The Faces have confirmed that they are in the early stages of planning a series of live dates -- but without front man Rod Stewart.

And in a move that is likely to delight or disappoint long-term fans, the band -- guitarist Ronnie Wood, keyboardist Ian McLagen and drummer Kenney Jones -- have mooted Simply Red vocalist Mick Hucknall as Stewart's replacement.

Despite all the original members rehearsing last year, the band has yet to stage to a full-on reunion. Wood, McLagen and Jones played the Royal Albert Hall in London three weeks ago and were joined by former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman who deputised for the late Ronnie Lane and a series of singers including Spice Girl Mel C and Mick Hucknall. Stewart was too busy promoting his new solo album to attend.

"We've been waiting and waiting for Rod to say yes; now he's finally said no," he told Billboard. "He's busy doing other s---. So we're gonna do it. I'm 64, for C-------!" McLagan said. "If we don't do it very soon, one of us is gonna check out."

Given Wyman's well-documented fear of flying, erstwhile Sex Pistol Glen Matlock is also in the frame for the bassist's job.

Though admitting things wouldn't be the same without Stewart, McLagan stressed that the passion to play with his old band was still there. "The world's our oyster here," he said. "It will still be Ronnie, Kenney and me. We're just steaming right ahead."