From KCRW Blog Contributor Kevin Ponthier:
I remember being in school and wishing The Jam – the band led by the King of the Mods Paul Weller — would take a swing through the Southern US…but it was not to be.
It wasn’t until moving to California in the early 90’s that I had my first chance to see Weller. He did a 5-night stand at the Variety Arts Theater and I haven’t missed a show of his since!
After taking the baton from The Who and Small Faces, The Jam introduced many non-Brits to the culture of Mod.
“All Mod Cons“, “Sound Affects“, “Eton Rifles” … it was a different language but, nevertheless, I got it.
Being the primary writer in the group left Mr. Weller unfulfilled and he disbanded The Jam shortly after touring for their album “The Gift” in 1982.
Style Council followed, again with success in the UK but very little attention in the states. By the time the decade closed out, Paul Weller was without a band and somewhat forgotten in the US.
This is where it gets interesting.
Out of the blue, I read that Mr. Weller would be touring the East & West coasts and will be playing songs from throughout his career. That was 1992 and some 15 albums later he remains fresh, relevant and in top form.
I had the pleasure of meeting him on two occasions, once introducing him to a rowdy Wiltern Theater crowd. His late father John was still his manager and he asked if I “played his boy’s music” on the radio? Simple answer…Yes! (and I still do when given the opportunity)
Paul Weller will be back in Southern California on Friday, October 19 and, for the first time, will play to an audience under the stars at The Greek Theater supporting his latest album “Sonic Kicks“. Tickets still remain but why wait?
Hope to see you there…don’t forget your Union Jack!
Kevin Ponthier