Paul Weller Fan Podcast

• Declan O'Rourke - Handouts in the Rain [Find El Dorado]

  Declan O'Rourke is my guest on this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast - another huge talent and always a delight to talk to. Warm, humorous, super-smart and clearly a huge talent.This time around we talk Find El Dorado and the opening song - a duet between Paul and Declan - a cover of Richie Havens’ 'Handouts in the Rain' - a song that is undeniably beautiful with the juxtaposition that it reflects on humanity’s repeated failures - violence, prejudice, and exploitation - while warning of the inevitable consequences: alienation, shame, and destitution.Written during the 1970s, its verses reflect on personal and societal cruelty, from harming neighbours and foreigners to betraying women and misleading children. The refrain - "taking handouts in the rain” - is a powerful image of collective downfall, suggesting that those who perpetuate harm will ultimately share in suffering and marginalisation.As Paul and Declan cover the song decades later, its relevance has not diminished. In today’s world, issues of xenophobia, social division, and generational mistrust remain pressing. The song’s critique of scapegoating, violence, and inherited prejudice resonates just as strongly, if not more so, amid ongoing global conflicts, refugee crises, and polarised societies.Both versions underscore how cycles of blame and cruelty lead only to mutual ruin - a message as urgent now as when Havens first sang it.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Tony Harlow - CEO, Warner Music UK, Former V2 MD

  This week’s guest on the Paul Weller Fan Podcast is Tony Harlow, one of the most influential figures in the modern music industry and the current Chairman & CEO of Warner Music UK.CEO of Richard Branson’s V2 Records during Paul Weller's time at the label, their professional paths have crossed again more recently, with Paul signing back with Warner's Parlophone label for Find El Dorado.Beyond his work with Paul Weller, Tony Harlow has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of a diverse range of artists. At V2, he championed acts like The White Stripes, Stereophonics, and Moby, while his leadership at Warner Music Australia saw him help launch the global success of Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa. His approach has always been artist-centric, blending a keen ear for talent with a progressive vision for the industry - evident in his efforts to support independent musicians through initiatives like Co-Op Music, and his recent investments in regional UK studios and digital innovation at Warner.Our chat was for my upcoming Dancing Through the Fire - Paul Weller oral history book, and Tony has kindly let me use the audio for an episode of the podcast. We cover his early days working at Beggars Banquet record shop and going to punk gigs ... to V2 during Paul Weller’s time at the label and the sale of the record label at the point Paul had just finished creating 22 Dreams. Tony shares his memories of working with Paul, his unique relationship with John Weller, and why he believes Paul remains one of the greatest and most enduring artists of our time.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Find El Dorado - Album Release Day

  Paul Weller’s new album Find El Dorado, out today via Parlophone, is a reflective, quietly radical covers record reinterpreting tracks discovered through late-night listening, friends’ recommendations, and crate-digging, now given a home in his voice. Produced by Steve Cradock, it features intimate yet polished arrangements and contributions from Declan O’Rourke, Amelia Coburn, Noel Gallagher, Seckou Keita, Robert Plant, Hannah Peel and others. The album opens with Richie Havens’ haunting ‘Handouts In The Rain’ and journeys through obscurities like ‘Daltry Street’ and ‘One Last Cold Kiss’, reimagined classics such as ‘I Started A Joke’ and ‘Nobody’s Fool’, and finishes as an act of listening and reflection. It reveals Weller’s enduring creativity – a glimpse into the five-decade journey told in full in my upcoming authorised oral history Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire, out 11 September, featuring unheard stories and voices from across his remarkable life.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Pete Paphides: Writing the Find El Dorado Sleeve Notes and Uncut Cover Story

  In this episode, I’m joined by acclaimed music journalist and broadcaster Pete Paphides to dive into Paul Weller’s new album, Find El Dorado. Pete wrote the liner notes for the album and the cover story for Uncut magazine, so he brings a unique perspective on how the project came together, the inspiration behind the track-list, and why these particular songs were chosen. We talk about Weller’s drive to celebrate lesser-known gems, his collaboration with Steve Cradock (who produces), and the contributions from special guests like Declan O’Rourke, Amelia Coburn, Noel Gallagher, and Robert Plant.We also explore the wider context of Weller’s career - how his voice has evolved, the influence of folk, soul, and psychedelia on this record, and what makes this album stand apart from his recent releases. There are plenty of stories from behind the scenes, reflections on creative partnerships, and even a look ahead to The Jam’s 50th anniversary and my own upcoming book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire...Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Dean Chalkley - Photographer, Filmmaker, DJ

  Dean Chalkley is a renowned photographer who, for over three decades, has created authentic and powerful imagery across music, fashion, and culture, capturing everyone from underground pioneers to pop stars with an eye rooted in subcultures like Mod, Northern Soul, and Rudeboy scenes.Originally trained as a tailor, his deep understanding of personal style and cultural movements has informed projects such as Return of the Rudeboy and Young Souls, while his experimental works like New Perspectives continue to push boundaries.Dean has photographed some of the most exciting names in the contemporary music world - including Noel Gallagher, Amy Winehouse, Suede, Boy George, Dizzie Rascal, Jay-Z, Richard Ashcroft, and, of course, Paul Weller !Over the years, he has photographed Paul many times for magazines and supplements like The Sunday Times Magazine, Uncut, and NME, for his record label, his collaborative clothing range with Sunspel in 2021, and most recently for the Find El Dorado album project.A lifelong Mod himself, Dean brings an insider’s understanding of style, attitude, and cultural nuance to every image he creates.Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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