Rod Stewart (July 24 1971) – “Two‑Faced!” Cover Feature – Melody Maker

This Melody Maker front cover from July 1971 captures Rod Stewart mid‑performance, microphone in hand, as his solo career surges alongside his work with The Faces.

The headline “Two‑Faced!” plays on his dual success — both as a band frontman and as a solo artist — while celebrating the chart rise of Every Picture Tells a Story.

Publication: Melody Maker   Date: July 24 1971 Country: United Kingdom

The cover story highlights Stewart’s third solo album Every Picture Tells a Story, which had entered the Melody Maker album chart at No. 18 without any live promotion. The accompanying article notes his ongoing U.S. tour with The Faces and plans to return to Britain in August for studio work on their next album.

It also mentions a forthcoming solo record expected later that year and details of upcoming concerts, including the Weeley Festival near Clacton and a week‑long residency at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall.

CONTEXT AND NOTES  

By mid‑1971, Stewart was balancing his identity as the charismatic frontman of The Faces with his emerging solo stardom. Every Picture Tells a Story would soon yield his signature hit Maggie May, cementing his reputation as one of Britain’s leading rock voices. The Melody Maker cover reflects this transitional moment — a performer straddling two worlds, both brimming with energy and ambition.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS  

Event: Release and chart success of Every Picture Tells a Story  

Era: 1971 – Faces / Early Solo Breakthrough Tone: Energetic, confident, and celebratory Photography: Black‑and‑white live shot of Stewart singing passionately into a microphone

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Melody Maker masthead in red and white

• Large monochrome photo of Rod Stewart performing

• Text box detailing his chart position and tour schedule

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