How did one of Britain’s most promising rock bands end up struggling to complete what would become their final studio album? The Faces, formed in 1969 when Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood joined the remaining members of the Small Faces after Steve Marriott’s departure, initially thrived with their energetic blend of rock and humor. Their name change from “Small Faces” reflected the height difference between the new members and the originals, setting the stage for a band that would quickly establish its own identity with their 1970 debut album.
The recording of “Ooh La La” in 1973, however, revealed the fractures that had been developing within the group. Rod Stewart’s solo career had skyrocketed following hits like “Maggie May,” shifting his priorities away from the band that had once been his primary focus.
Ronnie Wood, meanwhile, found himself caught in the middle, making significant contributions to Stewart’s solo albums while trying to maintain his commitment to the Faces, often writing and arranging music for both projects simultaneously. Wood’s later recruitment by Rolling Stones would further strain the band’s already fragile dynamics.
The band’s extensive touring schedule between 1970 and 1975 across the UK, Europe, and the United States further complicated their studio work. When performances featured Stewart’s solo material alongside Faces songs, resentment grew among band members who felt increasingly overshadowed by their frontman’s individual success. Live shows were increasingly billed as Rod Stewart and Faces to draw larger crowds, further diminishing the band’s collective identity.
Creative disagreements during the “Ooh La La” sessions became commonplace, with different musical visions clashing in the studio. Without proper rhythmic foundation, the band struggled to maintain consistent timing and cohesion in their recordings, much like beginner drummers without formal training. The members lacked the muscle memory development necessary for tight, synchronized performances that could have elevated their studio sessions. Tensions reached a breaking point when bassist Ronnie Lane left the band in 1973, immediately after the album’s completion, frustrated by his diminishing role and the group’s changing dynamic.
The inclusion of Stewart’s solo hits in their live setlists only exacerbated existing conflicts, as audience expectations shifted toward hearing the frontman’s better-known material. Despite their reputation for enthralling live shows, the internal conflicts proved insurmountable.
“Ooh La La” would stand as the final reflection of a band torn apart by competing interests, diverging career paths, and the inevitable complications of fame.
