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Malcolm Gerrie talks The Tube, The Brits, The White Room and more…

In this episode, highly influential British television producer Malcolm Gerrie joins the podcast to share his incredible front-row memories of Paul Weller’s journey, spanning the historic final days of The Jam, the rise of The Style Council, and the sheer grit of Weller’s solo renaissance. Malcolm takes us back to the early ’80s and the…

Richard Hawley – Singer-songwriter, Guitarist, and Producer

In this episode, acclaimed Sheffield singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer Richard Hawley talks about his long-standing friendship and creative kinship with Paul Weller. Richard takes us back to his working-class upbringing in Pitsmoor, Sheffield, where he was raised on a strict diet of ’50s rock and roll, rockabilly, and R&B – until his two younger sisters…

Simon Napier-Bell – Talks NOMIS Studios, Paul and John Weller…

In this conversation, recorded for my book, legendary music manager, producer, and author Simon Napier-Bell takes us inside the creation of NOMIS Studios, the state-of-the-art Hammersmith rehearsal complex he built out of a Victorian dairy with two-foot-thick concrete walls. Originally created to give top-tier acts a luxurious, soundproof, and private space to hone their live…

Tom Sheehan – AIM HIGH: Paul Weller in Photographs 1978 – 2015

In this episode, legendary photographer Tom Sheehan shares a personal narrative that spans the arc of Paul Weller’s career, from The Jam’s charged early days right through to Weller’s solo renaissance – we take a journey through images found in his acclaimed book AIM HIGH: Paul Weller in Photographs 1978–2015. Tom’s first encounter with Weller was…

Paul Dowling, Director of Marketing, Go! Discs (1990-1993)

In this episode, Paul Dowling – director of marketing at Go! Discs in the early ‘90s – tells the story of how he helped Paul Weller find a new home and a fresh start after The Style Council’s Modernism album was rejected by Polydor. A teenage Jam fan who witnessed the band’s energy first-hand, Paul…

John Reed – Author of Paul Weller: My Ever Changing Moods

In this conversation, John Reed – music journalist, a former Research Editor of Record Collector magazine, Director of Catalogue at Cherry Red, and author of Paul Weller: My Ever Changing Moods – takes us on a journey through the many stages of Weller’s remarkable career. Growing up entrenched in the Mod revival and drawn into The…

Jun Sato – International A&R, Pony Canyon Inc., Japan (1990–2002)

In this conversation, Jun Sato – International A&R at Pony Canyon, Japan – shares the remarkable story of how he helped get Paul Weller’s solo career off the ground when everyone else had written him off. In the early 1990s, as the UK industry dismissed Weller as an ‘80s has-been, Jun trusted his own taste,…

John Lewis – Arts critic, Journalist, Editor and Musician

In this conversation for my book, John Lewis – respected music journalist and critic – shares a fan’s journey that became a professional one. He recalls being a teenager during The Jam’s “imperial phase,” with a mod next-door neighbour and a copy of Snap! on repeat, and traces his path to writing in-depth features, retrospectives, and Q&As…

Jim Cook – Head of A&R at Polydor (1975-1984)

In this episode, recorded for my book, Jim Cook shares his inside perspective from his years as Head of A&R at Polydor Records (1975-1984) during one of British music’s most exciting eras. As the man who signed The Jam and oversaw their rise, Jim reflects on the real-life stories behind the deals, the challenges of…

Punks, Bands, and The Jam: The Iconic Photography of Erica Echenberg

In this episode, Erica Echenberg, one of the pioneering female photographers of the UK punk explosion, joins the podcast to share vivid memories from the very heart of late ‘70s London. Starting in 1976, Erica was everywhere – camera in hand at legendary venues like the Roxy and the Nashville, capturing the wild energy of…

Richard Engler – Marketing Director at V2 Records

This podcast episode is living proof that sometimes your teenage music heroes really do come full circle. Richard Engler grew up in Manchester, a diehard Jam fan who could recite Paul Weller’s lyrics and remember the row and seat number of his first gig. Fast forward a couple of decades, and Richard found himself working…

Last Orders with The Jam: Jamie Telford’s Inside Story

Scottish musician, singer & songwriter, Jamie Telford joins the podcast to take us behind the scenes of The Jam’s frenetic final days. Brought in on keyboards for their last year of shows and the farewell single ‘Beat Surrender,’ Jamie experienced firsthand the thrill of playing with one of the UK’s biggest bands just as internal…

Miles Leonard – Former Chairman, Parlophone Records / Warner Music

In this episode, Miles Leonard – a respected record executive, tastemaker, and lifelong music fan – shares rare insight into his years at the helm of Parlophone Records and his close working relationship with Paul Weller during the mid-2010s. Miles was Director of A&R between April 1995 and May 2003, before stepping up to chairman…

Roger Pilling – Paul Weller’s School Friend

In this episode, I’m joined by Roger Pilling, who offers an intimate window into Paul Weller’s formative years- sharing memories from their early friendship at Sheerwater School right through to the pivotal moments that would define Paul Weller’s life and career. As one of Paul’s earliest confidants, before The Jam and the limelight, Roger’s perspective…

Joeri Saal – Recording Engineer and Producer, Studio 150 (Amsterdam)

In this episode, recording and mixing engineer Joeri Saal shares a behind-the-scenes perspective on working with Paul Weller during the creation of the Studio 150 and As Is Now albums – capturing the collaborative Amsterdam sessions and the transition to mixing Weller’s original material. Click your preferred podcast platform to listen… From Studio Tech to Trusted Collaborator: Joeri joined…

Benjamin Herman – Jazz Saxophonist, Composer and Bandleader talks Studio 150 and As is Now…

In this episode, Dutch jazz icon Benjamin Herman shares how his lifelong journey in music – and his creative outlook as a musician and bandleader – was profoundly shaped by working with Paul Weller. From contributing horns and arrangements on Weller’s Studio 150 and As Is Now albums to joining his touring band, Benjamin describes how these collaborations and…

Paul Lester – Editor of Record Collector … Uncut, Melody Maker

In this episode, recorded for my book, Paul Lester -now editor of Record Collector and longtime music journalist – reflects on his career, his encounters with Paul Weller, and the makings of his celebrated Uncut Magazine cover story, ‘Paul Weller: Up Close and Personal – Last Man Standing’ (December 1998). Discovering Music & Writing: Paul…

Dean Rudland – Acid Jazz Records

In this episode, Acid Jazz records co-owner, Dean Rudland shares his lifelong musical journey and personal relationship with the world of Paul Weller. From being pulled into music by The Beatles and The Jam, through finding his own identity in Mod, to eventually working with and around the Weller orbit, Dean gives an insider’s perspective…

Joe Beckett – Percussionist, Paul Weller Movement 1990

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…

Chas De Whalley – Stories of The Jam for Sounds Magazine…

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…

Roger Armstrong – Rock On, Soho Market + Chiswick Records

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…

Keith Cameron – Music Writer, Mojo, NME, Sounds

A journalist since 1988, Keith Cameron is currently a contributing editor at MOJO, with an impressive career that’s taken him from Sounds and NME to bylines in the Guardian, The Times, Kerrang! and Q. This episode is a real treat for anyone fascinated by the relationship between music, fandom, and journalism. In this conversation, recorded back…

John Mealing – Composer and Arranger – The Style Council

In this episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I talk to composer and arranger John Mealing, whose work helped define The Style Council’s orchestral and cinematic edge. John shares how he first connected with Paul Weller, starting with ‘Shout To The Top’, and goes into the making of Our Favourite Shop, The Cost of…

Jon ‘Mojo’ Mills – Shindig! Magazine founder and Editor-In-Chief

Jon ‘Mojo’ Mills is the founder and editor-in-chief of Shindig!, one of the UK’s most respected independent music magazines, but his story with Paul Weller begins long before journalism. Growing up in rural Hampshire, Jon discovered The Jam at the age of ten, became a ‘tiny mod’, and followed the journey through The Style Council…

David Holmes – Visionary Belfast Musician, Composer, Producer, and DJ.

David Holmes has spent his life channelling the pulse of real history into his music- from the streets of Belfast to the world stage. In this episode, I chat with David about a lifelong relationship with Paul Weller’s music, starting as a young Jam fan inheriting family record collections, and reaching its apex through direct…

Sheema Mukherjee – Composer and Sitar Player

Sheema Mukherjee is a fearless and highly-acclaimed sitar player, celebrated for her classical roots and her innovation on the world stage (Transglobal Underground, The Imagined Village). In this episode, we explore Sheema’s family legacy (her uncle was the great Nikhil Banerjee), and how her upbringing immersed her in both rigorous tradition and a freewheeling, improvisational…

Peter Watts – Journalist & Author

When I started on the extra interviews for my book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire, back in July 2024, Journalist and author, Peter Watts was one of the first people that I chatted to. He has written forUncut, the Guardian and Sunday Times, and has also written a book about the history of Denmark…

Stuart Watts – Director – Paul Weller: Into Tomorrow Documentary (2006)

Here’s another lovely conversation for my book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire – The Authorised Oral History – which I’ve also turned into a podcast episode. Stuart Watts is a producer and director whose credits include acclaimed music documentaries for artists as varied as Paul Weller, Marc Bolan, Andrea Bocelli, Jeff Wayne, and Jeff…

Ted Kessler – Music Writer & Editor – NME, Q, The New Cue

In this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Ted Kessler – a music writer who’s lived out the ultimate fan’s journey with Paul Weller. As a London kid, he spent his pocket money on Jam singles and memorised the lyrics before he even owned the records. After moving to Paris, he’d receive the…

Cat Santos and Sodge Adams – Fifth Column – Classic T-Shirts

In this episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I chat to Cat Santos and Sodge Adams, two of the creative minds behind Fifth Column, the pioneering screen-printing collective that helped define the look of Punk culture in late-1970s London. Fifth Column started when a group of friends decided to design and print – by…

Jonathan Ross on Paul Weller: Punk, Mod, and the Soundtrack of a Lifetime

Jonathan Ross has been a familiar face and voice in British broadcasting since the late 1980s. From his early days hosting Channel 4’s The Last Resort, he’s gone on to become one of the country’s most recognisable presenters, known for his sharp humour and genuine curiosity. Whether it’s chatting with global superstars on The Jonathan…

Paul Moody – Writer and Musician … “Weller was always a gateway to something new – music, books, art, fashion.”

Paul Moody’s journey with Paul Weller’s music is one that bridges the gap between devoted fandom and professional collaboration. From discovering The Jam as a teenager in North London, swept up in the energy and style of the Mod revival, to later interviewing Weller for the NME for Stanley Road, to conducting the DVD interviews…

Kathryn Williams talks Paul Weller collaborations and her new album, Mystery Park

Singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams returns to the podcast to talk about her brand-new album Mystery Park – a deeply personal and reflective record that includes a beautiful co-write with Paul Weller, ‘Gossamer Wings’. Kathryn shares the story of how the song came together, from her initial “cringe” moment of writing at Paul to their eventual collaboration,…

Sir Lenny Henry on The Jam, The Style Council and Paul Weller

Sir Lenny Henry is a British icon. For decades, he’s been a force in comedy, acting, writing, and activism. But what’s less discussed is his deep connection to music – and, in particular, his admiration for Paul Weller and The Jam, The Style Council, and Weller’s solo work. In another real ‘pinch me’ moment, I…

Tim Burgess – The Charlatans

My guest on this episode is Tim Burgess – frontman of The Charlatans, solo artist, DJ, author, and the man behind the hugely popular Twitter Listening Parties. Long before his own band became one of the defining acts of the ’90s, Tim was a kid in the late ’70s flipping Jam singles at his dad’s…

Nick Knight CBE – Fashion Photographer

Nick Knight CBE is one of the most influential image makers of our time. As the founder of SHOWstudio and a visionary fashion photographer, his work with designers such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Yohji Yamamoto, and musicians including Björk, Lady Gaga and Kanye West, has defined modern culture. In this podcast episode, Nick…

Amelia Coburn – ‘One Last Cold Kiss’

On this episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I’m joined by singer-songwriter Amelia Coburn – a huge talent whose distinctive voice, storytelling flair, and genre-blurring style have won her fans far beyond the folk world. Amelia’s connection to Paul Weller began with her wonderful ukulele cover of Down in the Tube Station at Midnight,…

Declan O’Rourke – Handouts in the Rain

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…

Tony Harlow – CEO, Warner Music UK, Former V2 MD

My guest on this episode of my 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. He was MD of Richard Branson’s V2 Records during Paul Weller’s time at the label and their paths have crossed…

Paul Weller – Find El Dorado

Paul Weller’s new album Find El Dorado is not just another covers record. It’s a reflective, quietly radical project that reinterprets tracks discovered through late-night listening, friends’ recommendations, and crate-digging in second-hand record shops – now given a home in his own voice. “These are songs I’ve carried with me for years. They’ve taken on…

Pete Paphides: 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,…

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…

Martin Carthy – Folk Music Icon

Martin Carthy MBE is a true legend of British folk – a trailblazer whose influence stretches far and wide, from the 1960s folk revival right up to modern collaborations with the likes of Paul Weller. His unique guitar style and deep love for traditional songs have inspired generations, including big names like Paul Simon, Bob…

Brian Protheroe – ‘Pinball’ , Singer, Songwriter, Actor

When Paul Weller chose to cover Brian Protheroe’s 1974 debut single ‘Pinball’ for his latest single and upcoming album Find El Dorado, it wasn’t just a nod to nostalgia – it was an artist recognising a song that had quietly endured for half a century. For Brian, who has straddled a dual career in acting…

Jackson Ducasse – ‘Lawdy Rolla’ Music Video Director

For episode 10 of the podcast’s third season, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jackson Ducasse – a filmmaker who has collaborated with many incredible artists including Dua Lipa, Calum Scott, James Bay, Clean Bandit, New Order, Imagine Dragons, Isaac Gracie, Kelis, Professor Green, Amy Macdonald, Jess Glynne, John Legend, Blondie, Katie Melua and…

Lucy Hooberman – JerUSALem & Days Like These – Filmmaker

This episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast is a special one. It’s a deep dive into one of the most ambitious and misunderstood moments in The Style Council’s history – their short film JerUSAlem – and the broader political and cultural movement it sprang from. My guest is Lucy Hooberman: documentary filmmaker, journalist, researcher,…

Geoff Pesche – Mastering Engineer – Abbey Road

What a joy it was to spend time with Abbey Road Mastering Engineer, Geoff Pesche for this episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast. Geoff’s name might not immediately ring bells for every listener – but his sonic fingerprints are all over some of the most significant records in British music history. From the cutting…

Paul Weller – Lawdy Rolla & Pinball

Two Songs, Two Worlds: Paul Weller’s New SingleBy Dan Jennings Paul Weller has today announced Find El Dorado, a new album of reinterpretations due out on Friday 25th July on Parlophone Records. Described as a deeply personal project, the record sees Paul revisit songs that have long lived in the back of his mind -…

Julian Broad – Photographer & Filmmaker

What a joy it was to sit down with the brilliant photographer and filmmaker Julian Broad for this episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast. Julian’s name might not be instantly familiar to everyone, but his work certainly is. He’s the creative eye behind some of the most iconic images in British music and fashion…

Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire: The Authorised Oral History

I am delighted to be able to announce the next chapter in this incredible journey and the hugely exciting news that in September, I will become a published author! [ click for purchase links here! ] Over the past 18 months, I have been working closely with Paul’s inner-circle (and beyond!) to create something very…

Dr Robert & Matt Deighton – The Instant Garden

It’s always a pleasure to welcome familiar faces back to the podcast, and I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Robert and Matt Deighton to discuss their new collaborative album, The Instant Garden. I can honestly say it’s something special. This isn’t just a side project or a musical detour, or even just two musicians…

Stone Foundation – The Revival of Survival

In a music industry increasingly dominated by nostalgia, tribute acts, and heritage bands, Stone Foundation stand firm as torchbearers of original, soul-driven music. Their latest album, The Revival of Survival, is both a statement of intent and a rallying cry – a commitment to staying true to their craft and their audience, even as the…

The Story of 66 – Paul Weller

We kick off a brand new series of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast with the main man – and an exclusive track by track chat through the upcoming new album – 66. If you enjoyed, please do grab a virtual coffee here and share on your social media channels. Thanks!. Click your preferred podcast platform…

Celebrate Paul Weller’s New Album “66” with Exclusive Podcast Series

The acclaimed Paul Weller Fan Podcast is back with a bang! In 2020, my love of Paul Weller’s music led me to create the ‘Desperately Seeking Paul’ podcast series, an adventure that culminated in an unforgettable encounter with the man himself at the end of last year. The thrill of finally interviewing my hero, after…

Episode 180: Paul Weller

Hello and Welcome to Episode 180 of the World’s First Paul Weller Fan Podcast… I’m Dan Jennings and ten years ago I gave up my life’s dream and career as a radio presenter with one big regret… Never getting to interview my hero… the legendary singer-songwriter and musician – Paul Weller… This podcast exists purely…

Episode 179: Claire Moon – Artist Manager – Paul Weller…

Over the past 3 years, we have discovered how Paul Weller has built one of the most prolific and influential careers in British music, and in this episode we get to peek behind the curtain. Artist manager Claire Moon opens up about her professional journey, leading up to that first fateful meeting with Paul at…

Desperately Seeking Paul… An Announcement…

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…

Episode 175 : Chris Pope from The Chords UK

On this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by Chris Pope – Songwriter, Musician and one of the founding members of The Chords. We take a journey through the bands formation at the tail end of 1978, after original singer/guitarist Billy Hassett and his bass playing cousin, Martin Mason, advertised for…

Episode 172: Dylan White – Legendary Record Plugger

On this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by legendary record plugger, Dylan White. Dylan has worked in the music business for over 30 years now… UK Radio & TV Music Promotion, Consultant and Artist Management. A multi-award-winning record plugger since the early 90s, he has promoted the music of Oasis,…

Episode 170: Robert Howard / Dr. Robert – The Blow Monkeys

On this episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by Singer, Songwriter, Multi-instrumentalist and Producer, Robert Howard, aka Dr. Robert of The Blow Monkeys.We take a journey through his youth and his discovery of punk, politics and The Jam whilst living in Australia in the mid to late 1970s… He returned home in 1981 and formed the…

Episode 159: Bob Manton & Jeff Shadbolt – The Purple Hearts

On this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I chat with Bob Manton and ‘Just Jeff’ Shadbolt from The Purple Hearts. Formed in 1978, they were a mod-influenced band that blended elements of post-punk, new wave, and mod revival, creating a distinct and energetic sound that resonated with a wide audience beyond the confines…

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