Steve Marriott’s untimely demise in 1991 ended the career of one of rock’s
most revered characters. As leader of both the Small Faces and Humble Pie, Marriott
and his soulful, ear-piercing pipes can be heard on songs as far and wide as
“Itchycoo Park” and “I Don’t Need No Doctor.”
Six years before his passing, Marriott and his band Packet Of Three entertained
a full house at London’s Camden Palace Theatre. That show, along with an impromptu
interview, comprise the DVD All Or Nothing: Live In London.
The DVD opens with a squeamish interview with the BBC’s Nicky Horne that
explores Marriott’s humble beginnings as a child actor who played the
Artful Dodger in Oliver! to his transformation into an international
recording artist. He comes off as well-balanced, articulate and resigned to
the fact that he’s past his prime. But you’d never know it by the
10 songs in the set. The three-piece Packet OF Three allows Marriott to take
a hard-rockin’ stroll through his past. He goes back to the days of Small
Faces with “What’cha Gonna Do About It,” “All Or Nothing”
and “Tin Soldier,” and implores the girth of Humble Pie with “30
Days In The Hole” and “I Don’t Need No Doctor.”
Humble Pie Drummer Jerry Shirley and bassist Jim Leverton join Marriott for
this blazing performance. Leverton even takes a crack at lead vocals on Jimmy
Reed’s “Shame, Shame, Shame.” Even without another guitarist
(Marriott, normally a rhythm player, has a firm handle on the lead work as well),
the feel and roar of early Humble Pie is evident. Sadly, just as he was talking
with Peter Frampton about making new music, Marriott was tragically killed in
a house fire. Thankfully, a DVD like All Or Nothing: Live In London
is around to show the world what a brilliant singer, guitarist and performer
Marriott was. Now, if someone would release a decent, full Humble Pie concert
film from the early 70s, Marriott’s legacy could get a royal kick in the
ass.
~ Shawn Perry
