Questions
Who formed Humble Pie and when?
Humble Pie was formed in 1969 in Moreton, Essex, England by singer and guitarist Steve Marriott, formerly of the Small Faces, and Peter Frampton, previously of The Herd. The original lineup was rounded out by bassist Greg Ridley and drummer Jerry Shirley.
Why were they called a supergroup?
The UK music press instantly labeled them a supergroup because the members came from established acts: Marriott from the Small Faces, Frampton from The Herd, Ridley from Spooky Tooth, and Shirley from The Apostolic Intervention. They reportedly chose the modest name Humble Pie to downplay those expectations.
What was their first album?
Their debut was As Safe as Yesterday Is, released in August 1969. Its single Natural Born Bugie reached No. 4 on the UK charts.
What is their most famous album?
Their most commercially successful studio album was Smokin’, released in 1972, which reached No. 6 on the US charts.
What are their signature songs?
Fan favorites include 30 Days in the Hole, Hot ’n’ Nasty, and I Don’t Need No Doctor, along with their debut single Natural Born Bugie.
What record label did they start on?
They first signed with Andrew Loog Oldham’s Immediate Records, which released their first two albums before the label collapsed financially in 1970.
How did they change their sound after Immediate collapsed?
After Immediate folded, the band signed with A&M Records in 1970 under manager Dee Anthony, who reportedly suggested they discard the acoustic set in favor of a more raucous, hard-rocking sound.
Why did Peter Frampton leave the band?
Frampton left in 1971 to pursue a solo career, where he went on to major success. He and Marriott later reconnected, collaborating in 1990 on songs including The Bigger They Come.
Who replaced Frampton?
Guitarist Clem Clempson replaced Frampton in 1971 and helped push the band toward a harder rock sound.
Who were The Blackberries?
They were three female backing vocalists Marriott hired for a more authentic R&B sound: Venetta Fields, Clydie King, and Sherlie Matthews, later joined by Billie Barnum. They had previously worked with Ike and Tina Turner and Ray Charles.
Is it true they played Shea Stadium?
Yes. Humble Pie opened for Grand Funk Railroad at Shea Stadium on July 9, 1971, an event that reportedly broke the Beatles record for the fastest selling stadium concert up to that date.
How did their live album do?
The 1971 live album Performance: Rockin’ the Fillmore reached No. 21 in the US and was certified Gold.
When did the band break up?
The original band disbanded in 1975 citing musical differences. It later reformed at various points, including a 1979 to 1981 revival, and Jerry Shirley led touring reunions from 2018 onward with new lineups.
What happened to Steve Marriott?
Steve Marriott died on April 20, 1991 in a house fire. A tribute concert honoring him was held in 2001.
