Steve Marriott; 1960s Pop Star Was Making a Comeback

Steve Marriott, 44, a 1960s pop star with the group Small Faces. Marriott was enjoying new popularity in a revival of interest in “mod music,” the style that lifted Small Faces to the 1965 hit parade in their first year with “Whatcha Gonna Do About It.” Other hits included “Hey, Girl,” “All or Nothing,” “Itchykoo Park” and “Tin Soldier.” Their mod style contrasted with the rougher rock music of groups like the Rolling Stones. The Small Faces split up in 1968. Marriott joined Peter Frampton to form Humble Pie, while Ronnie Lane and Kenny Jones teamed up with Rod Stewart to form The Faces. Marriott began a solo career in 1976. He had been a child actor on television. The guitarist and singer had just returned to England from the United States, where he been working with Frampton. In his house northeast of London on Saturday of fire attributed to a smoldering cigarette.