Ian Mclagan Quotes

Powerful Ian Mclagan for Daily Growth

About Ian Mclagan

**Ian McLagan**, born on May 12, 1945, in London, England, was a prolific musician, songwriter, and singer best known for his work with The Small Faces, Faces, and as a session musician. Raised in a musical family, McLagan showed an early interest in music, learning to play piano at the age of six. He honed his skills by playing in various bands during his teenage years, eventually joining The Small Faces in 1965 as their organist and backing vocalist. The Small Faces enjoyed significant success with hits like "Whatcha Gonna Do About It" and "Itchycoo Park". However, they disbanded in 1968. A year later, McLagan co-founded the Faces with former Small Faces members Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Rod Stewart. The Faces' distinctive sound, characterized by their fusion of rock, R&B, and pub rock, produced iconic songs like "Stay With Me", "Ooo La La", and "Cindy Incidentally". In addition to his work with The Small Faces and the Faces, McLagan was a sought-after session musician, working with artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan. He also released several solo albums, including "Trouble's Back" in 1978 and "Wired Up" in 2001. Throughout his career, McLagan was known for his energetic performances, distinctive Hammond organ style, and warm, soulful vocals. He passed away on December 3, 2014, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of rock music. McLagan's influence can still be felt today, with contemporary artists like Arctic Monkeys citing him as an inspiration.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Music is the thing that can change the world."

The quote by Ian McLagan suggests that music has a profound power to affect and transform society, culture, and individuals on a global scale. It implies that music, in its various forms and expressions, has the ability to inspire, heal, educate, and unite people, fostering understanding, empathy, and positive change. This quote underscores the importance of music as a universal language and tool for human connection and growth.


"I can't think of anything worse than waking up and not wanting to play music."

This quote by Ian McLagan reflects a deep passion for music, suggesting that for him, creating and playing music is not just a profession but an essential part of life – a source of joy, purpose, and personal fulfillment. Waking up without this desire to play music would be unimaginable and unbearable for someone with such dedication. It underscores the transformative power that music holds in the lives of those who create it, serving as an essential outlet for their creativity and emotional expression.


"I always say rock 'n' roll is about having a good time. You've got to enjoy what you do, first and foremost."

The quote by Ian McLagan emphasizes the essential joy and fun at the heart of Rock 'n' Roll music. He suggests that the primary aspect of creating rock music is enjoying the process itself. This perspective encourages musicians to maintain a sense of pleasure in their craft, ensuring authenticity and energy in their performances, ultimately enriching the experience for their audience.


"The only thing better than the road is the mirror after the shower on the road."

This quote by Ian McLagan encapsulates the duality between the thrill of life on the road (adventure, freedom, discovery) and the simple, rejuvenating comfort of home (personal space, cleanliness, familiarity). The mirror after a shower on the road symbolizes a moment of reflection, self-care, and peace amidst the chaos of travel. In essence, it highlights the contrast between the excitement of journeying and the contentment found in solitude and personal routine.


"You can't be afraid to make mistakes. They're going to happen anyway. The key is not to hide them or run from them but learn from them and move forward."

This quote emphasizes the importance of embracing mistakes as a natural part of life and growth, rather than fearing or avoiding them. By acknowledging our errors, we can learn valuable lessons that empower us to grow and progress in our personal and professional lives. Hiding or running from mistakes only hinders our development and prevents us from fully realizing our potential. Instead, the quote encourages us to face our missteps with courage, learn from them, and use this newfound wisdom to chart a path forward.


I was never really a Mod. I thought I was more of a beatnik with the brown corduroy jacket, blue jeans, etc. I loved the music Mods liked, and I loved the clothes, but I didn't have any money to spend on them.

- Ian McLagan

Thought, More, Jacket, Brown

The Small Faces are thought to be a one-hit wonder in America because we only had 'Itchycoo Park.' Then the Faces just had 'Stay with Me.' So both bands could be considered one-hit wonders in America, even though we had several huge hits in England.

- Ian McLagan

Small, Thought, Considered, One-Hit

When I joined Small Faces, we occasionally would bump into The Who. And Keith Moon and I became firm pals.

- Ian McLagan

Small, Became, Joined, The Who

You don't stop thinking about women just because your wife dies. It's terrible, but you know. I just want the hugs, the kisses. A kiss!

- Ian McLagan

Wife, Want, About, Kisses

My love for American music and American movies is from an early age. I was 10 or 11 when I heard Fats Domino and Little Richard and Buddy Holly. And the movies, my dad used to take my brother and I to the movies every Friday. It was incredible: we got to see just about every movie that came out for a period of years.

- Ian McLagan

Love, Movie, American Movies, Friday

I am so blessed that all I've done in my professional life, since I was 17-18, is play music and somehow make a dollar here and there.

- Ian McLagan

Blessed, Play, Here, Play Music

I'm terrible remembering lyrics. Before a tour, I have to remind myself. I have to go through the songs.

- Ian McLagan

Through, Songs, Before, Lyrics

I loved rock and roll when that came in, Bill Haley, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, all those great records. So I begged my mom and dad for a guitar, which eventually they did get me for Christmas, but it went out of tune very quickly, and it hurt my fingers.

- Ian McLagan

Rock And Roll, Records, Very, Fats

What I do for migraines when I get them, I listen to classical music, and I turn it up really loud.

- Ian McLagan

Loud, Them, Classical, Classical Music

We had something very special in the Faces. We were blessed to have the fun we had.

- Ian McLagan

Special, Very, Were, Faces

Small Faces were really a soul band as far as we were concerned. That's what we listened to; that's what we played, you know? We were pretty much based on Booker T. and the M.G.'s.

- Ian McLagan

Small, Pretty, Based, Faces

The Small Faces was such a different band than the Faces. I know three of us are the same, but when you take Steve Marriott out, it's a very different band.

- Ian McLagan

Small, Three, Very, Faces

I like the fact that Austin's the first place I've ever lived where there's a real sense of community. People care about their neighbors.

- Ian McLagan

Fact, Like, About, Real Sense

I sing to my wife; it helps me. She was my muse. I've written so many songs about her, to her, with references to her, and still do. She's a big part of my life. We were together for 33 years. It actually does me good - she's with me all that time in that way.

- Ian McLagan

My Life, Big, Big Part, References

I only seem to date younger women.

- Ian McLagan

Only, Younger, Seem, Date

It's tough to be 68 and dating. I've given it up now.

- Ian McLagan

Now, Up, Given, Dating

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