Green Plaque: Don Arden and Small Faces

“Don’t let the glitz fool you,” someone might’ve whispered back in the Swinging Sixties, right here on Carnaby Street. Right here in front of this Green Plaque: Don Arden and Small Faces. See, it marks the spot where music legend met tough business. Don Arden, the man who managed the Small Faces, had his office nearby. This plaque commemorates their tumultuous time together, from 1965 to 1967. Arden, dubbed one of the toughest managers of the British Invasion era, was known for his iron fist and controversial tactics. He steered the careers of powerhouse bands like Black Sabbath and Electric Light Orchestra. But it was with the Small Faces, those darlings of the mod scene, that his legend truly began. Imagine: young lads, barely out of their teens, with a string of hits like “Sha La La La Lee.” They were selling out shows, yet reportedly saw a pittance of their earnings. Arden kept them on a tight leash, a mere 20 pounds a week each. He argued it was for their own good, claiming he covered luxurious accommodations and fashionable clothes. The Small Faces, however, grew increasingly frustrated. The tension finally snapped in 1966. Their demo, “My Mind’s Eye,” was released without their consent. It became a hit, but the damage was done. The Small Faces moved on, their legacy forever intertwined with the shrewd, enigmatic figure of Don Arden. This Green Plaque serves as a reminder of their explosive partnership, a microcosm of the 1960s music scene’s dizzying highs and cutthroat realities.