New Musical Express (May 13, 1972) Front Row Reviews – Faces Win The Cup

Faces
May 13, 1972
1 min read

A full‑page review section from New Musical Express dated May 13 1972, titled “Front Row Reviews.” The main feature, “Rod‑nee, Rod‑nee, Faces Win The Cup,” celebrates Rod Stewart and The Faces following their triumphant live performances. The page also includes reviews of Joni Mitchell, Donovan, Family, Dr. John, Curved Air, and Cheech & Chong, capturing a vivid cross‑section of early‑1970s music culture.

Writer: Uncredited (NME staff review)

Publication: New Musical Express (UK)

Date: May 13 1972

Length: 1 page feature

The article praises The Faces for their exuberant stage presence and Rod Stewart’s charisma, likening their performance to a football cup final victory. The accompanying photographs show Joni Mitchell, Donovan, and Rod Stewart, representing the diverse lineup of artists reviewed in the same issue. The layout’s dense columns and bold typography typify NME’s early‑’70s design style.

“Rod‑nee, Rod‑nee, Faces Win The Cup.”

PUBLICATION

Publication: New Musical Express (UK)

Date: May 13 1972

Country: United Kingdom

Section / Pages: Front Row Reviews – Page 20

Title: Faces Win The Cup

THE STORY BEHIND IT

By 1972, Rod Stewart and The Faces had become synonymous with raucous live shows and unrivalled charisma. This NME feature captures their moment of peak popularity, with Stewart’s solo success running parallel to the band’s touring triumphs. The article’s football metaphor reflects the band’s working‑class appeal and the communal spirit of their performances. The surrounding reviews of Mitchell, Donovan, and others illustrate the breadth of the era’s music press coverage — from folk introspection to rock exuberance.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: NME concert review feature

Era: 1972 – Early ’70s rock and folk scene

Tone: Energetic and celebratory

Photography: Black‑and‑white portraits of Rod Stewart, Joni Mitchell, and Donovan

Audience: British music press readers and rock fans

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Event: NME Front Row Reviews page featuring The Faces

Era: 1972

Tone: Lively and journalistic

Photography: Black‑and‑white concert and portrait images

Audience: UK music press readers and rock enthusiasts

CONTEXT AND NOTES

The Faces were at the height of their popularity in 1972, with Rod Stewart’s solo career boosting the band’s visibility. NME’s coverage frames their success as a national celebration, mirroring the football season’s excitement. The page’s mix of reviews demonstrates the magazine’s broad editorial scope — balancing rock, folk, and emerging counter‑culture acts within a single spread. This clipping serves as a snapshot of British music journalism at its most vibrant.

“Like the Cup Final — Rod Stewart and The Faces take the trophy for showmanship.”

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