dynamic performer and artist.

Go check it out - and better still , watch and listen to those amazing Small Faces hits!

More info here:

https://www.thesmallfaces.com/

https://www.amazon.com/All-Nothing-Story-Steve-Marriott/dp/1787601846