The Raw, Swaggering Blues-Rock Birth Cry of Supergroup Humble Pie
Let’s journey back to the electric air of 1969. The psychedelic haze was beginning to clear, making way for earthier, heavier sounds rooted deep in the blues. It was a time of seismic shifts in rock music, and anticipation crackled around the formation of so-called “supergroups” – bands forged from the remnants of already successful acts. Arguably the most exciting of these ventures was the birth of Humble Pie. This wasn’t just another band; it was a potent cocktail combining the Mod R&B fury of Steve Marriott, fresh from his iconic tenure with Small Faces, the prodigious melodic talent of guitarist Peter Frampton from pop heroes The Herd, the rock-solid foundation of bassist Greg Ridley from Spooky Tooth, and the youthful, powerful drumming of teenager Jerry Shirley. Expectations were sky-high, and the quartet wasted no time in making their presence felt. In August 1969, they unleashed their debut single, a raw, stomping statement of intent that rocketed to #4 on the UK charts: “Natural Born Bugie”. 1
1. Natural Born Bugie – Wikipedia
This wasn’t just a hit song; it was an announcement, a swaggering kick-start that immediately defined the band’s gritty, blues-drenched R&B core. Interestingly, the single, with its deliberately misspelled title (a Marriott-ism, perhaps?), wasn’t initially included on the UK version of their debut album, As Safe As Yesterday Is, which landed almost concurrently. However, its undeniable impact ensured its inclusion on the US release, cementing its place as the band’s unforgettable opening salvo.
From the moment “Natural Born Bugie” erupts from the speakers, it’s pure, uncut energy. There’s no lengthy intro, just an immediate, driving rhythm laid down by Ridley and Shirley, creating an irresistible groove that feels both tight and thrillingly loose. Then comes the force of nature that was Steve Marriott. His voice – one of the most powerful and soulful instruments in all of rock – tears through the track, filled with grit, passion, and that unmistakable Cockney swagger. He doesn’t just sing the lyrics; he inhabits them, embodying the titular character full of innate rhythm and rock and roll spirit: “Don’t need no lesson / To make my head spin / ‘Cos I’m a natural born bugie / I’m natural bornLinearLayout.”
The song isn’t about complex narratives; it’s about feeling, attitude, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of rocking out. It’s the sound of four incredibly talented musicians locking into a groove, fueled by adrenaline and the excitement of their new venture. You can almost smell the valve amps heating up, feel the floorboards shake in some sweaty London club. While Frampton’s more lyrical guitar style would become more prominent later, here his playing intertwines perfectly with Marriott‘s own considerable rhythm guitar chops, contributing to the track’s raw texture. Ridley‘s basslines are foundational yet fluid, anchoring the boogie while adding melodic counterpoints.
“Natural Born Bugie” served as the perfect calling card for Humble Pie. It showcased Marriott’s volcanic vocal prowess and charismatic leadership, introduced the world to the potent rhythm section of Ridley and Shirley, and hinted at the dynamic interplay with Frampton that would blossom further. More than just a chart success, it captured the essence of late 60s British blues-rock – raw, energetic, deeply rooted in rhythm and blues traditions, yet pushing forward with a harder, rock edge. Listening today, it remains an electrifying piece of music, a potent reminder of that first, explosive spark when four remarkable talents came together and simply let it rip. It was, and is, the sound of natural born rock and roll.