The Faces to reform - in pictures

The Faces formed in 1969, after Small Faces singer Steve Marriott left the band to form Humble Pie. The remaining threesome picked up Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, dropped the Small, and one of 70s rock's most beloved bands was born. Here. at an early press call are (from left) Kenney Jones, Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Lane and Ian McLagan. Photograph: Dick Barnatt/Redferns

The Faces became a big live draw, for their raucous, drunken shows – they would sometimes have a bar on stage. Here's Rod Stewart fronting the band in Los Angeles in 1973. Photograph: Keystone/Getty Images

As the Faces continued, so Rod Stewart began embracing the tartan … Photograph: Ian Dickson/Rex Features

After Ronnie Lane left the Face in 1973, he was replaced on bass by Tetsu Yamauch. Unfortunately, hiring a bass player who spoke little English and could outdrink the rest of the famously boozy band proved not to be the best idea. Photograph: Chris Foster/Rex Features

The Faces were Top of the Pops regulars, sometimes appearing as the backing band for Stewart on his solo singles – famously, they had John Peel miming violin with them when they appeared to promote Maggie May. Here they are on Top of the Pops in 1971. Photograph: Ron Howard/Redferns

Bitter, lager, stout and spirits – the Faces partake of some refreshments in London in 1974. Photograph: Michael Putland/Getty Images

Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart performing live onstage in the US in 1975, complete with unfortunate period fashions. Photograph: Robert Knight Archive/Redferns

The Faces split in 1975, after Ronnie Wood joined the Rolling Stones. Rod Stewart duly pursued – and found – even greater solo success. Here he performs on the Mike Mansfield Special TV show in 1976. Photograph: ITV/Rex Features

Rod Stewart on stage with Ronnie Lane with the Faces. Photograph: Ilpo Musto/Rex Features

Rod Stewart's fame grew and grew worldwide. Here he performs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1985 – where on 31 December 1994 he drew the largest concert crowd ever, estimated at 3.5m, for a show on Copacabana Beach. Photograph: Richard Young/Rex Features

The Faces reformed in 1986, to appear during the encore of Rod Stewart's solo shows at Wembley Stadium. By this time, Ronnie Lane was suffering with multiple sclerosis and sang from his wheelchair. Photograph: Malcolm Clarke/Rex Features

The Faces reunited again to perform at the 1993 Brit awards, though by this time Ronnie Lane was unable to join them – his place was taken for the gig by Bill Wyman (baqck). Photograph: Mick Hutson/Redferns

The Faces perform live onstage at the Brit Awards in 1993. Photograph: Mick Hutson/Redferns

Rod Stewart returned in 2013 with his first solo album featuring original material for 15 years. Here he performs at the O2 Arena in London on the tour to promote the album. Photograph: Brian Rasic/Rex Features