The World’s first Paul Weller Fan Podcast - For the fans by the fans. A musical journey from 20 May 1977 to now. A radio broadcaster who gave up a career with one big regret. Never getting to interview his hero , the legendary British musician Paul Weller. This podcast exists purely to solve that issue. Welcome to Desperately Seeking Paul... If you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee via the link below (£3) ko-fi.com/paulwellerfanpodcast
Episodes
Tuesday Jan 10, 2023
Tuesday Jan 10, 2023
What a way to kick off our podcasts for 2023 !
Another world exclusive as Bill Wheeler - Paul Weller's Tour Manager joins us to share his story...
First credited as part of the set up around the time of 22 Dreams - Bill is the son of the legend that is Kenny Wheeler.
We'll hear how he first got involved in the Weller set up via merch to itineraries and taking on a bigger role in the set up, touring the UK, Europe, North America, Japan & Australia in his time with PW.
We'll also hear how he got to play on some recordings with Paul Weller with more info below.
It's a real honour to have Bill on the podcast so I hope you enjoy our chat.
Please do share on social media to spread the word...
Find out more at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com/episode-127-bill-wheeler
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
On this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, we hear the incredible story of another absolute legend - the multi-award-winning music photographer - Jill Furmanovsky.
We kick off her story in 1965, as she emigrated from Zimbabwe with her parents to England, on to studying graphic design and starting her career in 1972, when she became in-house photographer at the Rainbow Theatre specialising in live rock concerts.
Over the last fifty years she has photographed some of the greatest musicians in the world including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Madness, Debbie Harry, Pink Floyd, Oasis, Bob Dylan, Joy Division, Queen, Tom Waits, Chrissie Hynde, The Clash, Bjork and Amy Winehouse...
And of course - The Jam, capturing many incredible shots from their live gigs, along with Paul Weller for The Face Magazine and at Glastonbury Festival as other examples...
We also hear about RockArchive.com - an incredible online home for music photography, that Jill founded in 1998, which features over 1000 images by more than 80 photographers and graphic designers from all over the world.
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast on my website and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
On this episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by another hugely talented musician - the lady behind the keys - Helen Turner.
As a much-loved Honorary Councillor for The Style Council, she performed live on multiple tours and TV performance with the band in the UK, Europe, Japan and Down Under - including Glastonbury and Live Aid!.
You can also hear her recordings with Paul, Mick, Dee and Steve... we're talking songs such as 'Walls Come Tumbling Down' and 'The Lodgers'... The 'Home & Abroad' and 'In Concert' albums too.
When Paul needed a keys-player to join his solo band in the early years... we're talking around Wild Wood and Stanley Road time... it was Helen who he called... a masterstroke with so many incredible live performances - captured on the likes of Jools Holland, Glastonbury '94 and Live Wood.
You'll also hear her on Wild Wood and Stanley Road albums too.
Helen was one of the first names on my wish-list back in 2020 so I am absolutely delighted to have tracked her down for a lovely podcast chat...
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast on my website and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
It was a real honour to be joined by Ocean Colour Scene frontman, singer & songwriter - Simon Fowler - for this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast...
Since the group formed in 1989, they have released eleven studio albums including the million-selling Moseley Shoals and the number one Marchin’ Already. Their run of twenty successive Top 20 singles includes the era-defining ‘The Riverboat Song’, ‘The Circle’ ‘The Day We Caught The Train’ and ‘Hundred Mile High City’ (as featured in the film Lock Stock & Two Shooting Barrels).
The band and Paul Weller have had so many connections over the years - playing on each other's records, hanging out, music videos and TV promo appearances, playing live together and on supporting slots - not least with Steve Cradock and Damon Minchella joining Paul's band for such long periods too (Steve has been with Paul for around 30 years now!).
Check out my chat with Simon and ordered his new book - The life & lyrics of Simon Fowler & Ocean Colour Scene at ourfavourite.shop
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast on my website and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
What a delight to be joined by another huge talent - the Singer, Songwriter & Musician, Edgar Jones for this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast...
Also known as Edgar 'Summertyme' Jones, his musical path began in the early 90s, as frontman and founder of Liverpool band The Stairs, championed by the likes of Elvis Costello and signed to Go! Discs, then also the home of future collaborators Paul Weller and The La’s.
His other bands include The Isrites, The Big Kids, Edgar Jones & The Joneses and Free Peace.
His 2005 solo album Soothing Music For Stray Cats was released to critical acclaim with Noel Gallagher commenting "It bent my head, man. It’s probably one of the best records I have ever heard" and Mojo Magazine labelling it "A stunning collection of rock’n’roll, jazz, R&B and doo wop".
Edgar has also played and toured with artists including Ian McCulloch, Saint Etienne and Ocean Colour Scene and of course, our podcast subject - Paul Weller.
Edgar joined the Weller band to play bass for the Heliocentric tour in 2000 - including a very special performance at London's Royal Albert Hall - which featured Steve White and Steve Cradock, along with Edgar on bass and Chris Holland on keyboards. Legendary arranger, Robert Kirby also conducted a stunning 16-piece string orchestra, which accompanied the band on most songs. The performance was released as a 90-minute filmed performance on DVD.
Edgar was also part of the band for the Jools Holland Lennon Special and a recording for The Who Tribute album...
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast on my website and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
On this episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by another hugely successful musician - Steve Sidelnyk. A man whose Honorary Councillor status led him to work with some of the world's biggest music stars.
A drummer, percussionist, programmer and producer who has created music and / or played live with the likes of Madonna, Robbie Williams, Kylie, Dido, The Blow Monkeys, Richard Ashcroft, R.E.M., Seal, The Rolling Stones, David Gray, Tina Turner, The Family Silver and Stone Foundation… not a bad list right?.
We hear about his Ukrainian heritage to joining Tracie Young’s Soul Squad and playing with The Style Council on tour, on record, at Live Aid and around the world…
And that incredible music career CV too!
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast on my website and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
If you’ve followed the music of Paul Weller as a solo artist over the past 30 years then the odds are pretty high that you will have also experienced and enjoyed the photography of my latest podcast guest, Lawrence Watson.
Their working relationship started in 1988, with a chance opportunity for Lawrence to photograph The Style Council. Paul was impressed with his photography, so much so that the work was used for the Confessions of a Pop Group album cover.
Some of the most iconic imagery of Paul's solo career comes via Lawrence - live shots inside the debut album - that unmistakable cover for the Wild Wood album... or Modern Classics or Heliocentric or As Is Now... and so much more...
In fact, 800 images were selected for their book Into Tomorrow in 2015, which gives you an idea of how much access Lawrence has had over the years.
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast on my website and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
In this episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, we hear the story of a man known on your Style Council sleeve notes as Jezar - who's actually Jeremy Murray-Wakefield.
From a random beginning, meeting John Weller and joining Solid Bond Studios in 1984 as a junior assistant for Peter Wilson to keyboard sequencing on Our Favourite Shop through to his promotion to Chief Engineer for elements of The Cost of Loving and on the Confessions of a Pop Group album.
We hear the studio secrets of Solid Bond from the original analogue equipment to the transformation to digital, heaps of creativity and trying new things, experimentation and the creation of those songs that we know and love.
We hear about Jezar's "epic fail" and something that effected the course of his life in many ways and his switch of career after TSC - following some advice from John Weller - and how the vast majority of this life since has been focused on the usability of technology.
Please share on your social media channels, leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Friday Oct 28, 2022
Friday Oct 28, 2022
This bonus episode of the podcast comes on album release day for Paul Weller's Will of the People boxset. A follow up to 2003's 'Fly On the Wall' and takes the listener through a similar mix of rarities, this time spanning the period 2002 to 2021.
Like its predecessor not only does it make for some great listening but it's a superb way to hear all those hard to get solo tracks that haven't been featured on an album before.
This collection has been compiled by Paul Weller himself and Paul has provided artwork ideas and sketches for the design. Alongside this Paul has written track-by-track sleeve notes.
The release includes additional sleeve notes from writer and broadcaster John Wilson who is my special guest on this bonus edition of the podcast...
We also hear about the upcoming Sir Peter Blake Celebration at London's Royal Festival Hall, curated by Paul and compered by John which has just been announced for 3rd December 2022.
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
It’s a huge honour to be able to bring you this podcast chat as I’m joined by The Jam legend, Bruce Foxton.
A man whose bass lines, and style of playing, are amongst some of the most recognisable on the planet. Often identifiable after just a few notes.
Down at the Tube Station at Midnight, In The Crowd, The Eton Rifles, Funeral Pyre, Pretty Green, Going Underground... I could easily go on...
We hear how he joined the band - a line up of Paul Weller, Rick Buckler and Steve Brookes in 1974 and his viewpoint on the band's incredible journey through live gigs and studio recordings to their huge success and, quite rightly, a whole heap of moments that he is massively proud of.
We also get the story of the band's split in 1982 from his point of view and the subsequent recording and release of his first solo album - Touch Sensitive - in 1984.
I was lucky enough to be in the audience when Bruce joined Paul Weller’s solo show in 2010 for a very special night at London’s Royal Albert Hall so hearing the story of the reconnection of their friendship after so many years of no communication was fascinating.
We also chat about From The Jam and the new Bruce Foxton and Russell Hastings album The Butterfly Effect which is set for release on Friday October 28th.
You can order at foxtonandhastings.tmstor.es
Please share on your social media channels, leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Oct 18, 2022
Tuesday Oct 18, 2022
This is a chat full of wonderful memories and curveballs that I know you’re going to love, as I’m joined former political editor of The Sunday Times - David Cracknell.
David is not only a huge Paul Weller fan who has been inspired by our podcast subject for so much of his life but he’s also taken Dee C Lee to Prime Minster Questions and here’s the thing - he played piano on a single by Gabrielle and Paul Weller called Why.
The story of which we will discover in our chat.
Please share on your social media channels, leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
On this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, my special guest is the multi-award-winning British songwriter and musician, Paul Barry.
Paul formed his first band The Questions whilst at high school in Edinburgh in the summer of 1977 and a few years later, the band were supporting The Jam and signing to Paul Weller's Respond Record Label before hitting the road with their own shows and as part of the live Respond and Style Council shows.
Whist the band didn't enjoy Top 40 success - they did sell tens of thousands of records and were hugely popular with live audiences too. Paul co-wrote (with John Robinson) The House That Jack Built which was a Top 10 single for Tracie Young.
Over the past 30 years as a songwriter, Paul has had huge success with smash-hit singles for Cher, Enrique Iglesias and James Bay.
He's also written for and with the likes of Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie, Mica Paris, Ricky Martin and James Morrison (and exclusive reveal of a Paul Weller link in our chat!).
Find out more info in the shownotes for this podcast at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-116-paul-barry
If you enjoy this episode of the podcast - please share on your social media channels - and leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Oct 04, 2022
Tuesday Oct 04, 2022
On this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I’m joined by another absolute legend of the music industry - this fella has undoubtedly been one of the best TV and Radio pluggers in the business - Nigel “Spanner” Sweeney.
We're talking U2, Rolling Stones, Simply Red, The Cure, Depeche Mode, UB40, Erasure, Robert Palmer, Bros, East 17, Jamiroquai, Elvis Costello, Janet Jackson, George Michael, Massive Attack, Kylie Minogue, Aerosmith, M People, Neneh Cherry, Kenny Thomas, Liza Minelli, Fun Boy 3, Nine Inch Nails, Shane McGowan / Johnny Depp, Robert Miles, Terry Hall, Dave Stewart, Tom Jones, Louise Redknapp, Malcolm McClaren, Spandau Ballet, S’Express, Bomb The Bass, Innocence, Garth Brookes, Will Young, Gareth Gates, Five and Betty Boo.
Whilst with Arista there was also Prince, Santana, Puff Daddy, TLC, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Usher and Annie Lennox...
A pretty incredible list right?!
We should also call out PR for The Brits, all the Comic Relief singles and the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert in 1988.
We dig in to some great stories of his career including times starting out with the likes of Clive Banks and Gary Crowley, to plugging for The Jam and The Style Council along with a lovely connection for the comeback single Into Tomorrow with Paul Weller Solo…
We also chat about Live Aid and Do They Know It's Christmas with involvement from Paul.
And so much more...
If you enjoy this episode of the podcast - please share on your social media channels - and leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
When I first started this podcast, I created a wish-list of potential guests. You would too right?.
It's fair to say that Billy Bragg was one of those early entries in my notebook.
A musician, author, broadcaster and left-wing activist who fronted the 1980s Red Wedge movement with, among others, Paul Weller.
He'a also pretty active as a gigging musician, touring the world, and so tying him down to a recording was always going to be pretty tricky.
Here's the other thing that I should mention...
On the release of this podcast, Billy is actually the only guest to come on who I have actually interviewed in my former life as a radio presenter. It was one of my absolute career highlights when working at the BBC in the late nineties.
He's a hugely talented singer and songwriter.
To Have and To Have Not, The Milkman of Human Kindness, Levi Stubbs' Tears, Sexuality, A New England, You Woke Up My Neighbourhood, Between The Wars, We Laughed... I could go on...
Billy continues to surprise and delight with his music, to my ears he never seems to repeat himself and much like Paul, is looking to try new things and push himself into new ways of working and creating music.
We kick off our chat with his love of The Jam and the influence the band and Paul's lyrics had him as a young man.
You'll hear about supporting The Style Council on an early Council Meeting tour to the Red Wedge project where you'll hear there is nothing but warmth and gratitude for Paul's input and collaboration throughout.
We'll also chat about connections from the solo years from Go Discs label mates in the nineties to Jools Holland Later TV around A Kind Revolution for Paul and Billy's book Roots, Radicals and Rockers: How Skiffle Changed the World.
Most of all throughout our hour-long conversation, you'll hear a man who respects Paul - as a fellow singer / songwriter - as an innovator and as a huge musical talent with an incredible work ethic, vision and back catalogue.
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast at Paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-114-billy-bragg
If you enjoy this episode of the podcast - please share on your social media channels - and leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Sep 20, 2022
Tuesday Sep 20, 2022
From growing up in Long Island, USA to picking up the sticks aged 4 to guesting with the Mercer Ellington orchestra at just 13 years old, to playing with Chuck Berry and then coming to London in the 1980s - it's fair to say that Jo Ruocco has had a pretty incredible journey in life.
Her connection with Paul Weller kicks in with the final stages of The Style Council's 4th studio album Confessions of a Pop Group. At the time, Steve White had just left the band for The Jazz Renegades and Steve Sidelnyk had moved stateside (more on his incredible story in a future podcast...) - cut to a memorable answerphone message for Little Jo from Paul...
Recording shortly afterwards at Solid Bond, you can hear Jo on drums and percussion for How She Threw It All Away and on the album closer Confessions of a Pop Group.
The release of the 1234 EP in 1988 led with How She Threw It All Away for promo, but was billed as 'A Summer Quartet' - You can also hear Jo as part of The Mixed Companions playing I Do Like To Be B-Side The A-Side (written by Mick Talbot) and on Love For The First Time.
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast at Paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-113-little-jo-ruocco
If you enjoy this episode of the podcast - please share on your social media channels - and leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Sep 13, 2022
Tuesday Sep 13, 2022
My guest on this episode is the absolute legend that is Gered Mankowitz - he is the photographer who created the enduring and defining image of the rock star as we know it today.
Inspired to take up photography by the comedian Peter Sellers, Gered opened his first studio in 1963. Finding himself at the centre of Swinging London, he soon established himself as one of the most prominent music photographers on the scene.
His portfolio showcases striking and beautiful photographs from the 1960s to the 2000s, encompassing the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix , Small Faces, Marianne Faithfull, P.P. Arnold, Led Zeppelin, Eurythmics, Kate Bush, Oasis and many others. Check out his collection here.
There are two links with Paul Weller. The photograph for the cover of The Jam's second album This Is The Modern World and a lovely shot for an advert for Vox Amps with The Style Council...
In 2016 Gered was awarded the distinction of a Fellowship of The Royal Photographic Society.
Find out more about Gered at mankowitz.com and check out my show notes at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-112-gered-mankowitz
If you enjoy this episode of the podcast - please share on your social media channels - and leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Sep 06, 2022
Tuesday Sep 06, 2022
My guest on this episode is David Pottinger - a young Modernist from Middlesbrough and one of the fellas behind the brilliant Move on Up Blog.
The website was created with his childhood best friend Graham Barber, with a desire to contribute to the scene and write about their passions of football, clothing and music.
We chat about his love of The Jam and Paul Weller and his crazy Summer of 2015, and the events that led to a then-20-year-old-David getting to interview Paul Weller for the About The Young Idea TV Documentary!.
Find out more at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-111-david-pottinger
If you enjoy this episode of the podcast - please share on your social media channels - and leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
A different kind of episode this week with The Jam drummer, Rick Buckler.
This recording was taken from a Q&A event in August 2022 at St Peters, Brighton for the This is the Modern World exhibition...
Rick was one-third of the powerhouse sound of The Jam along with Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton. The band had 18 consecutive UK Top 40 singles from their debut in 1977 to their break-up in December 1982, including four No 1 hits.
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-110-rick-buckler-part2
If you enjoy this episode of the podcast - please share on your social media channels - and leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
Steve Pilgrim - drummer, singer & songwriter joins me on this episode of the podcast.
Another huge talent from the Paul Weller band.
Paul is quoted as saying on Steve: "One of the great understated modern songsmiths. I love Pilgrims voice, his lyrics, his sense of melody. I hope people get to hear his music, it’s really something special”
Ex-The Stands, Cast, John Power and John Head, Steve joined the Paul Weller band in 2008 for the 22 Dreams tour ( following on from drumming legends Steve White and Rick Buckler when you think about it! - something that we discuss on the podcast).
Steve has been a key fixture of the band ever since. Both live behind the kit - touring the world multiple times - and on record from Wake Up The Nation through to Fat Pop.
As Andy Lewis said on the podcast, "Steve is a better singer-songwriter than he is a drummer, and he's a fantastic drummer..."
Our podcast begins with a text from Paul Weller that was the only inspiration Steve Pilgrim needed to finish the writing of his much-anticipated sixth album ‘Beautiful Blue’...
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast with a very special Pilgrim Playlist at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-109-steve-pilgrim
If you enjoy this episode of the podcast - please share on your social media channels - and leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Aug 16, 2022
Tuesday Aug 16, 2022
On this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I chat to an incredible folk musician who is celebrating her 30th career anniversary in 2022.
Eliza Carthy MBE is, without doubt, an innovator and leading light of England's folk scene - an amazing solo artist, band member, singer, songwriter and fiddle player.
Eliza rose to prominence in the mid-1990s both as a solo artist and a member of Waterson-Carthy, the group she formed with her parents, folk icons Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy (Martin himself played with Paul on the album True Meanings in 2018).
She has covered Paul Weller's Wild Wood for her LP Angels and Cigarettes, played with him on Studio 150 and with The Imagined Village and has performed live on stage with Paul for a BBC4 session - so plenty of lovely stories to hear on this one.
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-108-eliza-carthy
If you enjoy this episode of the podcast - please share on your social media channels - and leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Aug 09, 2022
Tuesday Aug 09, 2022
My guest on this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast is Olly Ball, Photographer for The Style Council album cover Our Favourite Shop.
It is the band's most commercial successful album and undoubtedly one of the best album covers in Paul''s 45 year career. An immediate commercial and critical success on release with a sleeve that so many fans spent hours, day and weeks figuring out, pouring over every little detail.
I would encourage you to grab your copy of the album as we take a walk through the making of the sleeve...
If you enjoy this episode of the podcast - please share on your social media channels - and leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
In this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by musician, bassist, bandleader and songwriter Yolanda Charles.
As a professional bassist for 30 years, she has played with the likes of Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, Robbie Williams, Sinead O’Connor, Hans Zimmer, Squeeze, and of course, Paul Weller.
We'll hear how a chance encounter via Jonathan Ross led to Yolanda joining the Paul Weller Band in 1993 for the Wild Wood tour (with recordings captured for Paul's first solo live album Live Wood - released in September 1994).
She performed on the singles Hung Up, Out of the Sinking and You Do Something To Me and continued to play in the live band through the Stanley Road and Heavy Soul periods too.
In other Weller alumni connections, you can also hear Yolanda on the Talbot & White album - Off The Beaten Track, on Carleen Anderson's 1998 Weller produced LP, Blessed Burden and with Dee C. Lee on the single It's Not Over with Yolanda's band The Deep M.O.
We hear about her musical journey throughout that time period, her latest band - Project PH and even on working with Hans Zimmer on the Dune Soundtrack - which won an Oscar, a Bafta and a Golden Globe for Original Score!
Yolanda was awarded an MBE for services to music in 2020.
Find out more on my website at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-106-yolanda-charles
If you enjoy this episode of the podcast - please share on your social media channels - and leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022
In this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, we hear the incredible story of Red Wedge from its co-founder, Annajoy David.
The podcast is packed full of tales of collaboration and a shared passion for fashion and politics that all kicked off with Paul Weller hearing a radio interview with Annajoy from a CND rally in the early 1980s.
Paul was inspired to reach out and a tight friendship and an incredible working relationship formed - leading to activity with The Jam and The Style Council and the creation of Red Wedge - an organisation dedicated to getting young people involved in politics through the popular arts.
Find out more on my website at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-105-annajoy-david
If you enjoy this episode of the podcast - please share on your social media channels - and leave a review and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
For Episode 104 of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by Guy Barker - a multi-award-winning composer, band leader and trumpet player who also happens to be one of the most in-demand arrangers in the world right now.
As you'll hear during our chat, Guy has played with so many absolute legends including our podcast subject - Paul Weller via The Style Council.
In the 1980s, Guy played on TSC singles Money-Go-Round and The Lodgers, he was part of the live band in periods including the recording of the Showbiz concert film and the Home & Abroad LP.
He also plays on the 1987 album The Cost of Loving (Fairy Tales and Walking The Night) and can be heard on The Style Council Live CD playing on A Stone's Throw Away, Soul Deep, Strength of your Nature, Move on Up and Down by the Seine.
Guy was also part of the line up for the infamous final gigs - in Japan and at London's Royal Albert Hall.
Find out more in the show notes to this podcast at https://paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-104-guy-barker
Make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast further, you can buy me a virtual coffee or something from our range of official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
My latest podcast guest is the first lady of London Soul, P.P. Arnold and what an honour it was to chat with Pat on the podcast.
There have been so many 'pinch-me' moments on this audio journey - and this is right up there for me.
P.P. Arnold's story is that of a rich and varied life.
From her early musical origins in powerhouse church gospel, the talented singer's career began when she joined the Ike & Tina Turner Revue at the age of just seventeen. But little did the young Ikette know how much her world was about to be turned upside-down...
Upon arriving in London in 1966 to support the Rolling Stones, the shy but vivacious nineteen-year-old caught the eye of frontman Mick Jagger. He would persuade her to stay in the city and record as a solo artist, ultimately leading to a five-decade career working with everyone from Jagger, Rod Stewart, the Small Faces, Eric Clapton and Nick Drake to Barry Gibb, Peter Gabriel, Roger Waters, the KLF, Primal Scream, Ocean Colour Scene and Paul Weller...
We'll hear all about her incredible career, her autobiography Soul Survivor, that has just been published, and how she came to create music with Paul Weller for his album A Kind Revolution (on the majestic Woo Se Mama), along with tracks for her most recent album, The New Adventures of... her first LP of new material in 51 years... which was produced, engineered and arranged by Steve Cradock.
Find out more with links to music and videos in the show notes for this podcast at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-103-pp-arnold
Make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast further, you can buy me a virtual coffee or something from our range of official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
For Episode 102 of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by journalist, editor and broadcaster Claire Mahoney - an active member and influential promoter of the Mod scene with a passion for music, fashion, art and culture.
We'll hear all about her teenage discovery of The Jam, and a love affair that has lasted a lifetime.
Claire has written extensively about the mod scene and made regular appearances on BBC Radio Wales to speak about The Jam, Paul Weller, Mod and 60s soul music.
We'll hear more about her latest project Detail Magazine - a print publication dedicated to offering a more in-depth look at the UK’s most stylish subculture – Mod and her book Welsh Mod.
Make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Over the past 55 years, musician Danny Thompson has been a bandleader, sideman, group member and composer.
Best known as a double-bassist, he has worked with the very best including Richard Thompson, John Martyn and Nick Drake, along with great jazz men such as Humphrey Lyttelton and Tubby Hayes as well as Rod Stewart, Roy Orbison, and Kate Bush.
In recent years, he has also played with our podcast subject - Paul Weller.
Danny played double bass on two tracks for 2004's Studio 150 album, cover versions of Tim Hardin's Don't Make Promises and the Sister Sledge classic Thinking of You and on 2018's True Meanings.
Danny played double bass on the track Come Along.
In 2016, he joined Paul on stage in Brighton in a supergroup including Paul with Robert Wyatt, Steve Pilgrim and Ben Gordelier.
The range of music that his performances have graced is hard to believe. Working with the many true"Greats" of Blues, Jazz, Folk , World and Popular music.
A founding member of influential folk-jazz group Pentangle from 1967-1973 (along with its subsequent reunions and re-versionings) - he has also had a critically acclaimed successful solo career - winning two lifetime achievement awards at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Find more information on Danny , including our special playlist , at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-101-danny-thompson
Make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
So here we are - Episode 100 of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast - who would have thought it?
Firstly - thanks to you for your support , your shares and your thoughts - its all helped to get us to number one on iTunes and to grow listeners to the podcast over the past 18 months.
Thanks to my wife and family for letting me do this thing - evenings, weekends and holidays spent creating something I hope is truly unique and special to fans of Paul Weller.
To all the guests from past and future - it would be nothing without you - your honesty, warmth, stories and generosity is hugely appreciated.
And of course thanks to Paul Weller! For the music - the live gigs - the story arc of 50 years from the creation of The Jam with Steve Brookes to now - and here's hoping for some time with Paul in the future for what will undoubtably be an epic interview at some point in the future right ?
Episode 100 - takes us to Ripley - the Surrey village that is home to Paul’s studio Black Barn - and also home for Paul’s mum - Ann Weller.
I always had Ann in mind as our centenary episode guest as was absolutely delighted to get a YES to my request - INCREDIBLE!
Ann is not just Paul's mum - but she has been a key player in his story from The Jam to now - together with John, her dear late husband , Paul and Nicky’s father, who managed The Jam, The Style Council and Paul Solo for over 30 years, until his sad passing in 2009.
This was an absolute honour to spend time with Ann chatting over a cuppa and scone and a very special chat…
I hope you enjoy - and thanks again for listening to our journey so far...
Make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Chris Bangs has been a pioneering and inspirational figure in the British underground dance scene and helped to light up the burgeoning black music dance scene of the early eighties.
Towards the end of the 80s, Chris really hit pay dirt as a musical trend-setter with the invention of Acid Jazz genre and as a producer and artist responsible for many early recordings on Eddie Piller's Acid Jazz label and Gilles Peterson's Talkin' Loud (producing Galliano's celebrated debut album).
His talents were soon spotted outside of the acid jazz scene with Paul Weller utilising Chris' production skills on one of the stand out tracks from his debut solo album - Above The Clouds.
The song is a favourite of so many fans, and Paul still features it on current tours.
This liaison led to a partnership with Paul's former Style Council-er Mick Talbot as Yada Yada AKA SoundscapeUK - one of a whole range of projects marked by the Bangs stamp that have secured commercial and critical acclaim from the USA, Japan, Europe and Australia.
Have a listen to our podcast chat with a surprise special guest popping up during our conversation too!
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-99-chris-bangs
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Jun 07, 2022
Tuesday Jun 07, 2022
In 1979, twelve-year-old Den Davis went to see The Jam play at Manchester Apollo and his world changed forever.
As we hear on this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, a few months later when Den started a Sunday morning paper round, he struck a deal with the shop to save every magazine and paper that mentioned The Jam, and Den would deliver the papers for free. It didn’t matter to Den if they were the cool music press like the NME and Melody Maker or the likes of Jackie and Look In. He wanted them all.
So began the start of his journey to collecting anything and everything about the band fronted by Paul Weller, amassing the largest collection of vinyl and memorabilia in the world.
We talk about that collection, and how he had to rebuild after the 1996 Manchester bombing, and hear all about The Jam: Cover Stars - Den's new and exclusive exhibition of original and iconic Magazine and Music Press covers from around the world that show The Jam throughout their amazing six-year career from 1977 to 1982.
Den saw The Jam 39 times between then and end of December 1982 - the final tour, he first met the band in 1981, started The Jam Tapes Collection service in April 1982, saw The Style Council 52 times live and Paul Weller solo over 100 times!.
Find out more in the show notes for this podcast at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-98-den-davis
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday May 31, 2022
Tuesday May 31, 2022
As much as I love talking to the musicians, the singers and the songwriters, the producers and engineers, the music industry promoters, tour managers, road crew, band members, journalists and others, who have worked and collaborated with Paul Weller, this podcast was always intended to be a voice for the fans to share their memories of The Jam, The Style Council and Paul Weller…
So many of these fans are just great story-tellers with great stories to tell, able to paint a picture on what the man and his music has meant to them over the years.
This is another one of those very special episodes - with a man who is a regular in the front row at Weller gigs, on the forums and at events.
My latest podcast guest is Shane Juson.
We'll hear about his discovery of The Jam in 1979 - singles albums, live gigs, soundchecks, band meetings and more... We'll hear about his love of The Style Council and Paul Weller solo - from the early Movement gigs in 1990 and front-row adventures on every tour since (he's even got the t-shirts to prove it!).
We'll also hear about some pretty wonderful and bizarre moments too.
For example, watching Paul Weller's reactions at Black Barn, whilst listening to some of On Sunset on the day after the final recordings to having his photo taken by Paul next to the famous Stanley Road jukebox and being driven round the corner by Paul in his mini, for a tea and scone at The Nest with Charles Rees, Tom Van Heel & another superfan, Keiko Egawa…
You can find photos that tie in to our conversation on my website, and join here for Shane's Facebook Group - Absolute Beginners The Jam.
Another very special episode. Have a listen - share on your social media channels - and leave a 5-star review wherever you get your podcasts...
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Tuesday May 24, 2022
What a blast to be joined by singer, songwriter, musician Debsey Wykes on this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast.
In 1978, she formed the British post-punk pop-band Dolly Mixture with guitarist, Rachel Bor and drummer, Hester Smith.
We'll hear about their journey from complete amateurs to John Peel sessions, to supporting The Jam in the Summer of 1980 and signing to Paul Weller's Respond Record label...
They were part of the initial label line up with The Rimshots , The Questions and Tracie!
Whilst on the label, they released two singles, Been Teen in 1981 and Everything and More in 1982 - both produced by Captain Sensible and Paul Gray from The Damned...
We also hear how, in 1982, something rather odd happened as Captain Sensible unexpectedly had a huge summer feelgood hit with a cover of the South Pacific song, Happy Talk - which featured Dolly Mixture on backing vocals.
Find more information , including a playlist of the music that we talked about at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-96-debsey-wykes
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Tuesday May 17, 2022
In this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I'm joined by Phil Veacock - best-known as the main arranger, musical director and tenor saxophonist of Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
Phil has multiple connections and credits with Paul Weller with arrangements and performances on every Weller album since 2017's A Kind Revolution, right through to 2021's number one LP, Fat Pop (Volume 1).
They'd actually played together before then with Paul's multiple appearances on Jools Holland's TV Shows - Later... and Hootenanny. Plus in 2012, in honour of Sir Paul McCartney turning 70, Paul covered 'Birthday' by The Beatles and made it available to download for one day only - as you'll hear in our chat Phil played on that version of the song.
And we shouldn't forget the stunning cover of September in the Rain for a Jools Holland album in the same year, for which Phil led on arrangements working closely with Paul Weller throughout.
A huge fan of soul music - Phil has worked with THE greatest names in the genre. Legends like: Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson, Al Green, Pops & Mavis Staples, Booker T, Candi Staton, Chaka Khan, George Benson, Solomon Burke, Barry White, Sam Moore, Edwin Starr and Eddie Floyd.
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Thursday May 12, 2022
Thursday May 12, 2022
Nicky Weller joins The Paul Weller Fan Podcast for a bonus episode to share the latest news regarding the This Is The Modern World exhibition in Brighton this Summer.
It promises to be the biggest ever collection of previously unseen The Jam & The Style Council memorabilia, launches in its spiritual home of Brighton on Saturday 30th July 2022 and runs through until Monday 31st August 2022.
Expect to witness the band's formative years in the 'Stanley Road room', including Paul's own school books and archive family photo's from the early years. Each room will include iconic items from each year of the band's career with the ultimate vinyl collections together with a mass of memorabilia and the band's instruments, including Paul's iconic Whaaam! guitar and stunning mod-wear flanked by customised Jam scooters.
Nicky Weller comments, "If you're a Jam fan there's every single thing you can possibly imagine, if you're not a fan it's still interesting as far as social history goes. If you're just a music fan it's just a noisy fun exhibition".
She continues, "I'm so excited that we will be taking “This Is The Modern World" to Brighton this year with the biggest collection of previously unseen The Jam & The Style Council memorabilia on show - just a stones throw from the last ever live gig at the Brighton centre in 1982".
Get your tickets at thisisthemodernworld.net
This Is The Modern World - the ultimate exhibition for The Jam & The Style Council memorabilia.
Produced by AGMP and sponsored by Visit Brighton.
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Tuesday May 10, 2022
My latest guest is the former music mogul and legendary concert promoter Tim Parsons.
It was a real joy to hear his stories from starting out as a "humper" (someone to move equipment) at an ELO gig to promoting Jasper Carrott, punk bands and heavy metal and the mighty Midland Concert Promotions which started in started in January 1978 with Tim and Maurice Jones.
It as part of MCP, that Tim worked closely with both The Jam and The Style Council along with the likes of U2, INXS, Simply Red, The Police, Dire Straits, The Boomtown Rats, Oasis and Bon Jovi.
We hear about his respect and love for John Weller (Paul's dad and manager ), we hear about the characters in the set up - the likes of Kenny Wheeler, Dave Liddle (Guitar Tech), Ian Harvey (Production Manager) and Ray 'Rat' Salter (Monitor Desk).
From the mid-80s to mid-90s, MCP were undoubtedly the biggest in the business.
At the height of their success they were putting on hundreds of shows each year, including open air shows in the summer and annual festivals such as Monsters of Rock.
We also talk about his involvement in Live Aid in 1985, Oasis at Knebworth in 1996 and much more...
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday May 03, 2022
Tuesday May 03, 2022
I'm delighted to be joined by musician, singer, songwriter, composer, and record producer - Rod Argent.
In a career spanning more than 50 years, Rod is the keyboardist, founder and leader of the English rock band The Zombies.
Their second album Odessey and Oracle is often mentioned by Paul Weller as his all time favourite.
Rod has had an incredible career - continuing to perform live and release new music with The Zombies - he was also once part of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band and has recorded with The Who, Chris Rea, Roger Daltrey, Paul Carrack and Andrew Lloyd Webber. He's also been producer for the likes of Gilbert O'Sullivan, Tanita Tikaram and Nanci Griffith.
In 2018, Paul Weller released his 14th solo album True Meanings, with Rod Argent contributing to two stand out tracks (on an album full of stand out tracks!) - he plays Hammond organ on The Soul Searchers and Mellotron & Piano on White Horses.
You can find more info on Rod's music in my show notes at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-92-rod-argent
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
My latest podcast guest - Scottish singer and songwriter, Dot Allison made a welcome return to music in 2021, after taking some time out to raise a family, with the beautifully brilliant Heart-Shaped Scars - an album which included "Very special thanks" to a wide variety of people including our podcast subject matter - Paul Weller!
Her new album featured in Paul's list of favourites from 2021, and also has a few stunning string arrangements & conducting from Weller alumni (and Podcast Episode 57 guest) Hannah Peel, which is another lovely connection that we dig into during our chat.
Our podcast conversation hears how she first connected with Paul via a text out of the blue... "‘I’m with Bobby Gillespie. He’s given me your number. He says you’re good, do you fancy writing a song together?" and the collaboration that followed was a song called Love's Got Me Crazy - recorded at Black Barn Studio (Paul Weller HQ) for Dot's album Room 7½ in 2009.
We also dive into her career, her return to music, we talk nature (and human destruction) and so much more...
You can find more info on Dot's music in my show notes at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-92-dot-allison
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Ernie McKone is a UK-based bass player, producer and tutor whose speciality is jazz, funk, Latin and soul.
With so many connections to Paul Weller and the likes of Mick Talbot, Steve White, Carleen Anderson, Jacko Peake and Matt Deighton over the past 30 plus years - there are some great stories to dig into.
In 1997, Ernie joined the Paul Weller live band - taking over from Yolanda Charles - and he toured Europe and the UK for a couple of years around the release of the album Heavy Soul.
The Victoria Park gig of 1998 has been captured on film (YouTube link below) and the audio was released as a limited edition bonus Live Classics CD with Paul's first solo greatest hits - Modern Classics.
More recently Ernie has remixed one of the many stand out tracks from the Paul Weller album Fat Pop - with October 2021 seeing the release of Glad Times (Soul Steppers) - Remixed by Boogie Back. He also did a stonking version of Stone Foundation's Deeper Love (which featured Paul on vocals) with a Late Night Jazz Funk Mix.
You can find more info in my show notes at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-91-ernie-mckone
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/shop
Ernie’s track record also includes work with Sister Sledge, Galliano, Incognito, PUSH, Seal, Leon Ware, Reuben Wilson, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Marlena Shaw, Urban Species, Reel People and Craig Charles Fantasy Funk Band.
Ernie also runs Boogie Back Records - an underground label that releases jazz funk and street soul. Artists who have appeared on the label include Omar, The Valentine Brothers, Vivienne McKone (his sister who also played keys with The Style Council for a time), Max Beesley, Mica Paris and more...
Ernie played with Galliano in the early nineties - performing on the brilliant albums In Pursuit of the 13th Note, A Joyful Noise unto the Creator and The Plot Thickens.
In 1993, he played bass on the Talbot & White album - United States of Mind.
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Barrie Cadogan is not only one of the most talented and well-respected guitarists around, having played with Primal Scream, Johnny Marr, The The, Steve Mason, Texas and, of course, Paul Weller - he also fronts his own band - Little Barrie.
A classic British power trio in the lineage of Cream and The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Little Barrie started off as a solo guise for Barrie, using the nickname given to him aged 14 by a mate’s dad in Nottingham.
The band first supported Paul Weller in 2002 - with gigs including the Birmingham NEC and Hyde Park's Route of Kings. He's played on 22 Dreams, Wake Up The Nation and True Meanings whilst also joining the Weller live line up on numerous occasions for gigs and radio sessions.
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/shop
Tuesday Apr 05, 2022
Tuesday Apr 05, 2022
Steve ‘Tufty’ Carver is my very special guest on this episode - recorded in front of a live audience at London's Cockpit Theatre.
Woking born and bred, Steve has been friends with Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton, and Rick Buckler for over 45 years.
Known to everyone as Tufty - he calls himself ‘a friend, fan and eventually a "roadie" with The Jam’, and shares plenty of stories - from watching his mates going from playing gigs in Woking to Wembley, to the World.
To quote Tufty "I will never every say that is was nothing really. It was everything. Life changing moments!"
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/shop
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience at London's Cockpit Theatre, my guest is the Legendary broadcaster, TV presenter, journalist, A&R man, promoter and DJ - Gary Crowley.
We dig in to his love of The Jam as a teenager to the creation of his own fanzine, interviews with Paul and Mick for The Style Council to Capital, GLR & XFM studio sessions and plenty of stories from his 40 year long radio & TV career.
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/shop
Thursday Mar 24, 2022
Thursday Mar 24, 2022
Hear my exclusive chat with musician Andy Crofts from the Paul Weller Band just hours ahead of their support slot with Madness at London's Royal Albert Hall and days before they head out on tour across England & Scotland.
We also chat about the beautiful abstract painting that he has created, in light of the crisis in Ukraine, and the auction to raise money for War Child.
Entitled, The Resistance, the piece is painted on a 1.5m x 1m framed canvas using acrylic and draws on the Ukrainian flag as inspiration.
Growing up as an only child in Northampton, Andy was drawn into his own imagination and has also been painting and creating art his whole life.
Now, the musician has set up an online auction for ‘The Resistance’ and is encouraging art lovers who connect with the piece to throw their support behind it.
All proceeds will go to War Child’s work with children affected by recent events in Ukraine.
Find out more at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/warchild-auction
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
With Paul Weller and his band heading out on their latest tour in a matter of days, it's a real delight to be joined by one of the current line up - singer-songwriter, musician & keys player for PW - Tom Van Heel.
Tom's entry into the crew is one of my favourite stories yet - what a magical experience he's had so far.
We chat Saturns Pattern through to Fat Pop - live in the U.K., Europe, USA, Canada and Australia…
Find out more with links to songs and videos that Tom has played on - including his own band - Higher Peaks on my website www.paulwellerfanpodcast.com
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/shop
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
Episode 86 hears from legendary booking agent Martin Hopewell - a man who was a key part of the Weller set up for 28 years from The Jam in 1977 to The Style Council to Weller solo - right through to Studio 150.
From smaller boutique agency Cowbell through to World Service which became part of the mega super agency Primary Talent…
Listen for some amazing stories from the chaos of a punk festival in Paris to life on the road with gigs around the U.K. and Europe - to Japan and Australia - and a massive appreciation of Paul’s incredible work ethic.
We also hear about his huge love and appreciation for the Weller family and special memories of John Weller, Paul's dad and manager who sadly passed away in 2009.
Visit my website for more information at paulwellerfanpodcast.com
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/shop
Tuesday Mar 08, 2022
Tuesday Mar 08, 2022
It was a sheer delight to welcome actor and musician, Max Beesley onto The Paul Weller Fan Podcast.
What a talent! - piano, vibes, drums and percussion - song-writing - production - and a successful TV & movie acting career to boot!.
The Paul Weller Movement kicks off...
Even though he was just 18 at the time, Max played a key part in those early days of Paul's solo career with The Paul Weller Movement. He performed live as part of the band across the UK and Europe in 1990/91.
Surely I'm not the only one who managed to wear out a VHS copy of the Brixton Academy show because I played it so often?!.
I've posted a link to that gig below as it's so very special to me - amazing songs and performances all round. Funky as hell too!.
It was recorded on 20th April 1991, a whole year before Paul's first solo album was released in Japan (18 months in the UK). The gig features Steve White on drums, Jacko Peake on saxophone and flute, Henry Thomas on bass and Max Beesley on keys and vibes.
Into Tomorrow, Kosmos & playing on the Wild Wood LP
Cast your mind back to 6th May 1991.
The first solo single… Into Tomorrow was released - and Paul was back!.
Recorded at Solid Bond in February, this absolute banger has Weller on vocals, bass, guitars and percussion. Steve White is on drums, Dr. Robert (The Blow Monkeys) on guitar (and BV) with Max on the organ.
He also mentions on the podcast about recording Kosmos during that session too.
Next time you are digging in to your Weller albums - check out Wild Wood to hear Max performing extra vocals with Marco Nelson on Has My Fire Really Gone Out? and playing wurlitzer on Moon on Your Pyjamas (a song that Paul wrote for his eldest son, Nat).
New Music - Song for Sabrina + Omar + Weller Solo?
As you'll hear during our chat, Max has been working with Paul again in recent years.
We hear about a very special collaboration called Song for Sabrina on his own soon-to-be-released solo album - The Groove Spectrum, working with his old Guildhall mate (and previous podcast guest) Omar in Paul's studio for his new LP and even recording some late night grooves with Paul at Black Barn that will hopefully turn up in the future.
What a Roll Call...
As a session musician, Max played, toured or recorded with the likes of Incognito, Jamiroquai, Robbie Williams, Omar, Brand New Heavies, George Benson, Stevie Wonder, The JB's and Zero7.
As an actor, he has starred in many hugely successful TV series - The History of Tom Jones, Bodies, Hotel Babylon, Mad Dogs, Jamestown and The Outsider.
In 2022, you'll be able to see Max starring alongside Keeley Hawes in Sky TV sci-fi thriller The Midwich Cuckoos and in Guy Ritchie's new movie Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre with Hugh Grant, Jason Statham, Aubrey Plaza and Josh Hartnett.
Spoiler alert, you can also see Max on screen during the Paul Weller video On Sunset - with a little cameo appearance at the end on the promo film.
Visit my website for more links on all the things that we talk about at paulwellerfanpodcast.com
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/shop
Tuesday Mar 01, 2022
Tuesday Mar 01, 2022
On Episode 84 of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by singer, musician, activist & campaigner, Rhoda Dakar.
We hear how her career began as lead vocalist with all female 2Tone band, The Bodysnatchers in 1979 and kick off the podcast with a great Paul Weller connection through The Jam and Rhoda being banned from seeing them live in concert in the late 70s / early 80s!.
We hear about Red Wedge in the mid-eighties where Rhoda became Chair of the Steering Group, whilst making guest appearances on stage alongside the likes of Paul Weller, Billy Bragg, Dr, Robert, Lorna Gee, Junior Giscombe and The Communards.
Rhoda also reveals all about recording a brilliant EP of songs at Black Barn (PW HQ) in 2017 called The LoTek Four, Vol I.
Heck, we even hear another angle on the famous 'Mick Talbot gets left at motorway service station' story!
Find more about Rhoda's music on Bandcamp here and live dates & tickets for Rhoda on tour here
Visit my website for more links on all the things that we talk about at paulwellerfanpodcast.com
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/shop
Tuesday Feb 22, 2022
Tuesday Feb 22, 2022
My latest podcast guest is Tracie! AKA Tracie Young.
The singer, 80s popstar, TV Presenter & Radio Broadcaster talks about 80s hairdos, The Jam, The Style Council, Respond Records, her solo career, touring and recording with Paul Weller along with the truth behind the second album that lay in the vaults for over 25 years.
Big thanks to Mr Cool's Dream - Iain Munn for his great book for help with the research too.
Visit my website for more links on all the things that we talk about at paulwellerfanpodcast.com
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/shop
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Omar is without doubt, one of the greatest soul music talents the UK has produced in the last 35 years.
He's a genuinely unique artist, with a sound of his own that is so immediately identifiable, that you will know you are hearing an Omar track within seconds - the stamp of true originality.
In this latest episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, we hear about his musical DNA, the special letters that now sit after his name (MBE FGS!), we talk about how it all began with his first single in 1985, Mr Postman (recorded when he was just 16 years old !) to an invite from Paul Weller to join The Style Council for shows in Japan and at the Royal Albert Hall, and the track that changed everything for Omar when re-released in 1990 - There's Nothing Like This.
We also hear about the making of his new album - including tracks created with Paul Weller at Black Barn Studio (music that’s going to make you want to buy a parka and a Vespa!).
Find my blog for more links on all the things that we talk about at paulwellerfanpodcast.com
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/shop
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
My latest guest is Roger Nowell, Head Roadie / Guitar Tech for Paul Weller, a man who has been part of the crew since 1999.
We talk about The Jam, playing with Paul on record, and travelling all over the world looking after his guitars and those live performances.
Incredibly, I joined Roger at Paul Weller HQ - Black Barn Studio in Surrey - at the end of their 2021 tour - a tour that came to an early close, due to Covid, back in December 2021.
You can also hear Roger in his own band Skeletal Family, who were one of the most influential groups of the eighties Gothic era, with a worldwide fan base spanning all ages and on Paul Weller releases playing Synth Bass on the WUTN track Andromeda and Bass on Sonik Kicks track Around the Lake.
Find my blog and links for all the things that we talk about at paulwellerfanpodcast.com
Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee (£3) at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/shop
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
On this episode I’m joined by the fabulous force of nature that is Nicole Nodland.
Not only was she personal photographer to global superstar - Prince - living at Paisley Park, touring the world with the band and documenting his life on photo and film - but her portfolio including icons such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, George Clinton and more recent artists such as Lana Del Ray, Sam Smith and Dua Lipa.
Nicole entered the world of Paul Weller around True Meanings, taking that super cool shot for the album cover and she worked with Paul through Other Aspects and On Sunset… we talk about that and of course the mega talent that was Prince…
Her clients include Gucci, Vogue, Elle, Billboard, Virgin Records, Sony, Universal, and Warner Music to name a few.
Her photography has featured in the British Journal of Photography, Zoo and Graphics International.
Find my blog and links for all the things that we talk about on my website paulwellerfanpodcast.com
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