Hear my announcement…
From Thursday 23rd November 2023…
Read the statement…
Personal address to my podcast fans.
At the end of this year, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to bid farewell to “Desperately Seeking Paul,” our weekly rendezvous celebrating the musical tapestry of Paul Weller.
To paraphrase the great man in 1982, I want all we have achieved to count for something and most of all I’d hate us to end up old and embarrassing like so many other podcasts do…
I’ve always admired Paul’s ability to change course when it has felt right – making difficult decisions and standing by them – whatever the viewpoint from others.
And so, it feels like now, after 3 incredible years, is the right time to hang up our podcasting headphones, whilst leaving on a high.
Across what will end up being 180 episodes, I’m really proud to have pulled together over 7000 minutes of conversations detailing an incredible career ( Paul’s not mine! ). Something that now lives in the sound archive of the British library – preserved forever.
This daft idea sparked during the global pandemic, intended for a mere 6-month stint, blossomed into a beautiful story.
From “In the City” to now, your support—whether through listening, sharing on social media or in real life!, grabbing virtual coffees, buying merch, or coming to live shows—has been the driving force.
I want to express profound gratitude to every single one of my brilliant guests who has shared their time and tales with me, creating an unforgettable mosaic of experiences.
To every single musician, singer, songwriter, journalist, producer, filmmaker, management, author, fan, friend and even family member – you’ve made this journey far richer than I could ever have imagined.
Special thanks also go to my brilliant wife, Kate and kids – Henry and Freddie – for their love and support and for letting me get away with this for so long. Often at the neglect of my responsibilities on that front too. It’ll hopefully be a positive for them to spend time with me in future months!.
As we prepare to say our goodbyes, it’s worth me highlighting that there are five final episodes in store – kicking off with the immensely talented Joe Connor, director of the recent Wild Wood documentary along with Brand New Toy and the feature length May Love Travel with You doc, followed by the Design legend that is the magnificent Simon Halfon…
We’ll wrap things up at Episode 180 – just before Christmas and then this wonderful podcasting journey will come to an end…
In the words of Paul Weller, “That’s Entertainment,” and it has truly been a pleasure creating this beautiful story with you all.
Yours musically,
Dan
Gutted. Been here since day 1, loved it all and even assisted in transcribing a couple of episodes. It’s been a great ride. Well done Dan I’ve loved every episode. Time to move on up!
Dan – This is a great set of podcasts and signing out when you choose ‘from the top’ is the best way to call it a day on them. Thanks for the last 3 years and Good Luck in 2024 – Euan
Dan (the Man) I’ve just read your farewell message with heavy heart but totally understand why, after three years and 180 incredible episodes, you’re hanging up your ‘Desperately’ headphones.
I’d like to say thank you from myself and no doubt from all my fellow Wellerites for all the insights, stories and laughs along the way.
Hope to stay in touch and bump in to at another gig in the future.
Peace and Respect my man
✊🏼👏🏼⭐️
Duncan
Dan a journey it has been !!! Iv followed every single 1 of your episodes , seen some live & been part of it all , I absolutely enjoyed every minute of our little interview & got so much feed back from friends & my poor kids that have lived with me & my Weller stories as long as they have been alive , thank you Dan for all your hard work putting these casts together go enjoy your children x
Wow all good things come to an end I suppose. The podcast has been my weekly drive companion since Ep 1. So many memories evoked and great stories I didn’t know. Shame the big man didn’t come on but he’s not one for looking back. Good luck in whatever you do next and see you down the front. Cheers Dan 🤟
Ah Dan, Dan, Dan. You can’t end it without doing THAT interview man!
Thank you for what has been a truly remarkable series. One which you should be extremely proud of. He will take your call mate, for sure 😉
Good luck Dan and thankyou for all your hard work. It’s been brilliant listening to your podcast on my long journey to work everyday. Funny insightful and a must for all PW fans. Wherever life takes you in the future all the best.
Sorry to hear this Dan. Your podcasts have been fantastic, you’ve done such an amazing job over these last few years. It would have been great for you to have achieved your ambition to interview the main man, but you must do what’s best for you. Wishing you every happiness for you and your family and thank you so much again for all the brilliant work you’ve done.
Is there no one out there that can help Dan achieve what he set out to do to and finally meet the man himself, he has done such a brilliant podcast it really would be the icing on the cake.
Thanks so much Dan for keeping us entertained over the past 3 years in these somewhat dark times wherever we live in the world for me on the other side of it it has kept me in touch with what’s going on all things Weller and cost me a few bob ($) too 😂 all good things come to an end and I’ve enjoyed messaging you on Twitter I hope we get to hear your interview with the great man thanks mate from down under 👍👏👏
First of all I’d like to say thanks Dan. Thank You for all of your hard work and efforts over the last 3 years. It really has been brilliant, I have enjoyed all of it immensely. Your professionalism, research and attention to detail have been on point and you have to be commended for this my friend. It’s been nice to meet you briefly also at a couple of events, at The Water Rats and The Woking Weekender, you’re a smashing fella and I wish you every success in the future. When you eventually reach the Holy Grail of ‘The Interview’ please make sure we all get to hear it, you deserve that at least.
No doubt I’ll see you around soon. Woking maybe. Until then, thanks again Dan.
Cheers Then Mate. !
Hi Dan,
Want to express my sincere thanks for an amazingly well done podcast! Like many Weller obsessives, found your podcast a wonderful escape, particularly from Covid’s dark days. Hearing from so many of those closest to Paul’s music opened a window into this legendary career. And, your ever enthusiastic and insightful questions provided an insider’s perspective and a truer sense of what animates this rare talent.
Fingers crossed, a surprise awaits. If not, it’s been an absolute pleasure, in any case, listening and learning even more about my favorite artist, Paul Weller.
All the best!
Tim