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🔘 Stay with Me – Single: Dec. 1971

  • Writer: Faces
    Faces
  • Dec 3, 1971
  • 3 min read

The Faces were riding high on the success of Rod Stewart’s solo breakthrough while maintaining their own loose, boozy rock ‘n’ roll reputation. With their ragged charm and undeniable chemistry, the band delivered one of their most enduring anthems with “Stay with Me.” The track captured the raw energy of a one-night stand with Stewart’s raspy vocals, Ronnie Wood’s gritty guitar and a rolling, bar-room groove that became a classic of early 1970s rock.


Released on December 3, 1971, the single appeared on Warner Bros. Records under catalogue number K 16136. Backed with “Debris,” this 7-inch release became The Faces’ biggest UK hit and a firm favourite among fans of their loose, good-time rock sound.


Label: Warner Bros. Records

Catalogue Number: K 16136

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: December 3, 1971 (UK)


🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Warner Bros. – K 16136 — 1971

A. Stay with Me

B. Debris


Written by:

- Stay with Me: Rod Stewart / Ronnie Wood

- Debris: Ronnie Lane


Produced by: The Faces and Glyn Johns

Recorded: 1971


🔘 Key Highlights

• Released December 3, 1971

• The Faces’ biggest UK hit single

• Featured Rod Stewart’s unmistakable raspy vocal and Ronnie Wood’s distinctive guitar work

• Ronnie Lane’s “Debris” provided a poignant, reflective B-side

• Chart debut: January 1972

• Peaked at No. 6 in the UK


🔘 The Story

By late 1971 The Faces had already built a strong live reputation and enjoyed moderate chart success, but “Stay with Me” took them to a new level. Co-written by Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, the song perfectly encapsulated the band’s carefree, slightly reckless spirit. Stewart’s gravelly delivery and the group’s loose, swinging groove made it an instant singalong favourite in pubs and concert halls alike.


The B-side “Debris,” written and sung by Ronnie Lane, offered a gentler, more melancholic contrast with its warm, acoustic-tinged feel. The single performed strongly in the UK and helped boost sales of the album *A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse*. It remains one of The Faces’ signature tracks and a highlight of their all-too-brief career.


🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Warner Bros. – K 16136 — UK — 1971

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Warner Bros. – K 16136 — UK — 1971

• Issued in standard Warner Bros. company sleeve


🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart in early January 1972 and peaked at No. 6. It spent a total of 11 weeks on the chart.


Total Weeks: 11


🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Stay with Me” – raw, energetic rocker with Rod Stewart’s signature vocal and a rolling groove.

• B-side: “Debris” – tender, reflective track written and sung by Ronnie Lane.

• Production: The Faces and Glyn Johns – capturing the band’s live energy in the studio.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Warner Bros. company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released at the tail end of 1971, bridging the end of the 1960s rock scene with the emerging glam and pub-rock sounds of the early 1970s.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on all major Faces and Rod Stewart greatest hits collections.


🔘 Related Material

• Had Me a Real Good Time (1970)

• A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse (1971)

• Maggie May (Rod Stewart, 1971)

• You Wear It Well (Rod Stewart, 1972)


🔘 Discography

Had Me a Real Good Time – Single: 1970

Stay with Me – Single: 1971

Cindy Incidentally – Single: 1973

Pool Hall Richard – Single: 1973


🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1971 — Recorded for the album *A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse*

✦ December 3, 1971 — UK single released

✦ January 1972 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ February 1972 — Peaks at No. 6

✦ Early 1972 — Completes 11-week chart run


🔘 Glam Flashback

With a raspy roar, a pint in one hand and a guitar in the other, The Faces delivered “Stay with Me” in late 1971 — pure, unpolished rock ‘n’ roll that cut through the emerging glitter of glam.



🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Warner Bros. Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.











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