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The Small Faces, from left: Ian McLagan, Steve Marriott, Kenny Jones and Ronnie Lane
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Carnaby Street plaque for band
Small Faces honoured where first deal signed
A JOURNALIST best known for her campaigns for peace and quiet has won her bid to honour a psychedelic rock band with a plaque in Carnaby Street.
Val Weedon MBE, who in 2006 was knighted for her Right to Peace campaign, was “delighted” on hearing the news.
Planning chiefs on Monday gave the go-ahead for a green plaque outside the former offices of the Small Faces.
Ms Weedon, an author and journalist, had submitted the application on behalf of The Small Faces’ Fan Club.
The rock band, known for their eardrum busting live acts, was an icon of the Mod movement enjoying worldwide success in the 1960s.
The group’s classic line-up featured singer/guitarist Steve Marriott, bassist Ronnie Lane, organist Ian McLagan, and drummer Kenney Jones.
The plaque will mark the site of the band’s old offices in 52-55 Carnaby Street where they signed their first contract with legendary manager Don Arden.
She said she used to work as a promoter for the band. Ms Weedon, who lives in Kent, said: “They were a rocking band – a cross between The Who and the Rolling Stones. Steve Marriot’s voice was gruff – he had presence. And Kenney was an excellent drummer. It’s been great being part of this campaign because most people think I spend my life telling people to turn their music down and stop having fun – nothing could be further from the truth.”
Manager Don Arden, the father of Sharon Osbourne, invited the band to the office after watching them live in Leicester Place in 1965. The Who’s manager Kit Lambert was there. The band’s first professional contract was signed two days later.
It read: “You can have a percentage of the records, plus shopping account in every clothes shop in Carnaby Street.”
An annual Small Faces conference attracted more than 2000 people to Islington last year.
The offices’ owners said they were in full support.
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