Watch Steve Marriott - Humble Pie: Life And Times Of Steve Marriott

Steve Marriott - Humble Pie: Life And Times Of Steve Marriott is a documentary film that explores the turbulent yet triumphant life of one of the most charismatic and influential musicians of the 1960s and 70s. Steve Marriott was the lead singer and guitarist of two legendary British bands - Small Faces and Humble Pie - and is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock frontmen of all time.

The film provides a comprehensive and intimate portrait of Marriott's life and career through a combination of archive footage, rare interviews with those who knew him best, and newly recorded interviews with surviving band members and other musicians who were inspired by him. Director Liam Galvin has assembled a wealth of material, much of which has never been seen before, to tell the story of a complex and fascinating personality who left an indelible mark on the music industry despite his tumultuous personal life and untimely death at the age of 44.

The film begins by tracing Marriott's humble origins in East London, where he grew up in poverty but discovered a love for rock and roll that would change his life. We see him form Small Faces with childhood friend Ronnie Lane, and witness their meteoric rise to fame in the mid-1960s with hits such as "Itchycoo Park" and "Lazy Sunday". Through interviews with Lane's widow, Kate, and other friends and acquaintances, we gain insight into the close relationship between Marriott and Lane, and learn how their creative partnership ultimately fell apart due to tensions over money and artistic control.

The film then moves on to Marriott's next project, Humble Pie, which saw him team up with American guitarist Peter Frampton and embark on a more hard-edged, blues-rock sound. This period, which produced such classic albums as "Rock On" and "Smokin'", is examined through interviews with Humble Pie band members, including Jerry Shirley and Greg Ridley (who passed away in 2003), and fans such as Joe Elliott of Def Leppard and Steve Diggle of Buzzcocks. We also hear from Frampton himself, who reflects on his brief but memorable tenure in the band and the influence that Marriott had on him as a musician.

Throughout the film, we see how Marriott's personal life was often tumultuous and erratic, with drug addiction and marital infidelity taking a heavy toll. We hear from his ex-wives, Jenny Rylance and Pam Stephens, as well as his former manager, Dee Anthony, who all offer candid insights into the highs and lows of his private life. The film also explores Marriott's political activism, including his involvement in the Anti-Nazi League and his support for striking miners in 1984.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is the way it captures the sheer charisma and energy of Marriott as a performer. Through his distinctive voice, frenetic guitar playing, and flamboyant stage presence, he became a true icon of the 60s and 70s music scene. The film includes plenty of footage of Marriott in action, both with Small Faces and Humble Pie, and it's impossible not to be swept up in the sheer joy and excitement of these performances.

Overall, Steve Marriott - Humble Pie: Life And Times Of Steve Marriott is a fascinating and moving tribute to a remarkable artist who left an indelible mark on the music world. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Small Faces and Humble Pie or simply a lover of rock and roll, this film is well worth checking out. It's an intimate and heartfelt portrait of a flawed but gifted individual who lived life on his own terms, and whose legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians to this day.

Steve Marriott - Humble Pie: Life And Times Of Steve Marriott is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes.