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seemed like just a few months earlier that we had gathered at
the Ruskin Arms in Manor Park for the first Small Faces
Convention. Now we were back in the pub where the Small Faces
practised and where Jimmy Winston once lived to celebrate the
life and work of the late Ronnie Lane who had died on June 4th
1997. Once again, there was a full turnout not just of Small
Faces fans but also those who lived his later work with The
Faces and Slim Chance. Some of Ronnie's family were there as was
Steve Marriott's sister Kay. Stan Lane told us all that a big
celebration was being planned for next April 1st on
Ronnie's birthday, not a sombre affair but a big
"piss-up" just how Ronnie would have liked it.
The evening started with an
appearance by Mustn't Grumble, the Small Faces tribute band
looking somewhat different from how I remember seeing them last
year. They ran through a repertoire of Small Faces songs
including a brave attempt at Happiness Stan. Other
highlights were Tin Soldier, naturally, and Patterns.
After a short break, we were
treated to Southend's finest The Phrogs. (Anyone know of
forthcoming gigs?) This is band well worth seeing again and they
added in many Small Faces songs. Again we heard Ogden's material
Rollin' Over and The Journey. Steve Ellis of Love
Affair joined the band on stage, I think for What'Cha Gonna
Do About It.
The Small Faces section was over
and the following bands were to play later Ronnie Lane material.
I had to leave at this point so can anyone tell me more?
Special thanks to John Hellier
and Dean Powell for organising the event and to the staff of the
Ruskin Arms for endurance.
[Ronnie Lane
Obituaries]
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