The Faces, one of British rock’s most iconic bands, were never just a group of musicians—they were a force of nature. But before the swagger, before the fame, they were just five hungry kids in a London studio, carving out their destiny. In 1969, the band’s raw energy and wild creativity were captured in eight unreleased recordings that have now surfaced, offering a rare glimpse into the making of a legend.
Rediscovering the Roots of British Rock
In the late 1960s, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, and the rest of the Faces were at a crossroads. Still in their formative years, they hadn’t yet found their commercial stride, but their potential was already undeniable. The newly unearthed tapes, recorded at a small London studio, show the band in a more experimental phase. These raw, unpolished tracks feature the unmistakable energy that would later define their sound, but they are far from the finished product. Fans of Stewart and Wood will hear a different side of the musicians—one that is unrestrained, searching, and brimming with untapped promise.
An Insight into the Band’s Early Chemistry
What sets these 1969 recordings apart from their later, more polished work is the palpable chemistry between the band members. Stewart’s unmistakable voice, still in its early form, intertwines with Wood’s guitar riffs in a way that feels fresh, spontaneous, and vital. While the tapes are unrefined, there’s an honesty in the sound that reveals how deeply the band was connected during their creative process. One particular moment, an unfinished outro, left lifelong fans trembling with its intensity. It’s a raw display of emotion that could have easily become one of rock’s most defining moments had it been fully developed.
The Unfinished Outro: A Moment of Rock History
Perhaps the most gripping part of these tapes is an unfinished outro that has left even the most seasoned rock fans in awe. It’s not just an instrumental passage—it’s a glimpse of what could have been, a fleeting moment that embodies the band’s chaotic brilliance. The outro is unfinished, leaving listeners to imagine what it could have evolved into had the band taken it to its full potential. It’s an emotional ride, pulling you into a world where rock and roll was still unformed, still unpredictable, and still full of promise.
A Glimpse into the Faces’ Creative Process
For many, the appeal of these recordings lies not in their completion but in their incompleteness. The rawness of the tracks gives an intimate look into the band’s creative process, offering fans the chance to hear the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the moments of pure musical magic that led to their eventual success. These tapes aren’t just a historical artifact—they are a testament to the band’s drive, their passion, and their desire to carve out something unique in the music world.
The Emotional Connection: Why Fans Are Trembling
For those who have followed the Faces throughout their career, these unreleased recordings are a chance to experience the band before they became legends. The unpolished nature of the tapes adds an emotional layer to the experience, allowing listeners to feel a closer connection to the music. There’s something profoundly moving about hearing the band in their early stages, knowing that these young musicians would go on to leave an indelible mark on rock history.
Conclusion: A Timeless Snapshot of Rock’s Evolution
The 1969 recordings of the Faces are more than just a rediscovery—they’re a window into the soul of British rock. They showcase a band on the cusp of greatness, filled with energy, raw talent, and the drive to create something unforgettable. While the tracks may be unfinished, they offer a timeless snapshot of a band that would soon rise to legendary status. For fans, these tapes are not just an opportunity to hear new music—they are a reminder of why the Faces remain one of rock’s most cherished acts.
