Humble Pie Life And Times Of Steve Marriott
Steve Marriott was one of the most influential and charismatic rock and roll performers of the 1960s and 70s. He was best known as the lead singer and guitarist for the popular bands Small Faces and Humble Pie. Despite his immense talent and success, Marriott's life was marked by tragedy and struggle.
Early Life and Career
Marriott was born in East London in 1947. He showed an early interest in music and began playing guitar and singing in local bands as a teenager. In 1965, he joined the Small Faces as their lead vocalist. The band quickly gained popularity in the UK with hits like "Sha La La La Lee" and "All or Nothing."
Despite their success, tensions within the band led Marriott to leave in 1968 to form a new group, Humble Pie. The band's sound was a fusion of rock, blues, and soul, and they enjoyed success both in the UK and the US. Their hits included "Natural Born Bugie" and "30 Days in the Hole."
Personal Struggles
Despite his musical success, Marriott's personal life was marked by struggle and tragedy. He struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism throughout his career, which affected his health and relationships. He also had financial difficulties and legal troubles, including a lawsuit against his former Small Faces bandmates.
Marriott's personal struggles were compounded by the tragic deaths of two of his closest friends and collaborators. In 1969, his Small Faces bandmate Ronnie Lane was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which eventually forced him to retire from music. Lane died in 1997. In 1978, Humble Pie guitarist Peter Frampton left the band to pursue a solo career. Two years later, he was involved in a near-fatal car accident that left him with a broken neck and other injuries.
Legacy and Influence
Despite the challenges he faced, Marriott's legacy as a musician and performer continues to inspire new generations of artists. His powerful vocals, dynamic stage presence, and innovative guitar playing were influential in the development of rock and roll and heavy metal. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of Small Faces.
Marriott's tragic death in a house fire in 1991 at the age of 44 was a devastating loss to the music world. His contributions to rock and roll and his enduring influence continue to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike.
Conclusion
Steve Marriott's life and career were marked by immense talent, success, and tragedy. Despite the challenges he faced, he remains an enduring icon of rock and roll, whose influence continues to be felt today. His contributions to music and his powerful legacy as a performer will never be forgotten.