Been a Weller fan since 1980. Those early Jam days when punks, mods, rockers n poppers all vied for a place in the UK charts - this front man of the 3 man group became a household name. And topped the charts plenty! After a short span of just 5-6 years The Jam split, (I remember being in mourning for weeks… as a moody teenager I was allowed to be), The Style Council formed where Weller played with different musical “styles”. Maybe not as impactful as his previous group, some great hits came out of it. Then he decides to go solo.
His first solo album rightly titled “Paul Weller” was pure magic - to my ears at least. And he’s kept going as a solo icon for … ages!!
Decades later at the age of 66 he releases his umpteenth album, wonderfully titled 66.
This show was a testament to ALL of his work. In this small venue, the Fillmore, SF, it was an up close and personal experience bringing back memories of his last show there almost 7 years ago, (and a few albums later!) … how time has flown.
He played from his new album, of course, - rich, moody, soulful numbers with punchy lyrics and great guitar riffs. Steve Craddock, (his “by his side” man now for years) playing amazingly. He piano played, guitar strummed and held the crowds attention throughout.
He Shouted to the Top with a few classic TSC numbers and included many of his catalogue of solo hits - slow melancholy numbers like Wild Wood and Above the Clouds, then some perky up beat ones like From the Floorboards up and Peacock Suit.
But, as always, when any Jam song was played, the crowd got pumped up, sang along and generally heightened the vibe.
2 encores later, after a 2hr and 10 minute show and a rounding off with A Town Called Malice I left this gig feeling like a youngster again. He never fails to put on a great show, no gimmicks, no acrobatics, just a great band WITH him and his fantastic voice, an outstanding repertoire of music and lyrics - so for me, That’s Entertainment!
Go catch any of his up coming shows on this tour, you’ll not be disappointed!
