Faces Reunion Gig at the O2

The last couple of years have seen many an act bury their differences and reform as well as some artists taking to the road after more than a few years break. Some have been excellent (Ray Davis at Glastonbury), some disappointing (Peter Hook performing Unknown Pleasures) and some yet to prove themselves (The Libertines).

Faces have only played a few gigs with varying members since their split in the mid-70s, so all eyes were on the new line up eager to see if they could create the same raw energy 35 years on. Original frontman Rod Stewart was replaced by Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall and Ronnie Wood’s son Jessie and The Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock stepped in for other missing members. In fact Matlock had the unenviable task of stepping into the shoes of the late great Ronnie Lane.

More than a few of the dedicated Faces fans in the audience were dubious of Hucknall taking over vocal duties and we were no different. Despite his successful career and large fan base with Simply Red, Hucknall just doesn’t have the same appeal or friendly charm as Stewart and it seemed unlikely that he would have the ability to hold his own on a stage next to Ronnie Wood.

The latter was proved from the very start as Wood swaggered on stage in typical Stones style followed by the rest of the band. But as they struck up with Miss Judy’s Farm, all our doubts were blown away by Hucknall’s vocals and the band’s energy and chemistry. Where Hucknall succeeded was to not imitate Stewart, fans will be pleased to know this is not the ‘Faces karaoke’ that it could so easily have been. They continued with stomping performances of Had Me A Real Good Time and Cindy Incidentally, which saw the entire band stand in awe of Kenney Jones’ drum solo – a moment where their enjoyment really shone through.

The highlights of the night were the beautiful rendition of Ooh La La and Wood’s solo cover of Maybe I’m Amazed.  The evening drew to a close with Stay With Me and we were left in no doubt that Faces were back; albeit a little different, but still with that rock and roll style and energy that younger bands often never achieve.

Faces played at:

The Bubble
O2 Dome
Greenwich