Rod Stewart and Faces: Overview
Rod Stewart was the lead vocalist of the band Faces, not a solo artist fronting the group in a peripheral capacity. Faces formed in the immediate aftermath of the Small Faces rebrand and lineup shift, uniting members from the classic Small Faces with Stewart and Ronnie Wood. The result was a short-lived but influential rock configuration known for a direct, riff-driven style and Stewart’s distinctive voice. This profile clarifies the structure, timeline, and creative output of Faces with Stewart, separating enduring facts from common misconceptions.
Core Members and Lineup with Rod Stewart
Who Was in Faces with Rod Stewart
The central lineup of Faces with Rod Stewart consisted of Rod Stewart (vocals), Ronnie Wood (guitar, bass), Ian McLagan (keyboards, backing vocals), Kenney Jones (drums), and Bill Wyman (bass, guitar, backing vocals). Stewart and Wood provided guitar and vocal duties in a fluid arrangement where roles sometimes overlapped. This table summarizes the verified core membership and instruments associated with the most widely recognized Faces configuration featuring Rod Stewart:
| Member | Role in Faces with Rod Stewart | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Rod Stewart | Lead vocals, occasional guitar | Band biographies, interviews |
| Ronnie Wood | Guitar, bass, backing vocals | Band biographies, interviews |
| Ian McLagan | Keyboards, backing vocals | Band biographies, interviews |
| Kenney Jones | Drums | Band biographies, interviews |
| Bill Wyman | Bass, guitar, backing vocals | Band biographies, interviews |
Formation Timeline and Context
Faces emerged after the dissolution of the original Small Faces in 1969 and formally coalesced in 1970 as members sought a new creative outlet. The band name adopted an informal, slightly cheeky tone, while the music leaned into a harder, more riff-oriented direction compared to the earlier Small Faces catalog. Rod Stewart’s participation was central from the outset; he brought star power and a seasoned vocal approach that shaped Faces’ identity. The group remained active through the early 1970s before winding down as members pursued solo projects and other commitments.
Key Recordings and Contributions
- First Step (1970): The debut album under the name Faces, establishing the band’s sound with Stewart on vocals across multiple tracks.
- Long Long Distance (1970): A standalone single that showcased the group’s more melodic side while retaining their rock edge.
- Next (1970): The first album credited to Faces, featuring Stewart on lead vocals and the band refining their riff-based rock approach.
- Ooh La La (1973): Faces’ best‑known album, driven by Stewart’s vocals and highlighted by the title track, a durable rock staple.
Common Misconceptions and Status Clarifications
A persistent myth suggests Rod Stewart was a part-time or honorary member of Faces, or that he joined only for specific sessions. In reality, Stewart was a full member and the band’s frontman for the majority of Faces’ recording output and live performances. Another misconception is that Faces was merely a renamed Small Faces with no real continuity; in practice, Faces represented a deliberate new entity, albeit built on familiar personnel. The band did not release a formal greatest hits compilation under the Faces name during its run, though later compilations have collected key tracks for retrospective listening.
Legacy and Influence
Faces remains a significant chapter in the development of British rock, bridging the melodic pop sensibilities of the early Small Faces with a grittier, more guitar-focused aesthetic. Rod Stewart’s tenure with the group showcased his ability to adapt to a collective context while retaining his signature vocal flair. The lineup’s collaborative approach and fluid instrumentation influenced subsequent rock ensembles, and the band’s catalog continues to resonate with listeners familiar with Stewart’s work in both band and solo contexts. Though Faces was short-lived, its impact on rock music and on Stewart’s own trajectory remains notable.