Remembering Steve Marriott: Looking Back on the 1991 Tragedy

Small Faces and Humble Pie founder was found dead in his Arkesden cottage following a fire that had begun in the middle of the night.

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Marriott and his wife, Toni Poulton were flying back to England from the US after Marriott recorded some songs meant for a future album with Peter Frampton. They met up with a friend upon arrival and had dinner at Marriott's favorite Restaurant, The Straw Hat, located in Sawbridgeworth, and were supposed to stay at their friend's house overnight. The couple ended up arguing upstairs in bed until Poulton fell asleep, and she later awoke to find that her husband had called for a taxi and headed back to their cottage. 

At 6:30 AM the following morning, a passing motorist noticed that the cottage roof was engulfed in flames. Four fire engines had to be called to the scene before the fire was put out, and Marriott was unfortunately beyond saving. Officer Keith Dunatis, who pulled his body out of the fire, says: "It was a tough fight getting upstairs. We searched the bedroom areas and it was very hot, we knew immediately that no-one could have survived the fire. We began to feel around the walls and discovered him lying on the floor between the bed and the wall. I would say he had been in bed and tried to escape. As soon as I saw the body clearly I knew who it was. I used to be a fan, it's difficult to put my feelings into words. The scene was horrific in that corner of the room. I saw him lying there and thought what a pity it all was. I deal with many fires but this one was like walking down memory lane. We managed to salvage all his guitars and musical equipment. I feel a bit upset, all the firemen do. It was like seeing part of our lives gone forever."

Judging by Marriott's position between the bed and wall, investigators determined that he had attempted to escape after being woken up by the blaze, but turned the wrong way in his disoriented state. Before he could even get the chance to rectify his mistake, he had already been overcome by the smoke. 

The Fire is thought to be caused a cigarette he had lit in bed mere moments before he passed out. There was a lot alcohol found in his system, as well as Valium (for flight nerves) and cocaine.

His funeral was held on April 30th at the Harlow Crematorium, where they played the Small Faces song, "All or Nothing". Attendees included Greg Ridley, Jerry Shirley, Joe Brown, Kenney Jones, P.P. Arnold, Peter Frampton, and Terrence Stamp. Wreaths were also sent by David Gilmour and Rod Stewart.