Lane & Marriott - Majik Mijits Album (1981) released 2000
This page is a work in progress
This page is a work in progress
"Six of one. A half dozen of the other."
*Currently seeking any and all liner notes to all versions of Ronnie Lane and Steve Marriott's The Legendary Majik Mijits album. Email if you got 'em! [email protected]
Lane and Marriott - Majik Mijits Album (1981) released 2000
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Lane-Marriott - The Legendary Majik Mijits Album (1981) released 2000
CD, 2xCD, Album Recorded: 1981 Released: 2000 Recorded at: Ronnie Lane's Mobile Studio!!! Label: NMC Music, Pilot Length: 36:03 (Allmusic) 33:34 (Wiki) (5 versions) |
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Listen to:
Ronnie Lane and Steve Marriott The Legendary Majik Mijits Album (1981) released 2000 on Spotify Deluxe Edition https://open.spotify.com/album/15CMIf2dsL78O79CrIYK1n |
Fab Ronnie Lane Pic - Majic Mijits
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Room For Ravers - About Majic Mijits
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Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane got back together in 1981. Steve flew back from Atlanta, Georgia, to play a one-off gig with Ronnie at the Bridge House pub in East London.
The gig on 1st September included the band Blind Drunk with old mates Jim Leverton on bass, Mick Green of the Pirates on guitar, Mick "Wynder K Frog" Weaver on keyboards, and Dave Hynes on drums. Sam Brown, daughter of Joe joined on backing vocals. |
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This line-up recorded an album of material at Ronnie's mobile studio under the working title of The Majic Mijits, aka The Mijits Strike Back. There are a number of surviving cassettes and these show the tracks have a pub rock feel with Steve and Ronnie taking their share of the lead vocals.
Darlings of Wapping Wharf suggests that A & M Records was keen to sign the Majic Mijits. However, Ronnie's health meant that the band was unable to tour in support of the album and the deal fell through.
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Ronnie Lane at The Bridge House Tavern- Oct. 1981 flyer
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Ronnie Lane and Steve Marriott The Legendary Majik Mijits Album (1981) released 2000 MASTER
https://www.discogs.com/Lane-Marriott-The-Legendary-Majik-Mijits/master/769123
https://www.discogs.com/Lane-Marriott-The-Legendary-Majik-Mijits/master/769123
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Track List - Ronnie Lane and Steve Marriott The Legendary Majik Mijits Album (1981) released 2000
1. Lonely No More
2. Chicken (If The Cap Fits)
3. Toe Rag
4. Bombers Moon
5. Birthday Girl
6. Last Tango In Nato
7. How Does It Feel
8. That's The Way It Goes
9. You Spent It
10. Son Of Stanley Lane
11. Be The One
12. Ruby
13. All Or Nothing (Reprise - Live From The Canning Town Gig)
1. Lonely No More
2. Chicken (If The Cap Fits)
3. Toe Rag
4. Bombers Moon
5. Birthday Girl
6. Last Tango In Nato
7. How Does It Feel
8. That's The Way It Goes
9. You Spent It
10. Son Of Stanley Lane
11. Be The One
12. Ruby
13. All Or Nothing (Reprise - Live From The Canning Town Gig)
Lane-Marriott The Legendary Majik Mijits Album Credits
- Coordinator [Project Co-ordination] – Carlton P Sandercock*
- Design – Christian Thompson
- Drums, Cover [Original Cover Artwork] – Dave Hynes
- Guitar – Mick Green
- Keyboards – Mick Weaver
- Liner Notes, Interviewee, Bass, Backing Vocals, Mixed By – Jim Leverton
- Liner Notes, Interviewer – John Hellier
- Liner Notes, Management [Steve Marriott] – Laurie O‘Leary
- Mastered By, Mixed By – Paul Kennedy (6)
- Producer – Lane*, Marriott*
- Saxophone – Frnk Meade*
- Vocals – Ronnie Lane
- Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Harmonica – Steve Marriott
- Written-By – Leverton* (tracks: 9, 11), Lane* (tracks: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13), Marriott* (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13)
This album is dedicated to Dave Hynes (1937 - 2000)
Ronnie Lane and Steve Marriott "My Mind's Eye" Small Faces photo ~1966
photo found here
Seeking more photos of Ronnie Lane with Steve Marriott AFTER the Small Faces, especially early 80s.
If you have any or a link, please email [email protected] |
Ronnie Lane and Steve Marriott early 1980s
photo found here
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Ronnie Lane and Steve Marriott Majik Mijits Album Reviews
AllMusic Review by William Ruhlmann Finally surfacing nearly 20 years after the fact, the great lost "Majik Mijits" album project is a duo recording made in the early '80s by the creative forces from Small Faces, Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane. (The Majik Mijits moniker is yet another reference to their diminutive size.) Marriott at the time was fresh out of reunions with Small Faces (a gathering that had initially included Lane) and Humble Pie; Lane, most recently a solo artist, was just starting to suffer the physical limitations associated with multiple sclerosis. |
Ronnie Lane and Steve Marriott 1981
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They organized a band featuring bassist Jim Leverton, guitarist Mick Green, drummer Dave Hynes, and keyboardist Mick Weaver, and used Lane's mobile recording studio to cut an LP democratically sequenced with six songs each by Lane and Marriott (no collaborations), alternating one after the other. The result, not surprisingly, has moments when it sounds like Small Faces. In particular, Marriott's "How Does It Feel" could have been a Small Faces single of the 1980s. Typically, Lane's songs are sturdy, well-constructed efforts, while Marriott's are more varied, sometimes ("Toe Rag") even being comic throwaways. And why was the album not released in, say, 1982? Apparently, record companies either passed on it or required that the band tour to support it, which Lane was incapable of doing. So, instead, the tapes ended up in the possession of Small Faces drummer Kenney Jones before emerging in the new millennium. Now, they constitute a worthy footnote in the Small Faces story.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-legendary-majic-mijits-mw0000623514
https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-legendary-majic-mijits-mw0000623514
Amazon Reviews (5) -Lane-Mariott's The Legendary Majik Mijits Album (1981) released 2000
What a Find! -value hunter
I've been a Small Faces fan since "Itchycoo Park" and thought I'd mined all of the available material. It turns out that Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane, the songwriting team that propelled the Small Faces, decided to give it another go for old times sake. It's amazing how the compositions here seem to fit seamlessly into their catalog. It's sad that Ronnie Lane's health wouldn't allow the pair to support it on tour.
I've been a Small Faces fan since "Itchycoo Park" and thought I'd mined all of the available material. It turns out that Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane, the songwriting team that propelled the Small Faces, decided to give it another go for old times sake. It's amazing how the compositions here seem to fit seamlessly into their catalog. It's sad that Ronnie Lane's health wouldn't allow the pair to support it on tour.
Better than it had any right to be -Steve M
Lane and Marriot were so great together. Even at this late date they managed to put out solid work. THere are some clunkers, to be sure, but the tunes are largely well done and these dudes blend effortlessly. By all means, get the original Small Faces stuff first, but when you're ready for more- don't shy away.
Lane and Marriot were so great together. Even at this late date they managed to put out solid work. THere are some clunkers, to be sure, but the tunes are largely well done and these dudes blend effortlessly. By all means, get the original Small Faces stuff first, but when you're ready for more- don't shy away.
Two great artists who never got the fame they deserved -Christopher S
Great album, Ronnie Lane is one of my favorites and Steve Marriott could really sing, check out his work in Humble Pie.
Great album, Ronnie Lane is one of my favorites and Steve Marriott could really sing, check out his work in Humble Pie.
Surprisingly Good -Statman
Steve Marriott attempted a late seventies reunion of the Small Faces, with generally awful results, followed by an early eighties Humble Pie reunion, with even worse results. The first surprise is that Marriott even attempted another Small Faces reunion, the second is that this fully completed album wasn't released for almost two decades, and the third (perhaps not so surprising to Lane fans) is that this is far superior to Marriott's last four Small Faces/Humble Pie reunion albums. Lane is funny, insightful, and melodic; Marriott is funny, soulful, and rocks. In addition, Mick Green is a terrific guitarist and the whole band is very good. It's a shame Ronnie couldn't play bass, or guitar, and a shame Ian McLagan (touring with the Rolling Stones) and Kenny Jones (touring with the Who) couldn't contribute, but the album offers plenty of fun just the way it is.
Steve Marriott attempted a late seventies reunion of the Small Faces, with generally awful results, followed by an early eighties Humble Pie reunion, with even worse results. The first surprise is that Marriott even attempted another Small Faces reunion, the second is that this fully completed album wasn't released for almost two decades, and the third (perhaps not so surprising to Lane fans) is that this is far superior to Marriott's last four Small Faces/Humble Pie reunion albums. Lane is funny, insightful, and melodic; Marriott is funny, soulful, and rocks. In addition, Mick Green is a terrific guitarist and the whole band is very good. It's a shame Ronnie couldn't play bass, or guitar, and a shame Ian McLagan (touring with the Rolling Stones) and Kenny Jones (touring with the Who) couldn't contribute, but the album offers plenty of fun just the way it is.
Joyous, Fun, No holds barred. -Angrydan
Marriott and Lane put aside all their personal baggage and just let er rip on this reunion. Lane is in strong voice on this effort. Marriott kept the Brandy flowin. "That's the Way it Goes" is a legendary giggle, shades of "Lazy Sunday".
This is a must for Small Faces fans. The duo shopped this to many major labels who were willing to back it, including Clive Davis from Arista at the time, but the labels all insisted on a major tour to support. Ronnie was wheelchair bound due to MS, couldn't tour, and this recording remained in the vaults for years, only to gain legendary status.
I like it.
Marriott and Lane put aside all their personal baggage and just let er rip on this reunion. Lane is in strong voice on this effort. Marriott kept the Brandy flowin. "That's the Way it Goes" is a legendary giggle, shades of "Lazy Sunday".
This is a must for Small Faces fans. The duo shopped this to many major labels who were willing to back it, including Clive Davis from Arista at the time, but the labels all insisted on a major tour to support. Ronnie was wheelchair bound due to MS, couldn't tour, and this recording remained in the vaults for years, only to gain legendary status.
I like it.
Ronnie Lane Fans Will Want This In Their Collection -Steve V
Ronnie Lane was always my favorite member of The (Small) Faces. His most endearing work, however, was on the handful of solo albums he recorded after leaving the band and forming his own group Slim Chance. While the material on MAJIK MIJITS is not of that same high calliber, there is much to enjoy here. While Lane's MS had made it impossible for him to play bass on these sessions, Lane is in fine voice on standout tracks like "Bombers Moon," "That's the Way it Goes," "Ruby Jack" and my favorite track, "Son of Stanley Lane." Those four tracks alone are worth the price of admission. Marriott shines on the opener "Lonely No More" and does a wonderful Cockney vocal on "Toe Rag" along with some terrific guitar playing. The album closes with a rousing live version of the Small Faces' classic, "All or Nothing." RECOMMENDED
Ronnie Lane was always my favorite member of The (Small) Faces. His most endearing work, however, was on the handful of solo albums he recorded after leaving the band and forming his own group Slim Chance. While the material on MAJIK MIJITS is not of that same high calliber, there is much to enjoy here. While Lane's MS had made it impossible for him to play bass on these sessions, Lane is in fine voice on standout tracks like "Bombers Moon," "That's the Way it Goes," "Ruby Jack" and my favorite track, "Son of Stanley Lane." Those four tracks alone are worth the price of admission. Marriott shines on the opener "Lonely No More" and does a wonderful Cockney vocal on "Toe Rag" along with some terrific guitar playing. The album closes with a rousing live version of the Small Faces' classic, "All or Nothing." RECOMMENDED
Import Only
2 CD Edition - Lane-Marriott The Legendary Majik Mijits Album (1981) released 2000
https://www.discogs.com/Lane-Marriott-The-Legendary-Majik-Mijits/release/9718646
https://www.discogs.com/Lane-Marriott-The-Legendary-Majik-Mijits/release/9718646
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CD 1
1. Lonely No More 2. Chicken (If The Cap Fits) 3. Toe Rag 4. Bombers Moon 5. Birthday Girl 6. Last Tango In Nato 7. How Does It Feel 8. That's The Way It Goes 9. You Spent It 10. Son Of Stanley Lane 11. Be The One 12. Ruby 13. All Or Nothing (Reprise - Live From The Canning Town Gig) |
CD 2 - Outtakes & Backing Tracks
1. Green Chicken 2. Play It To NATO 3. Toe Rag (Instr.) 4. Two Black Eyes 5. Shut Your Mouth 6. You Spent It (Instr.) 7. Bombers Moon 8. Birthday Girl 9. Ruby Jack 10. Lonely No More (Instr.) 11. Son Of Stan (Instr.) 12. Beguine "listen to" CD 2 link has yet to be located :/
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The Majik Mijits Have Arrived! -Paul R
Finally, after 20 years, The Legendary Majik Mijits has arrived. This famous reunion of the two ex-Small Faces recorded in 1980 offers a glimpse of rock and roll history and a good dose of wonderfully whimsical tunes. Hard-charging Steve Marriott and the much mellower Ronnie Lane combine to produce an album more in line with Lane's folksy English rock. Lane recorded excellent examples of this brand of music with "Anymore for Anymore" and "One for the Road" in the mid-seventies and then got together with Marriot for one more go round before dropping from the music scene due to illness. The Majik Mijits is a two-disc set, the second disc being a compilation of outtakes and backing tracks. The two bandmates are joined on the recording by a tight unit that includes Mick Green on guitar. Highlights of the album include the Marriott-sung "Lonely No More" and Lane's "Son of Stanley Lane." The album concludes with their Small Faces' hit "All or Nothing" recorded live at a pub gig. Sadly these two artists are no longer with us, but their legend remains strong with "The Legendary Majik Mijits." A must have for fans of Lane/Marriott/Small Faces.
Finally, after 20 years, The Legendary Majik Mijits has arrived. This famous reunion of the two ex-Small Faces recorded in 1980 offers a glimpse of rock and roll history and a good dose of wonderfully whimsical tunes. Hard-charging Steve Marriott and the much mellower Ronnie Lane combine to produce an album more in line with Lane's folksy English rock. Lane recorded excellent examples of this brand of music with "Anymore for Anymore" and "One for the Road" in the mid-seventies and then got together with Marriot for one more go round before dropping from the music scene due to illness. The Majik Mijits is a two-disc set, the second disc being a compilation of outtakes and backing tracks. The two bandmates are joined on the recording by a tight unit that includes Mick Green on guitar. Highlights of the album include the Marriott-sung "Lonely No More" and Lane's "Son of Stanley Lane." The album concludes with their Small Faces' hit "All or Nothing" recorded live at a pub gig. Sadly these two artists are no longer with us, but their legend remains strong with "The Legendary Majik Mijits." A must have for fans of Lane/Marriott/Small Faces.
Majik Mijits is "Magical" Fun!! -D.T.P
One of my favorite CDs. I own various SMALL FACES, HUMBLE PIE, SLIM CHANCE, (as well as 'solo'), RONNIE LANE & STEVE MARRIOT CDs, and this one is the MOST fun of them all. These two were the heart-and-soul of the SMALL FACES and this CD (set) is an unexpected extension of a fun time gone by.
Included one CD of studio work, 13, straight-forward, and interesting tunes by both Ronnie and Steve, including a (live) reprise of the classic, "All Or Nothing"! Check out Ronnie's: "Chicken (if the cap fits)", it's a 'hoot'!
CD number two is also a studio session but, with hilarious studio chatter and fun tunes.
This CD set is well worth the Import price.
If you are fans of the late (and MISSED) Ronnie Lane and Steve Marriot, PLEASE, don't miss this!
One of my favorite CDs. I own various SMALL FACES, HUMBLE PIE, SLIM CHANCE, (as well as 'solo'), RONNIE LANE & STEVE MARRIOT CDs, and this one is the MOST fun of them all. These two were the heart-and-soul of the SMALL FACES and this CD (set) is an unexpected extension of a fun time gone by.
Included one CD of studio work, 13, straight-forward, and interesting tunes by both Ronnie and Steve, including a (live) reprise of the classic, "All Or Nothing"! Check out Ronnie's: "Chicken (if the cap fits)", it's a 'hoot'!
CD number two is also a studio session but, with hilarious studio chatter and fun tunes.
This CD set is well worth the Import price.
If you are fans of the late (and MISSED) Ronnie Lane and Steve Marriot, PLEASE, don't miss this!
best album ever -Joseph C
the ultimate marriott/lane album. i have all the small faces, humble pie, faces, and solo albums and this is without a doubt my favorite one. what more can i say? if i was stranded on an island for the rest of my life and had to choose one album this would be it. by the way- it was not released until a few years ago because the record company pricks didn't think it would sell back in 79-80.
the ultimate marriott/lane album. i have all the small faces, humble pie, faces, and solo albums and this is without a doubt my favorite one. what more can i say? if i was stranded on an island for the rest of my life and had to choose one album this would be it. by the way- it was not released until a few years ago because the record company pricks didn't think it would sell back in 79-80.
More updates with info on other editions coming soon!
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Marriott & The All Stars* – Steve Marriott & Ronnie Lane
Together Again The Lost Magic Midgets Recordings (1996) Outlaw Records – OTR 1100013 https://www.discogs.com/Marriott-The-All-Stars-Steve-Marriott-Ronnie-Lane-Together-Again-The-Lost-Magic-Midgets-Recordings/release/5416580Outlaw Records (London) |
Majic Mijits: An interview with Jim Leverton ~1996
John Hellier interviews Steve’s long time bass player and buddy, Jim Leverton
about the making of this now legendary album
John Hellier interviews Steve’s long time bass player and buddy, Jim Leverton
about the making of this now legendary album
J.H. How did the whole thing come about?
J.L. Steve had just returned from the USA and he had hooked up with Ronnie again. A one off gig at the Bridge house in Canning Town was planned with the infamous ‘Blind Drunk’ line-up which included myself, Dave Hynes, Zoot Money, Mel Collins and a very young Sam Brown, who made her debut that night. It was great fun, I remember we changed all the song titles that night. ‘Five Long Years’ became ‘Five Long Beers’, ;Don’t Fight It’ became ‘Don’t Spill It’ and so on. We were rightly called ‘Blind Drunk’ that evening as we all had our own bottle, not glass, of brandy on stage with us. The complete gig was recorded on Ronnies mobile studio. Oh yeah! I remember Steve had his own hand written flyers designed for the evening, It read "HURRY HURRY HURRY TO THE B.D. CLINIC, PERFORMING WITHOUT A NET", very good eh! Then the idea of the album, Laney had some tunes and Marriott had some tunes, none of them were co-written. The way the album was intended was that you’d get a Ronnie song followed by a Steve song followed by a Ronnie song and so on throughout. An old business friend of Steves, Laurie O’Leary financed the album. He paid the musicians, the hire of Ronnies mobile ‘The LMS’ and the recording of the thing. He used to come down and check to see if we were all working. I think Steve was staying with his mother at the time.
J.L. Steve had just returned from the USA and he had hooked up with Ronnie again. A one off gig at the Bridge house in Canning Town was planned with the infamous ‘Blind Drunk’ line-up which included myself, Dave Hynes, Zoot Money, Mel Collins and a very young Sam Brown, who made her debut that night. It was great fun, I remember we changed all the song titles that night. ‘Five Long Years’ became ‘Five Long Beers’, ;Don’t Fight It’ became ‘Don’t Spill It’ and so on. We were rightly called ‘Blind Drunk’ that evening as we all had our own bottle, not glass, of brandy on stage with us. The complete gig was recorded on Ronnies mobile studio. Oh yeah! I remember Steve had his own hand written flyers designed for the evening, It read "HURRY HURRY HURRY TO THE B.D. CLINIC, PERFORMING WITHOUT A NET", very good eh! Then the idea of the album, Laney had some tunes and Marriott had some tunes, none of them were co-written. The way the album was intended was that you’d get a Ronnie song followed by a Steve song followed by a Ronnie song and so on throughout. An old business friend of Steves, Laurie O’Leary financed the album. He paid the musicians, the hire of Ronnies mobile ‘The LMS’ and the recording of the thing. He used to come down and check to see if we were all working. I think Steve was staying with his mother at the time.
J.H. What was the intended title of the album?
J.L. It was always gonna be called ‘Majic Mijits’, oh there was a time when they considered ‘Mijits Strike Back’ but I think ‘Majic Mijits’ was always preferred. I mean none of us were tall but those two were extremely small. Our drummer Dave Hynes painted a lovely picture of the pair of them sitting in long grass which was gonna be used for the album sleeve. Dave is a superb artist and the whole effect was quite stunning.
J.L. It was always gonna be called ‘Majic Mijits’, oh there was a time when they considered ‘Mijits Strike Back’ but I think ‘Majic Mijits’ was always preferred. I mean none of us were tall but those two were extremely small. Our drummer Dave Hynes painted a lovely picture of the pair of them sitting in long grass which was gonna be used for the album sleeve. Dave is a superb artist and the whole effect was quite stunning.
J.H. Tell me about the recording sessions?
J.L. It was done at the Corbett Drama Theatre in Loughton, Essex. Ronnie parked the LMS outside and we spent a couple of weeks doing the album. It was great fun. The track ‘Toe Rag’ was recorded in the students bar and it was packed with students at the time. They were all drinking and we did this virtually live recording of the song in front of them.. We done that purposely to get the atmosphere. We were all screened off with bits of cardboard, it was hardly Hi-tech. I remember Mick Weaver, our keyboard player, went missing for a couple of days to record with Frankie Miller. It was right in the middle of the sessions and Steve took over on keyboards. Steve was fantastic but when Mick found out he was quite offended by it. The whole of the fortnight was really pretty much a drinking situation and I also remember daily pilgrimages to the local pie and mash shop in Loughton. Ronnie loved the stewed eels and Steve just had to have his daily intake of pie and mash. Then, of course, there would be mercy dashes into Notting Hill to get certain substances!
With regards to the recordings what really sticks in my mind is the way Ronnie and I used to work out the bass lines between us. Poignant really because he was a fantastic bass player, so although he came out with great ideas it was me that actually played bass on all the tracks. He’d hum a line and I’d play it. I was adding ideas as well so it was a collaboration. I suppose it was a bit sad because of Ronnies condition (M.S.) at the time that we had to do it like that, but it was also nice in a way.
It was great to work with Mick Green, he’s a bit of a leg end! (Legend). He was very rock and roll and his guitar playing always had a bite to it, he’d just plug in and go for it. He was everyone’s hero really, being a little bit older than everyone else. Mick was someone we all looked up to when we were 14 or whatever, it was a big buzz in that respect working with one of your childhood heroes. (Mick had played previously with Johnny Kidd and the Pirates). I remember Laney had nicknames for everybody. He used to call Mick Green ‘Greener’ and he’d call Mick Weaver ‘Fletcher’, don’t know why really. I was ‘Tossalini’. I was living in Wembley and I remember getting an electric bill and they has mispelt the surname ‘Levertos’ and I showed this bill to Steve and Ronnie and ‘Toss’ became my name. I’d got a Greek electric bill so I became ‘Toss’ or ‘Tossalini’. All because of an electricity bill that I couldn’t pay!
J.L. It was done at the Corbett Drama Theatre in Loughton, Essex. Ronnie parked the LMS outside and we spent a couple of weeks doing the album. It was great fun. The track ‘Toe Rag’ was recorded in the students bar and it was packed with students at the time. They were all drinking and we did this virtually live recording of the song in front of them.. We done that purposely to get the atmosphere. We were all screened off with bits of cardboard, it was hardly Hi-tech. I remember Mick Weaver, our keyboard player, went missing for a couple of days to record with Frankie Miller. It was right in the middle of the sessions and Steve took over on keyboards. Steve was fantastic but when Mick found out he was quite offended by it. The whole of the fortnight was really pretty much a drinking situation and I also remember daily pilgrimages to the local pie and mash shop in Loughton. Ronnie loved the stewed eels and Steve just had to have his daily intake of pie and mash. Then, of course, there would be mercy dashes into Notting Hill to get certain substances!
With regards to the recordings what really sticks in my mind is the way Ronnie and I used to work out the bass lines between us. Poignant really because he was a fantastic bass player, so although he came out with great ideas it was me that actually played bass on all the tracks. He’d hum a line and I’d play it. I was adding ideas as well so it was a collaboration. I suppose it was a bit sad because of Ronnies condition (M.S.) at the time that we had to do it like that, but it was also nice in a way.
It was great to work with Mick Green, he’s a bit of a leg end! (Legend). He was very rock and roll and his guitar playing always had a bite to it, he’d just plug in and go for it. He was everyone’s hero really, being a little bit older than everyone else. Mick was someone we all looked up to when we were 14 or whatever, it was a big buzz in that respect working with one of your childhood heroes. (Mick had played previously with Johnny Kidd and the Pirates). I remember Laney had nicknames for everybody. He used to call Mick Green ‘Greener’ and he’d call Mick Weaver ‘Fletcher’, don’t know why really. I was ‘Tossalini’. I was living in Wembley and I remember getting an electric bill and they has mispelt the surname ‘Levertos’ and I showed this bill to Steve and Ronnie and ‘Toss’ became my name. I’d got a Greek electric bill so I became ‘Toss’ or ‘Tossalini’. All because of an electricity bill that I couldn’t pay!
J.H. What are your favourite tracks?
J.L. I’ve always liked ‘Lonely No More’ and ‘Bombers Moon’ but the one everyone seemed to pick up on was ‘Two Black Eyes And A Broken Nose’. A typical Marriott/Lane cockney carry on with the accent accentuated. Also ‘Toe Rag’ that’s a nice track. I don’t think the tracks were ever mixed. I think that’s what they’re trying to do at Chris Frances place at the moment.
Yeah, looking back on it now it was tremendous fun. We’d arrive about 11 in the morning and get started about 3, when the pubs closed! At the end of the two weeks we had a big party at a pub called ‘The Grapes’ in Islington. Everyone that played on the album and there other halves were at the party. It was quite a flash restaurant and they had a grand piano there. Marriott got on the piano and with Ronnie sat on a stall beside him they knocked out a few songs, that was nice. I remember carrying Ronnie out at the end of the evening. He wasn’t in the best of health anyway, what with that and the drink he’d had it. Me and Steve carried him most places anyway. Ronnie was an exceptionally funny guy, although he had M.S. he was always very brave and constantly took the mickey out of himself. I remember helping him up a step and he’d say to me "Hang on Levertoss, I’ve just had my application to join the SAS turned down, I can’t think why!". He was a great character.
J.L. I’ve always liked ‘Lonely No More’ and ‘Bombers Moon’ but the one everyone seemed to pick up on was ‘Two Black Eyes And A Broken Nose’. A typical Marriott/Lane cockney carry on with the accent accentuated. Also ‘Toe Rag’ that’s a nice track. I don’t think the tracks were ever mixed. I think that’s what they’re trying to do at Chris Frances place at the moment.
Yeah, looking back on it now it was tremendous fun. We’d arrive about 11 in the morning and get started about 3, when the pubs closed! At the end of the two weeks we had a big party at a pub called ‘The Grapes’ in Islington. Everyone that played on the album and there other halves were at the party. It was quite a flash restaurant and they had a grand piano there. Marriott got on the piano and with Ronnie sat on a stall beside him they knocked out a few songs, that was nice. I remember carrying Ronnie out at the end of the evening. He wasn’t in the best of health anyway, what with that and the drink he’d had it. Me and Steve carried him most places anyway. Ronnie was an exceptionally funny guy, although he had M.S. he was always very brave and constantly took the mickey out of himself. I remember helping him up a step and he’d say to me "Hang on Levertoss, I’ve just had my application to join the SAS turned down, I can’t think why!". He was a great character.
J.H. Why wasn’t the album released at the time?
J.L. Steve and Ronnie went to America to see Clive Davis of Arista Records. They played him the tape. Clive Davis was tapping his foot and tapping his very expensive pen on his very expensive desk. He said "Yeah, that’s great man". Steve said "So you like the tape, Clive". Steve then stopped the tape, ejected it and said "WELL YOU CAN’T FUCKING HAVE IT!" The story that Steve told me was that it would have meant touring and Ronnie just wasn’t up to it. It would have meant pretty much carrying him everywhere, no tour, no album. That’s why the Mijits never came out at that point in time. Its been gathering dust for ages.
J.L. Steve and Ronnie went to America to see Clive Davis of Arista Records. They played him the tape. Clive Davis was tapping his foot and tapping his very expensive pen on his very expensive desk. He said "Yeah, that’s great man". Steve said "So you like the tape, Clive". Steve then stopped the tape, ejected it and said "WELL YOU CAN’T FUCKING HAVE IT!" The story that Steve told me was that it would have meant touring and Ronnie just wasn’t up to it. It would have meant pretty much carrying him everywhere, no tour, no album. That’s why the Mijits never came out at that point in time. Its been gathering dust for ages.
J.H. Well Jim, thanks for your time. The album is scheduled for release this year some 19 years after it was recorded. Its the final chapter in the dynamic Marriott/Lane story. We’ve been waiting all this time for some enlightened sole to release it…………………..Enter New Millenium!
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Steve Marriott & The All Stars* – Marriott & The All Stars (1996)
– OTR 1100012 Majik Midgit songs, with 2 steve marriot and 3 Small Faces songs https://www.discogs.com/Steve-Marriott-The-All-Stars-Marriott-The-All-Stars/release/6718674 |
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Lane* & Marriott* – Majik Mijits
Label: Pilot – PILOT196 2 × CD, Album, Limited Edition Released: 2003 https://www.discogs.com/Lane-Marriott-Majik-Mijits/release/10051592 |
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Marriott & Lane - Majik Mijits Album (2014)
Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Orange Label: Wapping Wharf Records – DWWLLP010 Released: October 27, 2014 https://www.discogs.com/Marriott-Lane-Majik-Mijits/release/6301650 |
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Ronnie Lane Complete Album Discography
https://www.ronnielane.com/ronnie-lane-complete-album-discography.html
https://www.ronnielane.com/ronnie-lane-complete-album-discography.html