Rod Stewart / The Faces (13 May 1972) NME – Front Cover

A dynamic front-page cover from New Musical Express (NME) dated 13 May 1972, featuring a powerful live shot of Rod Stewart and announcing The Faces’ upcoming Summer Roadshow UK tour.

SOURCE DETAILS

Publication: New Musical Express (NME)

Date: May 13, 1972

Country: United Kingdom

Section / Pages: Front Cover – News Feature

Title: Faces Summer Roadshow

THE STORY

This NME cover announces The Faces’ first major British concert tour of the summer, set for June and July 1972. The piece highlights their return to UK stages following American success, confirming straightforward concert dates rather than the theatrical “Rock ’n’ Roll Circus” format used overseas. A prominent live photograph shows Rod Stewart performing on his knees beside a Steinway piano.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

By May 1972, Rod Stewart and The Faces were one of Britain’s biggest live rock acts. This cover captures their peak popularity, bridging Stewart’s solo stardom with the band’s raw, energetic appeal. The issue also promotes other features including “Life and Times of a Silent Stone”, “Rexography”, and coverage of Stone the Crows

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

A classic early-1970s NME front cover with bold red-and-white masthead and the large headline “FACES SUMMER ROADSHOW”. The central image captures Rod Stewart mid-performance, kneeling on stage in his flamboyant style. Additional teasers at the bottom promote “Life and Times of a Silent Stone”, “Rexography”, and “Crows Tragedy”.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: The Faces Summer Roadshow UK tour announcement

Era: 1972 – Peak British rock / Faces era

Tone: Energetic and promotional

Photography: Dramatic black-and-white live shot of Rod Stewart performing

Audience: UK rock fans and NME readers

RELATED MATERIAL

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