Paul Weller Fan Podcast

Percussionist Joe Beckett share his stories from inside a pivotal, often-overlooked chapter in Paul Weller’s career: the Paul Weller Movement. Joe recalls the unique circumstances that landed him in the band, from chance club gigs to a spontaneous audition at Solid Bond Studios, and the creative camaraderie that followed.

He takes us on the road in 1990, from a packed Dingwalls debut surrounded by mods and scooters, across Europe and the UK, to the final triumphant night at London’s Town & Country Club, later immortalized by the BBC.

Along the way, Joe details the evolution of new tracks like 'Kosmos' and 'New Thing,' reflects on the enduring power of Paul Weller’s work ethic, and relives the camaraderie and chaos that defined life as a working musician in a high-pressure, high-energy band finding its feet.
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In this episode, music writer Chas De Whalley recalls discovering The Jam after a last-minute tip-off that led him to see them at the Nashville Rooms and review them for Sounds magazine. He reflects on the charged early gigs, their breakthrough shows at the The Roxy, and the fast-moving record deal with Polydor Records.
Chas also shares memories of travelling with the band, visiting the Weller family home and seeing Ann Weller run the fan club operation, while watching Paul Weller rapidly develop as a songwriter.
Our conversation also revisits the chaos of the Reading Festival 1978 and concludes with reflections on friendship, music history, and his later work with U2.
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In this episode, I’m joined by acclaimed live film director Matt Askem, a creative force behind some of the most iconic concert films of the last 25 years. From capturing the raw intensity of Paul Weller on stage to working with global superstars like Adele, U2, Muse and Take That, Matt has spent decades translating live music into cinematic storytelling.
We dive into the making of Weller’s 2000s concert films, the challenges of filming massive crowds versus intimate venues, and how Matt’s perspective has evolved from fast-cut MTV-era energy to a more timeless visual style. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from Hyde Park, Braehead, Studio 150, and the legendary 100 Club, along with reflections on creativity, collaboration, and what makes artists like Weller so enduring.
It’s a fascinating conversation about music, filmmaking, and the art of capturing performance at its most authentic.
Check out Matt's incredible portfolio here
Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com
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In this episode, I’m joined by Roger Armstrong - co-founder of the legendary Rock On record shop and the Chiswick label - to talk about his unique vantage point on Paul Weller’s earliest days.

Long before record deals, Roger knew Paul as a meticulous record buyer, hunting for Motown and soul 45s at his Soho Market stall.

We explore the lost world of seven-inch singles, the importance of B-sides, and how that deep, physical relationship with records helped shape Paul Weller’s musical values from the very beginning.

Roger also shares first-hand memories of the Jam’s formative period, including the legendary Soho Market performance powered off a lightbulb, near-misses around signing the band, and how Polydor ultimately swooped in.

Along the way, he reflects on the explosion of punk, pub rock’s role as a bridge, encounters with Joe Strummer, and why seeing bands before fame mattered most.

A lovely chat about records, scenes, and shared memory - and a reminder that the core of Paul Weller’s musical DNA was set long before the charts ever noticed.
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A journalist since 1988, Keith Cameron is currently a contributing editor at MOJO, with a career that’s taken him from Sounds and NME to bylines in the Guardian, The Times, Kerrang! and Q.

In this episode, Keith talks about discovering The Jam in the punk era, growing up in the Highlands, and the lengths he went to just to get to gigs - finally seeing The Style Council at university.

He gives an honest glimpse into interviewing Paul Weller, from nerve-racking moments on tour buses to frank discussions about Heavy Soul, along with stories of superfans, music press dramas, and the behind-the-scenes world of MOJO.

Keith also reflects on the changing landscape of music journalism, why our adolescent music memories stick with us, and what makes Paul Weller’s creative drive so enduring.
Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.