Steve Marriott
Background information
Birth name	Stephen Peter Marriott
Born	January 30, 1947
Origin	East London, England
Died	21 April 1991, Aged 44
Genre(s)	Rock/R&B/Soul
Occupation(s)	singer, songwriter, guitarist, record producer, (actor)
Instrument(s)	vocals, guitarist, keyboards, piano, harmonica
Years active	1960-1991
Label(s)	Immediate Decca A&M ATCO
Associated acts	Small Faces (1965-1969) Humble Pie (1969-1975)
Website	Official site
Notable instrument(s)
vocals, guitar

Stephen Peter Marriott - January 30, 1947 - April 21, 1991.

Steve Marriott was a successful and versatile R&B and rock singer, songwriter and lead guitarist. He is best remembered for his musical contributions in the groups Small Faces (1965-1969) and Humble Pie (1969-1975). In England, Marriott became a popular often photographed mod 'style icon' through his role as lead singer and guitarist with the Small Faces in the mid to late sixties. Marriott's music was influenced from an early age by his heros Buddy Holly, Booker T & the MG's, Ray Charles, Otis Reading, Muddy Waters, Bobby Bland and later the Rolling Stones. Marriott posthumously received an Ivor Novello Award in 1996 for his Outstanding Contribution to British Music and listed in Mojo magazine (sister magazine to Q) as one of the top 100 greatest singers of all time.

Contents 1 Biography 1.1 Early Years 2 The Artful Dodger 1960-1961 3 Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts 4 Film/TV/Theatre & Radio 4.1 Cinema roles 4.2 Television roles 4.3 Radio performances 5 Early music career 6 Small Faces 1965-1969 7 Humble Pie 1969-1975 8 Music career 1975-1991 8.1 Small Faces reunion 8.2 Humble Pie Mark II 8.3 The Majik Mijits 8.4 Packet of Three 8.5 Steve Marriott and the DT's 8.6 Steve Marriott's Next Band 8.7 Frampton collaboration 9 Death - April 21, 1991 10 Steve Marriott tribute concert 11 Guest appearances 12 Guitar legacy 13 Solo discography 14 References/Notes 15 External links

Biography

Early Years

Steve Marriott was born on January 30, 1947 at East Ham Hospital, Manor Park, East London, England to parents Kay and Bill Marriott who lived at Strone Road, Manor Park. Born three weeks premature and weighing just 4lb 4oz, he developed jaundice. Both mother and baby would be kept in hospital for four weeks before he was well enough to go home. Marriott came from a working class background and attended Monega Junior School. His father Bill worked as a printer and later owned a jellied eels stall called "Bill's Eels" outside the 'Ruskin Arms' Public House, for a short time he also opened a pie and mash shop. Kay worked at the Tate & Lyle factory in Silvertown. Bill was an accomplished pub pianist and the life and soul of many an 'East End' night. Marriott's father bought him a ukulele and harmonica which Steve taught himself to play. Marriott showed an early interest in singing and performing, busking at local bus-stop queues and winning talent contests during the family's annual holiday to "Jaywick Sands Holiday camp" near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.

In 1959 at the age of twelve, Marriott formed his first band with school friends Nigel Chapin and Robin Andrews, they were called 'The Wheels' later the 'Coronation Kids' and finally 'Mississippi Five' they would also add Simon Simkins and Vic Dixon to the final line-up. From a young age Marriott was a huge fan of American singer Buddy Holly and would mimic his hero by wearing large rimmed spectacles with the lenses removed. He wrote his first song called "Shelia My Dear" after his aunt Shelia whom he was close to. Those that heard the song said it was played at a jaunty pace in the style of Buddy Holly, Marriott's bandmates also nicknamed him 'Buddy'. They would play in the local coffee bars in East Ham and performed Saturday morning gigs at the Essoldo Cinema in Manor Park.

Marriott, according to his mother Kay, was a cheeky, hyperactive child, well-known by his neighbours in Strone Road for playing pranks and practical jokes. When a pupil at local Sandringham Secondary Modern School, Marriott was responsible for starting a deliberate fire. In 1961 the Marriott family moved from Strone Road to a brand new council flat in Daines Close, Manor Park.

The Artful Dodger 1960-1961

In 1960, Bill Marriott spotted an advertisement in a London newspaper for a new Artful Dodger replacement to appear in Lionel Bart's popular musical Oliver! based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens at the New Theatre (now the Noel Coward Theatre) in London's West End and without telling Marriott applied for him to audition. At the age of thirteen Marriott auditioned for the role. He sang two songs, his first "Who's Sorry Now" by Connie Francis his second "Oh, Boy!" by Buddy Holly. Bart, (also from the East End) was impressed with Marriott's vocal abilities and was hired. Marriott stayed with the show for a total of twelve months, playing various boys roles during his time there and was paid eight pounds a week. Marriott was also chosen to provide lead vocals for the Artful Dodger songs "Consider Yourself", "Be Back Soon" and "I'd Do Anything" which appear on the official album to the stage show, released by World Record Club and recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios.

Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts

Following Marriott's successful acting debut in the stage musical Oliver! his family encouraged him to pursue an acting career. In 1961 he auditioned and was accepted as a student at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London. Because Marriott's family were unable to afford the private school fees it was mutually agreed they would be deducted from acting work the academy found him. To help pay for additional expenses such as books and travel costs, his mother Kay left the Tate & Lyle factory and found a higher paid job as senior receptionist at a photographic studio in Holborn.

Film/TV/Theatre & Radio

After Marriott's enrolment at the Italia Conti Academy, he quickly gained acting roles working consistently in film, television and radio, though he was often typecast as the energetic cockney kid.

Cinema roles

• Night Cargoes - (1962) A children's adventure film, it was shot between April and June 1962 in Devon and was made for a very young audience. The film was split into eight, fifteen-minute episodes designed to be shown during popular Saturday morning picture shows.

Actor Hugh Janes (ex-student and friend of Marriott's at the Italia Conti), related his experiences on the set with Marriott:

• Live It Up! - (1963) Starring David Hemmings and Jennifer Moss. Marriott was typecast as the cheeky, cockney drummer called 'Ricky'.
• Be My Guest - (1964) released in 1965 (the follow-up to Live It Up!) again Marriott plays the young character 'Ricky'.
• Heavens Above! - (released April, 1963) Starring Peter Sellers as a prison chaplain and co-starring Eric Sykes. Marriott plays a street kid who shoots his mother. There were reports on set of Sellers and Marriott duetting on banjos between takes.
• Dateline Diamonds - (1965) Marriott along with the other members of the Small Faces appear as themselves in the film performing their self-penned second UK single "I've Got Mine".

Television roles

• Citizen James - (1961) A popular half-hour comedy starring Carry On Films actor Sid James.
• Dixon of Dock Green - (transmitted in 1963) - Marriott appears in an episode entitled The River People playing a character called 'Clive Dawson' the episode was written by Ted Willis.
• William the Peacemaker - Marriott's last TV acting role (March 1963) Marriott plays the character of 'Bertie Franks'.
• Mr Pastry's Progress - (1962) b/w BBC television children's sitcom. Starring Richard Hearne and Barbara Hicks.

Radio performances

• Radio Luxembourg - Reading out listeners problem letters for agony aunt Marjorie Proops.
• Mrs Dale's Diary - a popular radio show playing a popstar called 'Art Joyful'.

Early music career

Marriott lost interest in acting and turned his attention back to his first love which was music. Marriott's parents were devastated and his decision caused a family rift resulting in him leaving the family home for a short period to stay with friends. In 1963 Marriott wrote "Imaginary Love" and touted it around the big music companies in London. On the strength of "Imaginary Love", Marriott secured a Decca Records deal as a solo artist with Dick Reagan (also an agent for Cliff Richards). The first single was a song written by Kenny Lynch "Give Her My Regards" with Marriott's self-penned song as the B-side. The single was released in July 1963 and promptly vanished.

Marriott formed The Moments originally called 'The Frantiks'. The 'Frantiks' cut a cover version of Cliff Richard's song "Move It" with Ex-Shadows drummer Tony Meehan who was brought in to help with production. Despite the single being hawked around the major record companies, no one was interested and the song was consequently never released. It was after this that they changed the name to The Moments or 'Marriott and his Moments'. They played support for names such as The Nashville Teens, The Animals, Zoot Money, Georgie Fame, The Action and John Mayall playing venues such as the 100 Club in Soho, London and the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond. The Moments gained a loyal following including for a short time their own fanzine Beat 64 dedicated to 'Steve Marriott's Moments' started by Stuart Tuck and performed a total of 80 gigs in 1964. The group was asked to record a single for the American market, a cover version of The Kinks UK hit song "You Really Got Me" released on the World Artists record label (1964). However when their version of "You Really Got Me" failed to get attention Marriott was dropped from the band with members claiming he was too young to be a lead singer.

Main article: The Moments (English group)

Small Faces 1965-1969

Main article: The Small Faces

July 28, 1964, Marriott would first view his future Small Faces partners Ronnie Lane and sixteen year old drummer Kenney Jones they were performing at The Albion Public House Rainham, Essex, with their groups. Although they were not yet friends, they knew of each other due to their respective bands. Lane would later meet up by chance with Marriott in the 'J60' music shop in High Street North, Manor Park, where Marriott was working after his recent departure from The Moments. Lane came in looking to purchase a new guitar, and afterwards was invited to Marriott's home to listen to his extensive collection of rare American R&B import records. With their shared love of R&B the trio were soon firm friends. Marriott was invited by Lane and Jones to perform with "The Outlaws" (previously called "The Pioneers") at the band's regular gig The Earl of Derby in Bermondsey. However the trio each ended up completely drunk and Marriott enthusiastically destroyed the piano he was playing much to the amusement of Lane and Jones. The landlord sacked them and the band was finished. Marriott, Lane and Jones, decided to form their own band, with Steve bringing along acquaintance, Jimmy Winston, who was a local 'face' and aged twenty-one, several years older than the others. Winston's parents also conveniently owned The Ruskin Arms public house where they could practice. Winston would be later replaced by Ian McLagan (on keyboards) after the release of their first album Small Faces in 1965. Marriott's friend Annabel, an ex-student from the Italia Conti school came up with the group's name after commenting that they all had "small faces"; the name stuck in part because they were all, (apart from Winston), small (none being over 5'6" tall), and the term 'face' in English mod culture was the name given to a well-known and respected 'mod'.

The Small Faces quickly became a successful mod band when their debut single "Whatcha Gonna Do About It" hit the UK singles chart and were highly regarded by the youth cult's followers. Later, they were one of many influences on the formation and musical style of British hard rock group Led Zeppelin. Marriott is reputed to have been Jimmy Page's benchmark when selecting a lead singer for Led Zeppelin (the other being Terry Reid), and there are unmistakable stylistic and timbral similarities between the voices of Marriott and Led Zeppelin's lead singer Robert Plant. He was remembered by the group from early concerts where he would also run small errands for them. Zeppelin's classic song "Whole Lotta Love" is said to be a direct take of "You Need Lovin'" Marriott's version of the classic song originally written by Willie Dixon and recorded by American blues singer Muddy Waters. The Small Faces would reguarly perform "You Need Lovin" as their opening number for all the years they were together and would also appear on their first Decca album Small Faces. However Marriott bore no animosity to Plant, he is quoted as shouting "Go on my son!" and wishing him luck when he first heard Plant's version on the radio. Arden paid the band a wage of twenty pounds a week each, along with accounts in clothes shops such as 'Lord John' in Carnaby Street and on Boxing Day 1965 Arden arranged for them to move into a rented house, 22 Westmoreland Terrace, Pimlico. Sixteen year old Jones did not live there, he remained at his parents home in Stepney. Ian McLagan later described the house as party central, a place where the likes of Marianne Faithfull, Brian Epstein, Pete Townshend and other celebrities would hang out.

In 1965 the band had a cameo appearance in the film Dateline Diamonds, arranged by their manager Don Arden who saw the film as a vehicle to promote their second single "I've Got Mine" (written by Marriott/Lane). The cinematic release of Dateline Diamonds was intended to coincide with the release of the song, however for reasons unknown the film's release was delayed and subsequently the song gained no additional publicity and failed to chart. In an ironic twist, a scene from the film showing the band introduced on stage, a compare says - "And now, just back from their sell-out American Tour, it's the Small Faces!", in reality and for various reasons the band never actually toured America. In 1967 the Small Faces parted company with Decca and Arden due to creative differences and financial discrepancies. Things finally came to a head when Arden in a meeting with the band's parents told them that all the money disputed had been spent on drugs and their sons were all heroin addicts. Shortly after, they signed to Andrew Loog Oldham's Immediate Records.

Marriott wrote or co-wrote most of the Small Faces' hit singles, including "All or Nothing", "Afterglow", "Itchycoo Park", "Lazy Sunday" and "Tin Soldier". In a 1984 interview Marriott was asked what his best Small Faces songs were: "I think "All or Nothing", that I wrote, takes a lot of beating. To me, if there's a song that typifies that era, then that might be it. Words regardless, cos it's only a silly love song, but the actual feel and arrangement of the thing and maybe "Tin Soldier".." In 1967 Marriott wrote the evocative rock-ballad "Tin Soldier" to woo his future first wife, model Jenny Rylance. They first met in 1966 when Rylance was dating up-and-coming singer Rod Stewart and saw the two become friends. Rylance later split with Stewart and had a chased romance with Marriott, however much to his disappointment she ended it, deciding instead to go back to Stewart. Rylance and Stewart later split for good after a rocky four-year relationship. When Marriott found out about the split he persued Rylance, leading him to write "Tin Soldier". The song was a big chart success for the band and also for Marriott, a personal success, he and Rylance were married at Kensington Registry Office, London on May 29, 1968. Later they moved into Beehive Cottage in Moreton, Essex. The property was jointly purchased with Lane and wife Susan and was where Marriott would establish his music studio (Clear Sounds).

1968, the band's financial problems were becoming impossible to ignore and the pressure of following up their number one hit concept album, Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake, together with the lukewarm response to the release of Marriott's song "The Universal" cracks within the band started to appear. After spending a year in the studio recording their album, they had lost their dynamic live sound. Marriott was keen for the group to evolve and wanted to bring in ex-Herd frontman Peter Frampton however McLagan, Jones and Lane point blank refused. Marriott started to feel restricted creatively and decided the band had reached a dead end he began to spend more time with Frampton and Ridley. After months of rumours about the band splitting up in the press, (which was always officially denied). Marriott quit the group, storming off stage during a disastrous live performance on New Years Eve 1968. In a 1984 interview with NME reporter, Paolo Hewitt on the subject of leaving the band Steve said:

Frampton claimed that after Marriott's departure from the Small Faces, the remaining members Lane, McLagan and Jones turned up at his home and offered him Marriott's role in the band. (Ian McLagan vehmenently denies this story).

Humble Pie 1969-1975

Main article: Humble Pie (band)

Shortly after leaving the Small Faces, Marriott joined the newly-formed rock band Humble Pie with Frampton, drummer Jerry Shirley and bassist Greg Ridley (ex Spooky Tooth). In the early years Humble Pie allowed Marriott the artistic freedom he craved but was denied in the Small Faces due in part to commercial pressures and individual differences. After extensive rehearsals at Marriott's home studio they released their UK debut album As Safe As Yesterday Is on Andrew Loog Oldham's Immediate label, and scored a number five hit in the UK Singles Chart with their debut single written by Marriott, "Natural Born Bugie" (often mis-spelt "Boogie"). This was followed up with their second album Town and Country.

Humble Pie almost disbanded after their first American tour when they returned to England and discovered that Immediate had gone into liquidation. Humble Pie transferred to A&M Records and focused all their attention on the lucrative American market. Their new manager, American, Dee Anthony, had the band scrap its 'unplugged' set and crank the volume up. They toured constantly over the next three years completing nineteen tours in the U.S. alone and the band's next album releases Humble Pie and Rock On, benefited from this. Their live album Performance Rockin' the Fillmore in 1971 became the band's most successful release to date. During the process of these recordings, Marriott's strong vocal performances became the focal point of the band. Dee Anthony pushed Marriott to take more of the on-stage spotlight, something Marriott had, up to then, been sharing with Frampton and Ridley, this resulted in Frampton's decision to leave the band, (he was replaced by Clem Clempson). Some close to Marriott would say that his personality would change for the worst when he toured America. Eventually due to excessive drug use Marriott started showing possible signs of schizophrenia. Marriott took amphetamines (speed) and smoked cannabis in his early days in The Moments and Small Faces, and the latter half of the 1960's would also experiment with LSD. In Humble Pie however, Marriott developed a cocaine and alcohol addiction and this would be seen as the reason for his marriage break-ups and in small part, his premature death in a house-fire.

When Marriott's marriage ended he allegedly immersed himself deeper into drugs and his music and at times according to band members became domineering, aggressive and intolerable to work with. Rylance left Marriott in 1973. She said: "The drugs and the drink I would tolerate no more. It broke my heart to leave Steve but it had to be done, I was ultimately the stronger" Humble Pie disbanded in 1975 and officially cited musical differences as the reason for the split, perhaps more accurately it was due to financial mis-management and the widespread substance abuse within the band. In an interview in 2000 with John Hellier, Jerry Shirley said:

Marriott always believed Dee Anthony syphoned off the band's earnings to promote his new project which was Frampton and his solo album Frampton Comes Alive. After Marriott's death, his second wife Pam Stephens claimed in an interview that while they were making the Marriott album they were warned off accusing Anthony of any financial mis-dealings and they received so many threatening phone calls, in the end they were too scared to answer the telephone. Dee was alleged to have links with the Genovese crime family (amongst others). Pam also claims that after Marriott confronted Anthony about Humble Pie's missing money, she and Marriott were summoned to a meeting at the Ravenite Social Club on Mulberry Street in New York's Italian district. Among those present at the meeting were John Gotti, Frank Locascio and Paul Castellano, all of the Gambino crime family. Marriott was informed that he would not be getting any money and warned in no uncertain terms to drop the matter. Marriott took the threats to himself and his pregnant future-wife Pam seriously.

Music career 1975-1991

Back home in England, the money from Humble Pie's farewell tour soon ran out and Marriott was reduced to stealing vegetables from a field next to Beehive Cottage. Marriott went on to form The Steve Marriott Allstars with ex-Pie member Greg Ridley on bass and found a new manager, Laurie O'Leary. In the 1980's O'Leary would take Marriott to meet Ronnie Kray in Broadmoor Hospital, it was an East End request, one he could not turn down. Marriott released his first solo album the self-named Marriott in 1976. Later the same year Pam gave birth to their first child Toby on February 20, 1976, they later married on March 23rd, 1977 at Chelsea Registry office.p.238 After the departure of Mick Taylor in 1975 from the Rolling Stones, Marriott was considered as his replacement, however Mick Jagger allegedly blocked the move after Marriott up-staged him during the audition.

In 1976 a court ruled that Arden still owed the Small Faces £12,000 in unpaid royalties, he agreed to pay in monthly instalments, however after making just one payment he disappeared.

Small Faces reunion

Due to the success of the re-release of Itchycoo Park in 1975 and Lazy Sunday, 1976, McLagan, Jones and Marriott were persuaded to reform in a Small Faces reunion. Rick Wills took the place of Lane, who pulled out after just two rehearsals, and unbeknown to the others Lane was suffering from multiple sclerosis. The band recorded two albums Playmates and '78 in the Shade however the albums proved a financial and commercial failure and the band ended. Marriott did not make any money out the venture, in fact his turned into a minus amount when his payment was used to extricate himself from old binding management contracts. Due to on-going financial problems Marriott was forced to sell his beloved Beehive Cottage which had been his home since 1968 and moved to a small terraced house in Golders Green, London. Late 1978, the Inland Revenue informed Marriott that he still owed them £100,000 in back tax from his Humble Pie days, Marriott thought Dee Anthony had made all the necessary payments. O'Leary, Marriott's manager, advised him to leave England or go to jail. He sold the house in Golders Green and flew to California. Marriott was possibly at his lowest point, completely broke he was forced to collect empty glass bottles redeeming them for small change in order to buy food for his family .

Humble Pie Mark II

In 1980, Marriott contacted Shirley who was then living in New York to discuss a Humble Pie reunion. Shirley agreed and they recorded the song "Fool for a Pretty Face" using double bass player Anthony "Sooty" Jones well respected among American east coast musicians and singer/guitarist Bob Tench who had been a member of the Jeff Beck Group. The song proved good enough for them to get a recording deal, signing to Atco. In the UK their material was released by Jet Records, owned by none other than Don Arden, Marriott had to laugh. "Fool For A Pretty Face" was released and made the top 40. They recorded the heavy rock album Go for the Throat followed by On to Victory in 1981 both were reasonably successful. They also toured America as part of the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon bill. However in the latter half of 1981 Marriott was beset with problems, his marriage was all but over. After breaking his wrist and being hospitalized with a burst ulcer, the new Humble Pie line-up disintegrated.

The Majik Mijits

On a visit to England in 1981, Marriott was eager to see ex-Small Face member Ronnie Lane. By this time Lane was confined to a wheelchair due to MS. After an emotional meeting, Marriott suggested they gig together. They got together with Jim Leverton, Dave Hynes, Zoot Money and Mel Collins and recorded an album called The Majik Mijits featuring songs by Lane and Marriott though none were co-written. Due to Lane's illness they were unable to tour and promote the album.

The album was finally released nineteen years later. After the Majit Mijits stalled, Marriott went back to New York playing on the club circuit. For the next year and a half Marriott was on the road with Jim Leverton, Goldy McJohn and Fallon Williams. They played mostly Small Faces and Humble Pie material, touring non-stop for the next eighteen months. After the departure of McJohn, the trio changed the band's name to the Three Trojans. Despite Marriott's attempts at reconciliation, his marriage finally came to an end when his second-wife Pam found out that Marriott was expecting a child with Terry Elias, a Canadian girl he had met while he and Pam were separated.

Packet of Three

Accepting that his marriage was over Marriott moved back to England. He stayed at his sister Kay's house in her spare bedroom. Marriott formed Packet of Three playing the pub circuit, he insisted on being paid for each gig in cash as the Inland Revenue were still persuing him for back taxes. In August 1984, Aura Records released Steve Marriott Live at the Dingwalls 6.7.84 a live album that included unreleased session material from America in 1982. Marriott contacted his longtime friend Manon Piercey, they quickly developed a close relationship and rented a house together. Piercey gave birth to daughter Molly Mae born 3rd May, 1985. With Piercey's help, Marriott for a short time cleaned up his act and stopped his excessive drinking and drug taking. Sister Kay: "Steve would say, I'm not drinking any more, and he'd stop, six weeks, two months, he was very strong willed, if he wanted to he could. In 1985 Marriott was still touring with Packet of Three playing Canada, America and Europe. During Live Aid in 1986 London based Phoenix Modernist Society joined popular mod revival bands such as The Lambrettas and Purple Hearts, with 60's stars such as Chris Farlowe and PP Arnold. Together they cut a version of "All or Nothing" for the Band Aid Trust. Kenny Lynch persuaded Marriott to get involved and the single was released under the collective band name The Spectrum. In 1985, Marriott ended his relationship with Piercey when he met future wife number three Toni at a Packet of Three gig in Woking. Due to his financial situation, Marriott later renamed the group Steve Marriott and the Official Receivers. In the mid 1980's Marriott and Toni moved to Arkesden renting a cottage in the small village. The 16th century cottage was also used for location shots for the home of the title character in the BBC's long-running television series Lovejoy starring Ian McShane. Marriott soon became well-known locally, often popping into the pub to buy bottles of brandy and borrowing glasses, he would walk in wearing trainers and a dressing gown and became something of an eccentric, playing pranks, particularly on the owner of the pub. After Humble Pie Marriott became wary of success and fame as well as the big record companies. In later years he would turn down lucrative recording deals with record companies such as EMI. Because of this attitude, the band began to grow resentful that he was holding them back and Packet of Three disbanded. For the next year Marriott took time off, by now he was forty-four years old. With a paunch, a round face and scruffy demeanor there was little left of the striking 1960's mod icon. Film maker Paolo Sedazzari recalls, "I remember going to see him in the 80's, and he was brilliant. Great voice, great guitarist but what I couldn't get over were the dungarees and the mullet haircut. That was really disappointing". According to his wife, Marriott still smoked cannabis, still snorted lines of cocaine but nothing compared to what he had once consumed. In his later years. Marriott also liked reading, his favourite authors included Stephen King, Philip K. Dick and anything on Noel Coward who Marriott had always admired.

Steve Marriott and the DT's

In May 1988, Marriott started rehearsing with The DT's, though by the time they starting touring they were called Steve Marriott and the DT's. They played England and Germany mostly. Marriott's wife, recalls an occasion, when during a German tour Marriott called a German promoter "a cringing kraut", what does cringing mean? asked the man. "It's what Hitler did when he got his gas bill, now piss off". No subject was taboo for Marriott, his crude sense of humour was perhaps a defence mechanism, a way of dealing with things. Despite being out of the public gaze Marriott was still asked to particiate in various projects. Andrew Lloyd Webber asked Marriott to record two songs for his musical Evita, though Marriott declined. Film composer Steve Parsons asked Marriott to sing the title track for his film Food of the Gods Marriott obliged, seeing it as easy money. While recording the song, Trax Records asked Marriott to record a solo album. Thirty Seconds to Midnite was recorded at Alexandra Palace studios. Marriott used the money from these projects to buy a small narrow boat. On July 14th, 1989 Steve and Toni were married at Epping Registry office, afterwards a party at their home and a honeymoon in Bali.

Steve Marriott's Next Band

Jim Leverton got in touch and Marriott formed a new group called Steve Marriotts Next Band, with Leverton and ex-members of both the DT's and The Official Receivers. When several members left due to financial disagreements the band name Packet of Three resurfaced. After a gig at the Half Moon in Putney, ex-drummer Kofi Baker appeared and asked Marriott a favour. The son of one of his friends was in a coma, and the boy was a huge Marriott fan. He asked Steve to record a message that they could play back to him in the hope that it might help bring him round. Marriott instantly backed away. "I aint no good at anything like that" he told Kofi. Kofi persisted, turned to other people in the room who would take his side, and everyone encouraged Marriott to say something. His wife Toni recalls "What happened was, Steve finally said - Oh, alright then. Kofi turned on the tape recorder, Steve looks into the recorder and says, WAKE UP YOU CUNT! really loud, and then says, that'll do won't it mate? and everyone bursts out laughing. It was really embarrasing though, the boy's mum and dad were in the room. It wasn't that he was hard, he just had this incredibly forward attitude". Their son made a full recovery and would carry the tape around with him everywhere.

Frampton collaboration

Marriott had been playing 200 gigs a year, going from town to town, pub to pub just to pay the rent. He'd had enough. Frampton flew into England and asked Marriott to reform Humble Pie to produce a one-off album and a reunion tour. The financial payment would be enough to allow Marriott to take things easier. He agreed, and they flew out to Frampton's recording studio in Los Angeles on January 27, 1991. They began writing songs however the project was never completed after Marriott had a change of heart and flew home. Two recorded songs from this final effort, "The Bigger They Come", and "I Won't Let You Down", with Steve Marriott on vocals (and guitar), appeared on Peter Frampton's album Shine On. A third song, featuring both Marriott and Frampton entitled "Out of the Blue" was featured on the first solo recording Frampton made after Marriott's death. A fourth song, "An Itch You Can't Scratch" has been found on many illegal compilations and even on one of two "authorised" British releases, but the recording date, and whether Frampton played on it has never been verified.

Death - April 21, 1991

Friday April 20, 1991. Marriott and his third wife Judy 'Toni' Poultney had just returned home from America where he had been recording songs for a future album with Frampton. According to his wife, Marriott had been in a foul mood on the flight home to England, and had drunk large amounts of alcohol. When they arrived back in England he was tired and jet-lagged. They were met at the airport by a friend and had later eaten out where Marriott consumed more alcohol. As it was late, they stayed overnight at a friend's house but continued to argue. Poultney fell asleep and was unaware that Marriott had called a taxi and made his way home alone. At approximately 6:30am, April 21, a passing motorist saw the roof of Marriott's home ablaze and called the fire brigade. Four fire engines were needed to put out the fire. In newspaper interviews, Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Keith Dunatis who found Marriott said:

It was believed that the most likely cause of the fire was that Marriott, after arriving home in the early hours lit a cigarette in bed and almost immediately had fallen into a deep sleep. Tragically, if he had been able to purchase his usual rolling tobacco earlier at the airport the fire would not have happened. Unlike conventional cigarettes pouched tobacco contains no chemicals to keep it alight, so if Marriott had fallen asleep with one of those cigarettes in his hand it would have simply gone out causing little or no damage.

Marriott was found lying on the floor between bed and wall, investigators concluded he may have tried unsuccessfully to escape after being woken by the blaze. Marriott, disorientated and confused after inhaling large amounts of thick smoke, had turned left instead of right towards the bedroom door and safety. He had been unable to rectify his mistake before being overcome with smoke. At the inquest, a verdict of accidental death by smoke inhalation was recorded. Marriott's blood was also found to contain quantities of valium (taken earlier for flight nerves), alcohol and cocaine.

The Small Faces song "All or Nothing" was played as the requiem at Marriott's funeral held on April 30, 1991. Noted attendees included ex-Small Faces drummer Kenney Jones also Peter Frampton, Joe Brown, PP Arnold, Terence Stamp, Jerry Shirley and Greg Ridley. Among those who sent wreaths David Gilmour (of Pink Floyd), Rod Stewart and his then wife Rachel Hunter. Nothing was heard from ex-Small Faces members Ian McLagan or Ronnie Lane.

Steve Marriott tribute concert

On April 20, 2001, the 10th anniversary of Marriott's death, musicians paid tribute at the London Astoria, Charing Cross Road, London. Accomplished musicians performed both Small Faces and Humble Pie songs and included past band members:

• Humble Pie band-members - Peter Frampton, Clem Clempson, Greg Ridley and Jerry Shirley.
• Small Faces band-members - Kenney Jones and Ian McLagan.
• Also - Paul Weller (solo artist and ex-frontman of The Jam and The Style Council) - Noel Gallagher (of Oasis) - Midge Ure (lead singer of former band Ultravox), - Zak Starkey (Ringo Starr's son and drummer with The Who and Oasis) - Steve Ellis solo artist and (formerly of British 60's group The Love Affair) and Tony Rivers (of British 60's group The Castaways).

Guest appearances

Thoughout his career, Marriott helped out on other peoples records vocally, instrumentally and also producing. Here is a selection:

• Bill Wyman invited Marriott to play guitar and backing vocals on the recording of Satanic Majesties Request album, track "In Another Land" in Brian Jones absence.
• PP Arnold - Marriott wrote and produced "If You Think Your Groovy - along with Lane and the other Small Faces.
• Joe Brown - collaborated on the singer/entertainer's song "Tin Soldier"
• The Herd - produced the UK band's single "Sunshine Cottage"
• Alexis Korner hired Marriott as a guitar player for his UK and European tours in 1975
• Mott the Hoople - provided vocals on "Midnight Lady" (1971)
• Del Shannon - contributed keyboards on the Home and Away album in sessions recorded by Andrew Oldham
• Traffic - on the Mr Fantasy album, Marriott is clearly heard on the track "Berkshire Poppies"
• Tony Rivers and The Castaways secured Marriott's help in 1966 on their single "I Cant Make It Without You" after Marriott walked into the studio and offered to sing.
• Donovan - Marriott guested on track "There is a Girl for Every Boy" on the Essence To Essence album.
• Chris Farlowe song "My Way of Giving" - contributed guitar and vocals on the single which was produced by Mick Jagger and written by Marriott/Lane.
• Easybeats - provided vocals on their single "Good Times" from the LP Vigil (1968).
• Nescafe coffee's new product - Blend 37 TV commercial (1989). Marriott and Clempson were asked to guest, singing Ike and Tina Turner's hit song "Black Coffee" (which also appears on Humble Pie's (1973) album Eat It).
• Jim Capaldi - Marriott provided guest vocals on 1984 album One Man Mission on the track "Young Savages", (Marriott and Capaldi were friends from Capaldi's days in the band Traffic).
• "Seamus" on Pink Floyd's album Meddle - Marriott's dog Seamus made a notable appearance in the song. (He can also be heard on the Small Faces song "The Universal", which Marriott recorded on a cassette player in his backyard. The former track appears on the video Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii, however, the dog featured in the live recording is not the original Seamus. His vocal styling was reprised by a female Afghan Hound named Nobs with similar musical talents, and in the film the title was altered accordingly to read "Mademoiselle Nobs").
• Johnny Hallyday - appeared on recordings by French pop singer
• New York Dolls guitarist Johnny Thunders - appeared on recordings.
• John Lee (ex The Dingoes) - wrote and recorded with the Australian drummer and songwriter .
• Atlantis 2000's track "Here and Now" track - provided vocals.

Guitar legacy

• Gretsch 1620 (& various models) - during the Small Faces, Marriott used the original brown Gretsch 1620 (and various models). Most Small Faces tracks would have been recorded with this guitar, Marriott also used a brown model at the beginning of Humble Pie.
• Fender Telecaster - used towards the end of the Small Faces (1968). Marriott fattened its sound by replacing the neck pick-up with a P90. Interestingly Eddie Cochrane replaced his neck pick-up on his Gretsch with a P90 too. Marriott's telecaster ended its days with the Small Faces at Alexandra Palace, breaking in two as it was thrown down in disgust during the gig on New Years Eve when Marriott announced his decision to leave the band.
• Gibson Les Paul Junior - apparently given to Marriott by a fan. Like the telecaster Marriott modified it in a whimsical way by removing the original scratch plate and replacing it with the white scratch plate from his Dwight.
• Epiphone Dwight - used during Humble Pie's early days, and can be heard on the band's song "I don't Need No Doctor" . The Dwight was also victim to a rather strange modification, the apparently home-made black scratch plate which extended along to the controls and jack socket. The Dwight is probably the most famous Humble Pie guitar icon, and it was stolen in the UK (whereabouts still unknown).
• Gibson Les Paul Custom - Marriott was pictured using a Les Paul in the Small Faces. It was used almost exclusively at Humble Pie performances from 1973 onwards and was possibly still being used right at the end of the band's life. Steve’s son Toby now owns this guitar, and played it at the Memorial Concert in 2001.
• Ovation & Ibanez - Marriott advertised an Ovation Electric in the trade and music press in the mid 1970's, he was never seen actually playing one.
• Fender Esquire - used on the Small Faces II reunion. It appeared on the Small Faces II tour and disappeared as quickly after the split. There is also video footage of Steve playing a Sunburst Fender Stratocaster during the Blackberries period of Humble Pie.
• Gibson 335 - Marriott's partner Manon Piercey bought him this guitar around 1985. His decision to play in three-piece bands in the future reflects the confidence that he had in his playing. After the acquisition of this guitar, he seemed never to play any other, fueling rumours that this was the only guitar he had. Toby has this guitar now and the pick-up covers have been removed.

Solo discography

• See Steve Marriott discography

(See also: The Small Faces discography and Humble Pie for respective discographies)

References/Notes

Notes: