Undeterred, Marriott went on to play in one more band, The Checkpoints, before meeting his date with fate and becoming a founding member of the Small Faces. He suffered a similar let-down as frontman for The Moments, a band which accrued a decent following and supported the likes of The Animals and Georgie Fame. Decca Records released his first solo single "Give Her My Regards" in 1963, but it failed to chart. This firm grounding led to TV and film roles, but music was always his passion. All three tracks were recorded at Abbey Road Studios and appear on the stage show’s album.įrom acting to record deals and the Small FacesĮncouraged by his success in Oliver!, Marriott went on to study acting at the renowned Italia Conti Academy of Theatre. During his year in the show, he provided lead vocals for Artful Dodger songs "Consider Yourself", "Be Back Soon" and "I'd Do Anything". They were still trying to find their niche when he landed a part in the musical Oliver! in the West End. The Wheels, which went on to change their name twice, ending up The Mississippi Five, initially comprised Marriott and some mates from school. Often described as ‘musically gifted’, Marriott got his first taste of show businesses at the tender age of 13.Īfter winning talent contents and building up his confidence busking on the streets near his home, he had formed his first band a year earlier. It is said that Marriott taught himself to play instruments given to him by his father. There is no doubt that this early exposure to music nurtured an organic talent. His father, who in his later years ran a jellied eel stall, tinkled the ivories to appreciative audiences in boozers around the capital. It is nothing but tragic that such a talent, inspired by the likes of his hero Buddy Holly, died at the age of 44 - not because of his well-documented excesses but in an accidental fire at his home in Essex.īorn in London in 1947, Marriott showed an early interest in singing. But they marked the achievements of someone born to sing, driven to play the guitar and, ultimately, frontman of one of the most visionary bands in Mod culture. He was also posthumously awarded the Ivor Novello Award in 1996 for his Outstanding Contribution to British Music.īoth of the accolades came long after Steve Marriott’s legendary years with the Small Faces ended. Remembered for roles as the frontman of the Small Faces and Humble Pie, it was only after his untimely death that he was enrolled into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He may well have been small in stature but his cheeky personality, colossal voice, awe-inspiring guitar playing and ability to write great songs made him a Mod icon.
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