All's well with Paul Weller
Not so long ago, you'd have had as much chance of hearing Paul Weller play songs by The Jam as you would have walking to the Urals. Funny how things change, writes Andy Richardson.
Paul Weller on stage in Birmingham. Pictures by Jason Sheldon.
Paul Weller
LG Arena
Birmingham
Not so long ago, you'd have had as much chance of hearing Paul Weller play songs by The Jam as you would have walking to the Urals. Funny how things change.
Last night, the imperious Modfather thrilled abut 10,000 fans at Birmingham's LG Arena with a storming set that included songs from his Jam and Style Council years.
See our photo gallery below
Weller was in awesome form from start to finish, kicking off with Peacock Suit and running through his outrageously impressive back catalogue.
Eton Rifles, That's Entertainment and Butterfly Collector were among the highlights of his Jam songs while Style Council and solo hits were played with vigour and verve.
But the gig was most memorable for his risk-taking new work, from the recently-released 22 Dreams album. Weller has taken a tour into the world of folk, jazz and dub and invited us to join him last night for a magical ride.
Of course, he's lost none of the anger, passion and swagger that made him a spokesman for his generation 30 years ago.
He's as important to British music as Dylan is to American.
There can be no higher compliment.
Andy Richardsonnextpage
Paul Weller played all his hits... nextpage
...from Jam songs...
...to the Style Council...
...to songs from his long solo career
