History of Marianne Faithfull in Timeline

Marianne Faithfull, an English singer and actress, rose to fame in the 1960s with her hit single "As Tears Go By." This success propelled her to become a prominent female artist during the British Invasion in the United States. Her career spanned several decades, encompassing various musical genres including folk, rock, and blues. Beyond her music, Faithfull also established a notable acting career, appearing in films, television shows, and stage productions. Her life and career were marked by both critical acclaim and personal struggles, further adding to her iconic status in the entertainment industry.

1918: Faithfull's Mother Moves to Vienna

Marianne Faithfull's mother moved to Vienna in 1918.

December 1946: Birth of Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull was born in Hampstead, London in December 1946.

1964: Career Beginnings and Discovery

In 1964, Marianne Faithfull began her career after being discovered by Andrew Loog Oldham at a Rolling Stones party.

1964: Start of Singing Career

Marianne Faithfull started her singing career, performing in coffeehouses in 1964. She also met Andrew Loog Oldham and released her first single, "As Tears Go By".

May 1965: Marriage to John Dunbar

Marianne Faithfull married John Dunbar in May 1965.

November 1965: Birth of Son Nicholas

Faithfull gave birth to her son, Nicholas, in November 1965.

1965: Debut Album Release and Marriage

Faithfull released her debut album and married John Dunbar in 1965.

1965: First Abortion

In 1965, Marianne Faithfull had her first abortion, which was illegal in the United Kingdom at the time. This was after becoming pregnant by Gene Pitney.

1966: Relationship with Mick Jagger and Drug Use

Faithfull began a relationship with Mick Jagger and started using drugs in 1966.

1966: Relationship with Mick Jagger

Faithfull began a relationship with Mick Jagger in 1966.

1967: Film Role in "I'll Never Forget What's'isname"

Faithfull appeared in the film "I'll Never Forget What's'isname" in 1967.

1967: Early Acting Roles

In 1967, Marianne Faithfull made her professional theatre debut in "Three Sisters" and appeared in the films "Made in U.S.A." and "I'll Never Forget What's'isname". She also sang in the French TV film "Anna".

1968: Stillborn Daughter and Drug Bust

Faithfull had a stillborn daughter and was involved in a drug bust at Keith Richards's house in 1968.

1968: Performance at The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus

Faithfull performed at The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus in 1968.

1968: Film Role in "The Girl on a Motorcycle"

Faithfull starred in "The Girl on a Motorcycle" in 1968.

1968: The Girl on a Motorcycle

In 1968, Marianne Faithfull starred in the film "The Girl on a Motorcycle", also known as "La Motocyclette" and "Naked Under Leather", which increased her fame in France.

1969: Film Role in "Hamlet"

Faithfull acted in "Hamlet" in 1969.

1969: Hamlet

In 1969, Marianne Faithfull played Ophelia in a production of "Hamlet" in London, which was later filmed.

1969: Release of "Let It Bleed"

The Rolling Stones' album "Let It Bleed," featuring a song supposedly about Faithfull, was released in 1969.

May 1970: Breakup with Jagger, Loss of Custody, and Suicide Attempt

Faithfull's relationship with Jagger ended, she lost custody of her son, and attempted suicide in May 1970.

1970: End of Relationship and Personal Struggles

Faithfull's relationship with Jagger ended, and she experienced personal difficulties in 1970.

1970: The Door of Opportunity

In 1970, Marianne Faithfull appeared in the television adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's "The Door of Opportunity".

1971: Struggles with Addiction and "Rich Kid Blues" Recording

Faithfull struggled with addiction, and the album "Rich Kid Blues" was recorded but shelved in 1971.

1971: The Stronger and Terrible Jim Fitch

In 1971, Marianne Faithfull appeared in television productions of August Strindberg's "The Stronger" and James Leo Herlihy's "Terrible Jim Fitch".

1971: Release of "Sticky Fingers"

The Rolling Stones' album "Sticky Fingers," allegedly influenced by Faithfull, was released in 1971.

October 1973: Performance with David Bowie

Faithfull performed with David Bowie in October 1973.

1975: Release of "Dreamin' My Dreams"

Faithfull released the album "Dreamin' My Dreams" in 1975.

1978: Re-release of "Dreamin' My Dreams" as "Faithless"

"Dreamin' My Dreams" was re-released as "Faithless" in 1978.

1979: Comeback with "Broken English"

Faithfull made a comeback with the critically acclaimed album "Broken English" in 1979.

1979: Broken English Album Release

In 1979, Marianne Faithfull's career was revitalized with the release of "Broken English," her most critically acclaimed album. Influenced by punk and her marriage to Ben Brierly, the album explored themes of terrorism and featured a diverse range of musical styles, including punk-pop and punk-reggae.

1980: Saturday Night Live Appearance

In February 1980, Marianne Faithfull made a disastrous appearance on Saturday Night Live, attributed to either excessive rehearsals or drug use affecting her vocal cords.

1981: Release of "Dangerous Acquaintances"

Faithfull released the album "Dangerous Acquaintances" in 1981.

1981: Move to New York and Collaboration with Rupert Hine

Marianne Faithfull moved to New York City in 1981 after releasing "Dangerous Acquaintances." She also collaborated with Rupert Hine on the single "Misplaced Love," which charted in Australia.

1983: Release of "A Child's Adventure"

Faithfull released the album "A Child's Adventure" in 1983.

1985: Rich Kid Blues and Kurt Weill Tribute

In 1985, Marianne Faithfull released "Rich Kid Blues," a compilation of early work and new recordings. She also contributed to Hal Willner's tribute album "Lost in the Stars: The Music of Kurt Weill," performing "Ballad of the Soldier's Wife."

1985: Rehabilitation and Relationship with Howard Tose

Marianne Faithfull underwent rehabilitation at the Hazelden Foundation Clinic and McLean Hospital in 1985. During this time, she began a relationship with Howard Tose, who later died by suicide.

1985: Release of "Rich Kid Blues"

The album "Rich Kid Blues" was released in 1985.

1987: Release of "Strange Weather"

Faithfull released the album "Strange Weather" in 1987.

1987: Strange Weather Release and Divorce

In 1987, Marianne Faithfull released "Strange Weather," a critically acclaimed album exploring jazz and blues. She also finalized her divorce from Ben Brierly.

1987: Strange Weather Release and Re-recording of "As Tears Go By"

In 1987, Marianne Faithfull released "Strange Weather," an acclaimed album featuring a new, more mature version of her hit song "As Tears Go By." She expressed a complex relationship with the song, acknowledging its impact on her career while also coming to terms with its significance.

1988: Marriage to Giorgio Della Terza

Marianne Faithfull married writer and actor Giorgio Della Terza in 1988.

July 1990: Performance in The Wall

In July 1990, Marianne Faithfull participated in Roger Waters' live performance of "The Wall" in Berlin, playing the role of Pink's overprotective mother.

1991: The Threepenny Opera

In 1991, Marianne Faithfull played Pirate Jenny in "The Threepenny Opera" at the Gate Theatre in Dublin.

1991: Divorce from Giorgio Della Terza

Marianne Faithfull divorced Giorgio Della Terza in 1991.

1994: Publication of "Faithfull: An Autobiography"

Faithfull published her autobiography in 1994.

1994: A Collection of Her Best Recordings Release

Island Records released "A Collection of Her Best Recordings" in 1994, coinciding with Faithfull's autobiography. The compilation included a mix of updated and previously released tracks, along with "Ghost Dance," a song written by Patti Smith.

1995: Collaboration with The Chieftains

In 1995, Marianne Faithfull collaborated with The Chieftains on their album "The Long Black Veil," singing "Love Is Teasin".

1995: A Secret Life and "Flaming September"

In 1995, Marianne Faithfull released the album "A Secret Life," which included the song "Flaming September," written about Howard Tose's death.

1996: Twentieth Century Blues Release

Marianne Faithfull released "Twentieth Century Blues" in 1996, focusing on the music of Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht, and Noël Coward.

1997: Collaborations with Oxbow and Metallica

In 1997, Marianne Faithfull contributed to Oxbow's album "Serenade in Red" and sang on Metallica's "The Memory Remains," which became a chart hit.

1998: The Seven Deadly Sins Recording

In 1998, Marianne Faithfull recorded "The Seven Deadly Sins" with the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra.

1998: A Perfect Stranger: The Island Anthology Release

In 1998, the two-disc compilation "A Perfect Stranger: The Island Anthology" was released, covering Marianne Faithfull's work with Island Records.

2001: Far From China and Intimacy

In 2001, Marianne Faithfull appeared in the films "Far From China" and "Intimacy".

2004: Nord-Plage

In 2004, Marianne Faithfull appeared in the film "Nord-Plage".

2004: The Black Rider

In 2004, Marianne Faithfull played the Devil in the musical "The Black Rider" at the Barbican Theatre in London.

2004: European Tour Interrupted

In late 2004, Marianne Faithfull collapsed on stage in Milan and was hospitalized for exhaustion, leading to the cancellation of the European leg of her world tour.

2005: The Black Rider

In 2005, Marianne Faithfull played the Devil in the musical "The Black Rider" at the Barbican Theatre in London.

2005: Resumption of World Tour

In 2005, Marianne Faithfull resumed her world tour, including a US leg, after recovering from exhaustion.

September 2006: Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Recovery

Marianne Faithfull was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2006. She underwent surgery in France the following month and made a full recovery.

2006: Marie Antoinette

In 2006, Marianne Faithfull played Empress Maria Theresa in the film "Marie Antoinette".

October 2007: Hepatitis C Diagnosis

In October 2007, Marianne Faithfull publicly announced her diagnosis with Hepatitis C, which she had been living with for 12 years.

2007: Publication of "Memories, Dreams & Reflections"

Faithfull published "Memories, Dreams & Reflections" in 2007.

2007: Irina Palm and European Film Award Nomination

In 2007, Marianne Faithfull starred in "Irina Palm" and was nominated for the European Film Award for Best Actress.

May 2008: Tour Cancellation Due to Exhaustion

In May 2008, Marianne Faithfull cancelled her tour due to mental, physical, and nervous exhaustion, as advised by her doctors.

2008: Shakespearean Sonnets Tour

In 2008, Marianne Faithfull toured with readings of Shakespeare's sonnets, accompanied by cellist Vincent Ségal.

2008: Evil Calls: The Raven and FLicKeR

In 2008, Marianne Faithfull's voice was featured in the film "Evil Calls: The Raven" and she appeared in the documentary "FLicKeR".

2009: World Lifetime Achievement Award and French Honor

Faithfull received the World Lifetime Achievement Award and was made a Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2009.

March 2011: Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

In March 2011, Marianne Faithfull was awarded the Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, a prestigious French cultural honor.

2011: Faces in the Crowd

In 2011, Marianne Faithfull had a supporting role in the film "Faces in the Crowd".

October 2012: The Seven Deadly Sins

From October 2012 to January 2013, Marianne Faithfull starred in a production of Kurt Weill's "The Seven Deadly Sins" in Austria.

2012: Belle du Seigneur

In 2012, Marianne Faithfull had a supporting role in the film "Belle du Seigneur".

January 2013: The Seven Deadly Sins

From October 2012 to January 2013, Marianne Faithfull starred in a production of Kurt Weill's "The Seven Deadly Sins" in Austria.

August 2013: Back Injury and Concert Cancellations

In August 2013, a back injury sustained during a holiday in California forced Marianne Faithfull to cancel several concerts in the US and Lebanon.

September 2013: Who Do You Think You Are?

In September 2013, Marianne Faithfull appeared in the genealogy documentary series "Who Do You Think You Are?".

May 2014: Broken Hip and Tour Disruptions

In May 2014, Marianne Faithfull broke her hip while on holiday in Rhodes, Greece. Subsequent surgery and an infection further disrupted her 50th anniversary tour.

2014: Publication of "Marianne Faithfull: A Life on Record"

Faithfull published "Marianne Faithfull: A Life on Record" in 2014.

April 2020: COVID-19 Diagnosis and Recovery

In April 2020, Marianne Faithfull was hospitalized in London with COVID-19 and pneumonia. She was discharged after three weeks and recovered, though she experienced lingering effects on her lungs and memory.