Humble Pie

Humble Pie

Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	1969 in Moreton, Essex, England
Founder	Steve Marriott, Peter Frampton, Greg Ridley, Jerry Shirley
Headquarters	Moreton, Essex , England, United Kingdom
Area served	United Kingdom, United States
Products	Music albums, singles, live performances

Humble Pie is a British rock ensemble established in 1969 in Moreton, Essex, by ex-Small Faces singer and guitarist Steve Marriott alongside former Herd vocalist and guitarist Peter Frampton. The founding members also included bassist Greg Ridley from Spooky Tooth and drummer Jerry Shirley of Apostolic Intervention. Often cited as one of the pioneering supergroups of the late 1960s, they garnered prominence in the early 1970s with hits such as "Black Coffee," "30 Days in the Hole," "I Don't Need No Doctor," "Hot 'n' Nasty," and "Natural Born Bugie."

1968: Formation and Background

In late 1968, Marriott and Frampton connected over their mutual ambition to move beyond their teen idol reputations and be recognized as serious musicians. Following Frampton's exit from the Herd, Marriott initially attempted to incorporate him as an additional guitarist into Small Faces to enrich their sound. Despite favorable audience reactions during Frampton's guest appearances, band members Ronnie Lane and Ian McLagan opposed expanding the group.

During December 1968, under the guidance of producer Glyn Johns, Small Faces supported French artist Johnny Hallyday during recording sessions in Paris, where Frampton was invited to contribute. These sessions featured early versions of what would become Humble Pie songs "Bang!" and "What You Will," representing Small Faces' final studio work. Although this hinted at the potential for a larger lineup, Lane and McLagan's resistance prevented Frampton from joining permanently.

As a result, Marriott concentrated on assembling a new band with Frampton, successfully recruiting Ridley and Shirley. Marriott officially left Small Faces after a New Year’s Eve show at Alexandra Palace and subsequently joined Frampton’s nascent project.

1969–1970: Formation Completion and UK Chart Impact

Following the completion of outstanding live engagements, including a European tour in January, Small Faces officially disbanded in March 1969. Marriott and Frampton announced their new band's formation, which had been rehearsing since January.

Labeled a supergroup by British media, they selected the name Humble Pie to moderate public expectations and secured a contract with Andrew Loog Oldham’s Immediate Records. Their debut album, As Safe as Yesterday Is, arrived in August 1969 featuring the single "Natural Born Bugie"/"Wrist Job," which climbed to No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart; the album itself reached No. 16. Notably, it was among the earliest albums to be described—albeit critically—as "heavy metal" in a 1970 Rolling Stone critique.

Their sophomore release, Town and Country, was hastily issued in November 1969 amid Immediate Records’ financial struggles and coinciding with their initial U.S. tour. This record highlighted a more acoustic approach with contributions from every member. Live performances mixed acoustic segments—including an adapted version of Graham Gouldman’s "For Your Love"—with electric sets. Archival recordings reveal approximately thirty tracks laid down within their first nine months together, many remaining unreleased for years.

1970–1971: Emphasis on Breaking into the American Market

Following the demise of Immediate Records, Humble Pie signed with A&M Records in 1970 and appointed Dee Anthony as their manager, who focused heavily on expanding their presence in the American market. Under Anthony's guidance, the band abandoned their acoustic performances in favor of a more amplified sound, positioning Marriott as the lead vocalist. Their initial release on A&M, Humble Pie, showcased a fusion of progressive and hard rock styles. Although the single "Big Black Dog" did not achieve chart success, the band earned acclaim for their dynamic live performances across the United States.

Around this time, Peter Frampton acquired his legendary "Phenix" guitar—a customized 1954 Gibson Les Paul Custom—after encountering difficulties with his Gibson 335 during shows at Fillmore West in December 1970. This instrument, initially loaned by admirer Mark Mariana, soon became Frampton’s hallmark guitar for the following ten years.

On 3 July 1971, Humble Pie took part in a free concert at Hyde Park alongside Grand Funk Railroad and Head Hands & Feet. Shortly thereafter, on 9 July, they opened for Grand Funk at Shea Stadium, which set records for the fastest-selling stadium concerts. In 1971, the band released their most commercially successful album to date, Rock On, along with the live record Performance: Rockin' the Fillmore, captured at Fillmore East. The live album climbed to No. 21 on the US Billboard 200 chart and earned gold certification from the RIAA. The track "I Don't Need No Doctor" became a staple on FM radio, peaking at No. 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 and significantly boosting album sales. By this stage, Frampton had departed to embark on a solo career.

1972–1975: Clem Clempson joins, The Blackberries collaboration, and continued achievements

After Frampton’s exit, Clem Clempson joined Humble Pie, steering the group toward a heavier sound that highlighted Marriott’s blues and soul influences. Their first album featuring Clempson, Smokin' (March 1972), produced singles such as "Hot 'n' Nasty" and the widely recognized "30 Days in the Hole". This record became their highest-charting release in the United States, reaching No. 6 and supported by an extensive tour schedule. Capitalizing on this momentum, A&M issued a double album titled Lost and Found, which compiled Humble Pie’s initial two Immediate albums and peaked at No. 37 on the Billboard 200.

In pursuit of a more genuine R&B vibe, Marriott enlisted female backing vocalists known as The Blackberries—Venetta Fields, Clydie King, and Sherlie Matthews (later replaced by Billie Barnum)—who had previously worked with artists such as Ike and Tina Turner and Ray Charles. This ensemble, augmented by saxophonist Sidney George, recorded Eat It, a double album released in April 1973 that featured Marriott’s original compositions alongside R&B tracks and a live performance from Glasgow. The album reached No. 13 in the US charts. Subsequent releases included Thunderbox (February 1974) and Street Rats (February 1975).

The production of Street Rats coincided with Marriott’s solo efforts and collaborations with Greg Ridley. Following their "Goodbye Pie Tour" in 1975, musical disagreements led to Humble Pie’s dissolution. Marriott then focused on his debut solo record Marriott before relocating back to the United Kingdom.

1979–1981: Steve Marriott's Humble Pie without Frampton and Ridley

Towards the end of 1979, Marriott and Shirley brought Humble Pie back together, enlisting vocalist and guitarist Bobby Tench (formerly of The Jeff Beck Group) along with New York bassist Anthony "Sooty" Jones. The group signed with Atco Records, a division of Atlantic in the US, and Jet Records in the UK. Their album On to Victory, released in April 1980, included the track "Fool for a Pretty Face," which climbed to No. 52 on the US Billboard Hot 100; the album itself reached No. 60 on the Billboard 200 chart.

During 1980, Humble Pie toured America as part of the 'Rock 'N' Roll Marathon Bill,' sharing the stage with Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush, Angel, and Mother's Finest. In 1981, they toured alongside Ted Nugent and Aerosmith. That same year saw the release of Go for the Throat (June 1981), an album initially aimed at delivering a gritty R&B sound but ultimately polished by their record label for broader appeal.

In April 1981, Marriott sustained a hand injury that postponed scheduled performances; subsequently, a duodenal ulcer forced them to cancel their tour by July. Shortly after losing their Atlantic Records contract and financial backing from Leber-Krebs, compounded by the theft of their equipment truck, the band dissolved.

1982: Steve Marriott forms a new band billed as Humble Pie

In 1982, Marriott embarked on tours with bassist Jim Leverton, former Steppenwolf keyboardist Goldy McJohn, and drummer Fallon Williams III. Although originally intended to perform under different monikers, promoters labeled them as Humble Pie. Due to McJohn’s struggles with substance abuse, he exited the group; the remaining trio toured Australia under the name Small Faces. In January 1983, Leverton was deported from the United States.

Settling in Atlanta, Marriott continued performing in clubs using the Humble Pie name, supported by bassist Keith Christopher and guitarist Tommy Johnson. After an unsuccessful attempt to secure a deal with Capricorn Records, they recorded three tracks at Pyramid Eye Studios in Chattanooga that were never released.

Following further personnel changes—including replacing Johnson with Phil Dix and planning demos with producer Eddy Offord—the band dismissed Rick Richards and Keith Christopher due to chronic lateness. Despite completing recordings, no record label showed interest.

Their final official Humble Pie live performance occurred on 4 September 1983 at Columbia, Tennessee's Electric Cowboy Festival, where Marriott appeared on crutches. This marked the end of this incarnation before disbanding and Marriott’s return to England.

1988–2000: Jerry Shirley's Humble Pie, new Marriott and Frampton songs

In 1988, Jerry Shirley secured ownership of the Humble Pie name and reassembled the band as New Humble Pie or Humble Pie featuring Jerry Shirley—being the sole original member—based out of Cleveland, Ohio where Shirley also worked as a radio host. Vocalist/guitarist Charlie Huhn joined alongside various musicians including Wally Stocker and bassist Anthony "Sooty" Jones (who was soon replaced by Sean Beavan).

They performed at the Woodstock Festival’s 20th Anniversary Celebration in August 1989. By 1990, Scott Allen had taken over bass duties from Beavan; Alan Greene replaced Stocker on guitar later that year. Bassist Sam Nemon played from 1992 until 1996 when Brad Johnson succeeded him. After suffering severe injuries in a car accident in August 1999, Shirley returned to England.

Meanwhile, Frampton and Marriott collaborated again in 1990; two songs featuring Marriott were included on Frampton’s compilation Shine On: A Collection. Tragically, Marriott passed away in a house fire on 20 April 1991.

2000–2003: Reunion of Former Members, Back on Track Release, and Steve Marriott Memorial Event

In 2000, Charlie Huhn carried on performing as Humble Pie without Jerry Shirley, completing several live shows. The lineup included guitarist Rick Craig, bassist Kent "Bubba" Gascoyne, and drummer Jamie Darnell. Subsequent changes brought in guitarist Patrick Thomas and bassist Ian Evans, formerly of The Outlaws. After fulfilling their touring obligations, this incarnation disbanded, with Huhn moving on to join Foghat.

Meanwhile, in 2001 Shirley revived Humble Pie in the UK alongside original bassist Greg Ridley, ex-member Bobby Tench (vocals/guitar), and new rhythm guitarist Dave Colwell from Bad Company. This ensemble produced their thirteenth studio album Back on Track (2002), featuring fresh material released via Sanctuary Records. Keyboard contributions came from Zoot Money and Victor Martin during recording sessions. A short tour across the UK and Germany followed, supported by Company of Snakes musicians Dean Rees (keyboards) and Johnny Warman (guitar). Unfortunately, Ridley’s health declined late in 2002, leading to the group's dissolution.

Shirley also took part in the Steve Marriott Tribute Concert held at London's Astoria in 2001, commemorating a decade since Marriott's passing. This event saw early members Frampton, Clempson, Ridley, and Shirley reunite alongside Bobby Tench leading the house band, which featured Zak Starkey, Rabbit Bundrick, and Rick Wills. The concert was later issued as a DVD titled The Steve Marriott Astoria Memorial Concert (2005) and an album called One More for the Ol' Tosser (2006).

In May 2003, Ridley performed two shows with Greg Ridley's Humble Pie but sadly passed away later that year at age 62 due to pneumonia-related complications.

2018 Reformation and Subsequent Activities

By 2018, Jerry Shirley maintained control over the Humble Pie name and assembled a new lineup under his leadership without engaging in touring himself. Shirley highlighted his commitment to upholding Humble Pie’s reputation as a distinguished live rock act cherished by multiple generations.

This refreshed group included Dave Colwell (lead guitar/frontman), former Savoy Brown and Cactus vocalist Jimmy Kunes, guitarist James "Roto" Rotondi, bassist David C. Gross (later succeeded by Ivan "Funkboy" Bodley), and drummer Bobby Marks. They embarked on a fifteen-date U.S. tour beginning August 31, performing classic Humble Pie tracks alongside songs such as Bad Company's "Can't Get Enough" and Free's "All Right Now."

As of 2023, Shirley’s "Humble Pie Legacy" lineup remained active featuring Colwell, Jim Stapley (vocals/guitar/keyboards), Bodley on bass, and Marks handling drums.

Personnel

Founding members

• Steve Marriott – vocals, guitar, keyboards, harmonica (1969–1975, 1979–1983; deceased 1991)
• Jerry Shirley – drums, keyboards (1969–1975, 1979–1981, 1988–1999, 2001–2002, 2018–present)
• Greg Ridley – bass guitar, vocals, guitar (1969–1975, 2001–2002; deceased 2003)
• Peter Frampton – guitar, vocals, keyboards (1969–1971)

Current lineup

• Jerry Shirley – drums and percussion (1969–1975, 1979–1981, 1988–1999, 2001–2002, 2018–present)
• Dave "Bucket" Colwell – guitar and backing vocals (2001–2002, 2018–present)
• Ivan "Funkboy" Bodley – bass guitar (2018–present)
• Bobby Marks – drums and percussion (2018–present)
• Jim Stapley – vocals, guitar, keyboards (2022–present)

External links

• [Official site]
• [AllMusic profile]
• [Discogs entry: Humble Pie]
• [IMDb page: Peter Frampton]