Ronnie Lane had a very interesting life. He is best known as being a member of Small Faces and the Faces, wiring memorable songs such as Itchycoo Park, Debris and Ooh-La-La. However, in the mid-1970s he gave this up to lead a much calmer, almost Gypsy-like life. He continued to make music, not as commercial as previously, but still very popular. Unfortunately, he had contracted multiple sclerosis, like his mother, and died in Colorado in 1997. This new biography of Ronnie Lane may not offer much that is truly new but it is an excellent read and a real eye-opener to those who do not know the story of this remarkable musician and human being.

Lane's story begins in the east end of London on 1 April 1946, not long after the end of the Second World War. The east end was still largely a bomb site and this was the playground for Ronnie and other London children. These days are reflected in the song Debris. Like many others music became part of his life and, by the early 1960s, he decided he wanted to learn the guitar. Soon after that he met fellow eastender Kenney Jones and they formed a band, the Outcasts. At this point enters Steve Marriott. He joins the Outcasts on stage and destroys the piano. Chucked out of the pub this was the start of Small Faces. The story of Small Faces is a story in itself. Ronnie Lane wrote much of the material with Steve Marriott, together or separately. Marriott and Lane were also credited as producers on later material. However, Ronnie was already looking for something more than pop stardom. He became more spiritual, aided by Pete Townshend, and his songs became deeper. When Marriott left Small Faces, the other three were at a loose end until they teamed up with Ronnie Wood from the Jeff Beck Group. He recommended that group's singer and so Rod Stewart became the lead singer of what became known as the Faces.

The Faces must have been amazing to witness live. The music was a change from Small Faces with good-time rock & roll, soul and many chart hits. What's more, everyone was guaranteed a good time, especially the band as it was customary to have a bar on the stage! Ronnie Lane was the heart of the band but things were changing. He had struggled with an overbearing lead singer in Small Faces and now the band had to cope with the rise of Stewart's solo career. The Faces played on Rod Stewart's two massive-selling singles Maggie May and You Wear It Well but these were billed as Rod Stewart singles. Also, it was felt that Stewart was keeping his best songs for his solo work. Finally, Lane had had enough. He announced he was leaving the band. A Small Faces reunion in the mid-1970s came to nothing.

The next stage is perhaps the most interesting as it is less well-known. Ronnie Lane was tired of the rock & roll treadmill and yearned for a quieter life. He remained in the business but his songs were different. He moved to rhythm guitar and recruited an evolving group of musicians, ultimately known as Slim Chance. He also had many good friends in the business with whom he worked on and off such as Townshend, Eric Clapton and many more. With his second wife Kate he purchased a farm on the Wales-England border which became a temporary home for musicians and a place to write and record (as well as rear sheep). He took the band on the road along with clowns and acrobats in a venture called The Passing Show. This must have been quite a spectacle but it acted to deplete the money Ronnie made from the Faces. The one bright spot, financially at least, was LMS Lane's Mobile Studio which was in demand for recording. Ronnie's solo career included great tracks such as How Come and the Poacher but it was not as commercial as his previous bands. However, he may have been happier living a more rural life.

Lane's mother had contracted MS and this is a hereditary disease. Soon Ronnie began to develop symptoms and these worsened. He moved to the US to get better treatment. This was expensive but band mates and industry friends helped to support by covering medical bills. He continued to write, record and play live but this became harder and harder. He remarried in the US and moved with his wife Susan to Colorado where he died in 1997. His music remains as popular as ever. Slim Chance are keeping his songs alive with regular dates around the UK too.

This book is well-researched and an excellent read. It is entertaining and is a credible biography of a great and highly-respected musician who was totally unique and kept his music and humour alive until the end. His memory and his music live on.