The Faces Reunion: Everything We Know About Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, And Kenney Jones’ First Album In 50 Years

The legendary English rock band The Faces are making a historic return, with the surviving core members—Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, and Kenney Jones—having secretly recorded enough material for a brand new studio album. This news, which has been confirmed in various interviews throughout late 2024 and into 2025, marks the most significant activity from the band since their initial split in 1975, and would deliver their first album of new material in over five decades. The excitement surrounding this potential 2026 release is palpable, promising a fresh chapter for one of rock and roll’s most influential, rambunctious, and beloved groups. As of December 2025, drummer Kenney Jones has confirmed that the trio has completed a remarkable 11 new tracks, signaling a major step forward for a reunion that has been teased for years. This article dives deep into the band's rich history, the profiles of its iconic members, and the current status of their long-awaited comeback album and recent archival releases.

Faces Band: Complete Biography and Iconic Lineup Profile

The Faces were formed in 1969 from the ashes of the influential psychedelic/mod group, the Small Faces, after singer/guitarist Steve Marriott departed to form Humble Pie. The remaining members—Ian McLagan, Ronnie Lane, and Kenney Jones—recruited two new musicians from the Jeff Beck Group: vocalist Rod Stewart and guitarist Ronnie Wood. This new lineup created a more blues-infused, swaggering rock sound, distinct from their predecessors, and quickly became known for their loose, party-like live performances. The band’s classic and most influential lineup consisted of five members:

• Rod Stewart (Vocals): Born January 10, 1945, in London, England. Known for his distinctive raspy voice and charismatic stage presence. He also maintained a highly successful solo career concurrently with his time in The Faces.
• Ronnie Wood (Guitar): Born June 1, 1947, in London, England. His masterful guitar work provided the band's bluesy edge. After The Faces split, he famously joined The Rolling Stones in 1975, a role he holds to this day.
• Ronnie Lane (Bass, Vocals): Born April 1, 1946, in London, England; Died June 4, 1997. A founding member of the Small Faces, Lane was the band’s primary songwriter and a vital creative force. He left the band in 1973 and later tragically succumbed to multiple sclerosis.
• Ian McLagan (Keyboards): Born May 12, 1945, in Hounslow, England; Died December 3, 2014. The keyboardist for both the Small Faces and The Faces, his piano and organ work was integral to their sound.
• Kenney Jones (Drums): Born September 16, 1948, in Stepney, London, England. Another Small Faces founding member, his drumming provided the group's solid, driving rhythm. He later replaced Keith Moon in The Who.

The band disbanded in 1975 as Rod Stewart's solo career eclipsed the group's success and Ronnie Wood officially joined The Rolling Stones.

The Long-Awaited Reunion: New Music and a Potential 2026 Album

The most exciting news for fans of The Faces is the confirmed recording sessions for a new studio album. Drummer Kenney Jones has been the most vocal about the project, confirming in recent interviews that he, Rod Stewart, and Ronnie Wood have been working on new material.

11 New Tracks Recorded for a 50-Year Follow-Up

In a major update, Jones revealed that the trio has completed approximately 11 new songs. This collection of tracks would be the first new Faces album since the release of *Ooh La La* in 1973, marking a gap of over half a century. The recordings have been taking place intermittently, fitting around Rod Stewart’s busy touring schedule, including his 'One Last Time' North American tour, and Ronnie Wood’s commitments with The Rolling Stones. The potential album release is currently being eyed for 2026, though a definitive date has not been set. The prospect of hearing the classic rock swagger of Stewart's vocals, Wood's blues-infused guitar, and Jones's driving beat on entirely new tracks is generating massive anticipation across the classic rock community. The surviving members have expressed a strong desire to honor the legacy of their late bandmates, Ronnie Lane and Ian McLagan, through this new music.

Faces Archival Releases and Legacy in 2024 and 2025

While fans await the new studio album, The Faces have continued to solidify their legacy through a series of high-profile archival releases, keeping the band's name and music fresh in the minds of both long-time devotees and new listeners throughout 2024 and 2025.

'The BBC Session Recordings' and 'Early Steps'

In April 2024, the band released *The BBC Session Recordings* as a special 2-LP set for Record Store Day. This release offered a collection of rare and raw live performances, capturing the energy and spontaneity for which The Faces were famous. The tracks provide a snapshot of the band's live sound, which many critics and fans argue was their true strength. Looking ahead to 2025, Rhino/Warner Music is scheduled to release a new archival album titled *Early Steps* on October 31, 2025. This album is particularly significant as it features rare tracks from the band's very first recording session. The release will be available on limited-edition vinyl LP, CD, and streaming formats, offering deep-cut material that showcases the band's evolution from the remnants of the Small Faces.

A Legacy of Influence and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Faces' influence on subsequent generations of rock bands is undeniable. Their blend of hard rock, blues, and pub-rock sensibilities laid the groundwork for many punk and new wave acts. Key albums like *A Nod Is As Good as a Wink... to a Blind Horse* (1971), featuring the hit single "Stay With Me," and *Ooh La La* (1973) are considered essential listening in the rock canon. The band's enduring legacy was formally recognized in 2012 when The Faces were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rod Stewart, who was unable to attend due to illness, was inducted, along with the late Ronnie Lane and Ian McLagan, and surviving members Ronnie Wood and Kenney Jones. For the induction ceremony, the surviving members, including Wood, Jones, and McLagan, performed with Mick Hucknall of Simply Red filling in for Stewart on vocals, a testament to the band's commitment to their music. The current recording sessions for the new album are not just a reunion; they are a powerful affirmation of the band's brotherhood and their enduring creative spark. With the promise of 11 new tracks and a potential 2026 release, The Faces are proving that their story is far from over, offering a thrilling prospect for rock music enthusiasts worldwide.