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Was John Peel in Rod Stewart's Band?

Published in Music History Personalities 2 mins read

No, John Peel was not a permanent member of Rod Stewart's band, The Faces. However, he did make a memorable guest appearance with them.

John Peel's Noteworthy Appearance with The Faces

While not a formal band member, the acclaimed DJ John Peel joined Rod Stewart and his band, The Faces, for a unique performance. Their friendly relationship led to a special request for Peel to participate in a live rendition of one of their biggest hits.

Key details of this collaboration include:

  • The Band: Rod Stewart's band at the time was The Faces, featuring Ronnie Wood on guitar.
  • The Song: They performed their iconic hit, 'Maggie May'.
  • Peel's Role: John Peel was asked by his good friends in The Faces to mime playing the mandolin. He strummed along in the background as the band played the song.
  • Performance Fun: The performance concluded with the band members, including Peel, kicking a football around the stage, showcasing their camaraderie and adding a lively touch to the act.

This particular appearance was a one-off collaboration stemming from their friendship, rather than an indication of John Peel being an active or contributing musician within The Faces.

Distinguishing Guest Appearances from Band Membership

It's important to differentiate between a guest appearance and being a band member. A guest appearance typically involves a performer joining a band for a single song or a specific segment, often for promotional purposes or due to a personal connection, without being involved in the band's regular songwriting, recording, or touring as a core musician. In contrast, a band member is an integral part of the group, contributing to its musical output, live performances, and overall identity on an ongoing basis. John Peel's role was clearly that of a guest, highlighting his unique connection with the band rather than a musical commitment.