Humble Pie is a British rock band originally active from 1969 to 1975, with later reunions and lineups continuing into the 21st century. The group is noted for its hard rock sound and dynamic live performances, particularly during its early 1970s period on A&M Records.

The band was formed in 1969 and initially consisted of Steve Marriott (formerly of Small Faces), Peter Frampton (from The Herd), Greg Ridley (from Spooky Tooth), and Jerry Shirley (from The Apostolic Intervention). Their formation drew media attention due to the prior success of its members, and the band was occasionally referred to as a "supergroup." The members began rehearsing at Marriott's cottage in Moreton, Essex, and signed to Immediate Records, a label managed by Andrew Loog Oldham.

Humble Pie's debut single "Natural Born Boogie" reached number five on the UK Singles Chart in 1969. It was followed by two albums that year: "As Safe As Yesterday Is," which featured a progressive rock style, and "Town and Country," which had a more acoustic character. Their live performances during this period often featured both acoustic and electric sets.

In 1970, following the collapse of Immediate Records, the band signed with A&M Records. They released the albums "Humble Pie" and "Rock On" that year, incorporating elements of progressive and boogie rock. Their 1971 live album "Performance Rockin' the Fillmore" captured a concert at the Fillmore East in New York City and became one of their most commercially successful releases. The track "I Don't Need No Doctor" became a popular FM radio song in the United States.

Peter Frampton left the band prior to the release of "Performance Rockin' the Fillmore" to pursue a solo career. He was replaced by guitarist Dave "Clem" Clempson. Under the management of Dee Anthony, the band adopted a heavier sound that emphasized Marriott's blues and soul influences. The 1972 album "Smokin'" included the minor hit "Thirty Days in the Hole" and saw commercial success, supported by extensive touring. The band also incorporated backup singers known as The Blackberries, which included Vanetta Fields, formerly of The Ikettes.

Despite a loyal fan base, Humble Pie's long-form boogie rock style limited their mainstream radio presence. The 1974 double album "Eat It" combined R&B covers and live material but did not significantly expand their audience. The group disbanded after the "Goodbye Pie Tour" in 1975.

In 1980, Marriott and Shirley revived the band with new members, including Bobby Tench (formerly of the Jeff Beck Group) and bassist Anthony "Sooty" Jones. Two albums with a more contemporary heavy rock sound were released, but the lineup dissolved shortly after. In 1991, Marriott and Frampton began working together again, but Marriott died in a house fire before further progress could be made.

In 2018, Jerry Shirley initiated a new version of Humble Pie under the name "Humble Pie Legacy," which he directed but did not tour with. He expressed a desire to preserve the band's legacy while allowing fans to experience the music live. The lineup featured Dave Colwell (who had worked with the band previously), vocalist Jimmy Kunes, guitarist James "Roto" Rotondi, bassist David C. Gross (later replaced by Ivan "Funkboy" Bodley), and drummer Bobby Marks. The band began a U.S. tour on 31 August 2018, performing songs from the Humble Pie catalog as well as material from other classic rock acts.

As of 2023, the Humble Pie Legacy lineup continued to perform, featuring Dave Colwell on guitar, Jim Stapley on vocals, guitar, Hammond organ, and harmonica, Ivan Bodley on bass, and Bobby Marks on drums.


Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humble_Pie

Studio albums
As Safe as Yesterday Is (1969)
Town and Country (1969)
Humble Pie (1970)
Rock On (1971)
Smokin' (1972)
Eat It (1973)
Thunderbox (1974)
Street Rats (1975)
On to Victory (1980)
Go for the Throat (1981)
Back on Track (2002)
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