In Conversation Events – Halifax – Sunday 3rd July
Desperately Seeking Paul is delighted to be part of the Bradford Literature Festival 2022, with a series of ‘In Conversation’ events on the day that Paul Weller comes to Halifax for his Summer tour.
Tickets are available now for 3 special events.
Episode 95: Phil Veacock – Saxophone player and arranger on his love of The Jam, The Style Council and creating with Paul Weller in recent years…
Phil Veacock is best-known as the main arranger, musical director and tenor saxophonist of Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
Phil has multiple connections and credits with Paul Weller with arrangements and performance on every Weller album since 2017’s A Kind Revolution, right through to 2021’s number one LP, Fat Pop (Volume 1).
Episode 94: Tim Parsons – The legendary concert promoter on working with The Jam & The Style Council…
My latest guest is the former music mogul and legendary concert promoter Tim Parsons. At MCP, Tim worked closely with both The Jam and The Style Council along with the likes of U2, INXS, Simply Red, The Police, The Boomtown Rats, Oasis and Bon Jovi.
Episode 93: Rod Argent from The Zombies…
In this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I’m delighted to be joined by musician, singer, songwriter, composer, and record producer – Rod Argent.
In a career spanning more than 50 years, Rod is the keyboardist, founder and leader of the English rock band The Zombies. Their second album Odessey and Oracle is often mentioned by Paul Weller as his all time favourite. The band have supported Paul in concert in recent years and Rod played on Paul’s album True Meanings in 2018.
Episode 92: Dot Allison talks Paul Weller collaboration, Heart Shaped-Scars, Lee “Scratch” Perry and more…
Scottish singer and songwriter, Dot Allison joins for a chat about her connections with Paul Weller, a 00s collaboration / co-write, her return to music (with special thanks to PW) and more…
Episode 91: Ernie McKone – Bass Player & Producer talks Heavy Soul Tour, Remixes and more…
Ernie McKone is a UK-based bass player, producer and tutor whose specialty is jazz, funk, latin and soul. Ernie was part of the Paul Weller live band around Heavy Soul in 1997 – performing across the UK and Europe…
The magic behind the album covers of The Jam, The Style Council and Paul Weller Solo…
A great album cover can do many things. It can tell a story, grab your attention, attract controversy, define an era, a generation and an artist. As host of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I have made it my mission (one of many to be honest) to celebrate the magic behind the creation of the album covers for The Jam, The Style Council and Paul Weller Solo.
Episode 90: Barrie Cadogan AKA Little Barrie talks 22 Dreams, supporting Paul Weller and more…
Barrie Cadogan is not only one of the most talented and well-respected guitarists around, having played with Primal Scream, Johnny Marr, The The, Steve Mason, Texas and, of course, Paul Weller – he also fronts his own band – Little Barrie.
The Unfolding – Hannah Peel & Paraorchestra
As revealed on my podcast back in September 2021, Hannah Peel & Paraorchestra (with Charles Hazlewood) have released a major new work called The Unfolding.
Episode 89: Steve ‘Tufty’ Carver – Recorded Live at The Cockpit Theatre…
In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience at London’s Cockpit Theatre, I am joined by Steve ‘Tufty’ Carver.
Woking born and bred, Steve calls himself ‘a friend, fan and eventually a “roadie” with The Jam’, and shares plenty of stories from watching his mates going from playing gigs in Woking to Wembley, to the World.
Episode 88: Gary Crowley – Recorded Live at The Cockpit Theatre…
In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience at London’s Cockpit Theatre, my guest is the Legendary broadcaster, TV presenter, journalist, A&R man, promoter and DJ – Gary Crowley.
Episode 87: Tom Van Heel – Musician & Keys player for The Paul Weller Band…
With Paul Weller and his band heading out on their latest tour in a matter of days, it’s a real delight to be joined by one of the current line up – singer-songwriter, musician & keys player for PW – Tom Van Heel.
Tom’s entry into the crew is one of my favourite stories yet – what a magical experience so far.
We chat Saturns Pattern through to Fat Pop – live in the U.K., Europe, USA, Canada and Australia…
Andy Crofts talks to the Paul Weller Fan Podcast about ‘The Resistance’ and the auction for War Child
A unique art piece created by Paul Weller’s bass player Andy Crofts in light of the crisis in Ukraine is being auctioned off, with the support of the Paul Weller band.
Entitled, The Resistance, the piece is painted on a 1.5m x 1m framed canvas using acrylic and draws on the Ukrainian flag as inspiration.
Episode 86: Martin Hopewell – The legendary agent on booking gigs for The Jam, The Style Council & Paul Weller Solo…
Legendary booking agent Martin Hopewell – a man who was a key part of the Weller set up for 28 years from The Jam in 1977 to The Style Council to Paul Weller solo – from the return with The Movement right through to the covers project – Studio 150.
News on This Is The Modern World – the most comprehensive exhibition on The Jam and The Style Council…
The ultimate exhibition of memorabilia of The Jam and The Style Council announces Concerts and Screenings
Episode 85: Max Beesley shares stories on his first boss – Paul Weller… Making Into Tomorrow, Performing Live, the Wild Wood album, lasting friendships, acting success and making new music with Paul…
Actor and musician, Max Beesley joins The Paul Weller Fan Podcast live from his home in LA. Max joined Paul’s solo career with The Paul Weller Movement – performing live as part of the band across the UK and Europe in 1990/91.
Episode 84: Rhoda Dakar on 2-Tone & The Bodysnatchers PLUS Paul Weller, The Jam, The Style Council, Red Wedge and more…
Episode 84 of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by singer, musician, activist & campaigner, Rhoda Dakar. We talk The Jam, Red Wedge, Solo Weller and much more…
Episode 83: Tracie Young on life as a singer, The Jam, The Style Council, Respond, John Weller and more…
Welcome to another epic episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast with Tracie! AKA Tracie Young.
The singer, 80s Pop Star, TV Presenter & Radio Broadcaster talks about 80s hairdos, The Jam, The Style Council, Respond Records, her solo career, touring and recording with Paul Weller along with the truth behind the second album that remained unreleased for over 25 years.
Episode 82: Omar Lye-Fook MBE on The Style Council and working on his new album with Paul Weller…
Omar Lyefook MBE is without doubt, one of the greatest soul music talents the United Kingdom has produced in the last 35 years. He’s a genuinely unique artist.
Episode 81: Roger Nowell – Head Roadie / Guitar Tech for Paul Weller
Roger Nowell has been a part of the Paul Weller crew / family since 1999 – when he started as drum tech for Steve White. A fine bass player in his own right, he soon moved on to work directly with Paul (and his guitars) and has been Head Roadie since the 22 Dreams days.
Episode 80: Nicole Nodland talks Photography, Paul Weller and Prince…
On Episode 80 of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by the fabulous force of nature that is Nicole Nodland. It was a real delight to spend time with Nicole and to hear her incredible journey to now.
Episode 79: Eddie Piller on The Jam, Paul Weller, Mod and more…
Music industry legend Eddie Piller is the Founder and MD of Acid Jazz Records and also a Radio Presenter, Writer, DJ, Podcaster, Producer, Manager and Festival Curator.
Episode 78: Junior Giscombe – Soul Music Legend – The Council Collective – Red Wedge
What a dream to be joined by one of the most successful UK soul artists of all time on the Paul Weller Fan Podcast. Junior Giscombe has had a long and varied career – singing from the age of fourteen in the early 1970s to working as a performer, songwriter and within various areas of production, demonstrating his wide-ranging talents as a musician.
Paul Weller – The Remixes (TSC + Solo + Other)
Over the course of this series of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast – we’ve heard from a whole bunch of people who have had a hand in remixing Paul’s music in some way…
Episode 77: Tom Doyle – White Label + Music Journalist
Tom Doyle is an acclaimed music journalist, author, and long-standing contributor to music magazines Sound on Sound, Mojo and Q. Over the years, he has been responsible for key magazine profiles of Paul McCartney, Elton John, Yoko Ono, Keith Richards, U2, Madonna, Kate Bush, and R.E.M., among many other artists. As a musician, he’s one half of White Label, a writing/production duo who have collaborated with Paul on various special releases over the past 6 years.
Episode 76: Chris Parry – The Man who Signed The Jam / Record Producer + Boss / Musician
Chris Parry was, once, the drummer of New Zealand band The Fourmyula who went on to work for Polydor in the UK – going on to sign The Jam in February 1977.
2021…Thanks for Listening and All That!
If you’d have told me at the beginning of January 2021 that this year, my podcast would have featured two actual members of The Jam and Paul’s partner in music throughout the whole of The Style Council, I’m not sure that I would have believed you. Let alone getting to chat with a fella whoContinue reading “2021…Thanks for Listening and All That!”
Episode 75: Barbara Snow – Honorary Councillor / Trumpeter
rumpeter, pianist, composer and arranger, who has also established a significant reputation as an educator of some note. She now teaches the piano at Royal Russell School, Croydon.
Episode 74: Chris Bostock – Honorary Councillor / JoBoxers / Subway Sect
In this episode, Dan chats to musician Chris Bostock about his career and work a Honorary Councillor on Café Bleu – playing on “Here’s One That Got Away” and double bass on “The Paris Match” with Tracey Thorn on vocals.
Episode 73: Camelle Hinds – Honorary Councillor / The Style Council / Paul Weller Band + Central Line + Hindsight
In this episode, Dan chats to Bass Player, Singer, Song-Writer, Camelle Hinds about his career and playing with The Style Council and Paul Weller Solo…
Episode 72: Derek D’Souza – Photographer, The Jam, Paul Weller, In The Crowd…
In this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by photographer Derek D Souza.
Derek started taking photos of Paul Weller over 40 years ago – snapping The Jam at various gigs and soundchecks before the famous shoot at Chiswick House in London.
Episode 71: Villagers – Conor O’Brien
I am constantly amazed by the guests who say YES to coming on the podcast. So many hugely talented individuals with connections to Paul Weller – and I was absolutely blown away to get a message back a few months ago that the huge talent that is Conor O Brien, otherwise known as the man behind Villagers, would be up for chatting. Amazing!.
Stone Foundation & Paul Weller – A magical collaboration…
Stone Foundation are a fabulous band and for us Paul Weller fans, they’ve also created some amazing collaborations that have given us some extra (and very, very special) Weller-related releases outside of his own solo work over the past few years.
An Orchestrated Songbook – A guide from The Paul Weller Fan Podcast…
An Orchestrated Songbook: Paul Weller With Jules Buckley & the BBC Symphony Orchestra is the latest live album from Paul Weller
Episode 70: Kenny Wheeler – Tour Manager / LEGEND!
Kenny Wheeler has joined The Paul Weller Fan Podcast. What an absolute honour. A man who has been part of the Weller team for over 40 years now.
Celebrating The Style Council Music Videos
The Style Council – A celebration of the music promo video.
Episode 69: Steve Ellis – Love Affair / Boom Bang Twang!
In this episode, Dan chats to Steve Ellis about his career and great friendship with Paul Weller including the making of the album Boom Bang Twang! which Paul produced.
The Paul Weller Fan Christmas Gift Guide
Christmas is just around the corner so here’s a quick guide to what’s new in 2021 for Paul Weller Fans…
We’re talking books, art, albums, jewellery, mugs, badges even Xmas cards that feature the main man!
On the hunt for Paul Weller : The Music Promo Videos and their Directors…
A celebration of the Paul Weller Solo Music Promo Videos and a hunt to find all of the Directors…
Celebrating The Jam Music Promo Videos… The Singles
A celebration of The Jam and their music promo videos as we hunt for the Directors behind the visuals…
Episode 68: Sonja Phillips – Award winning writer & director
In this episode, Dan chats to multi-award-winning director, writer and storyteller Sonja Phillips (Broken Stones & You Do Something To Me)
The World’s Greatest Paul Weller-related Books
If you’re looking for a guide to the best Paul Weller-related books around then here are some of my favourites from the podcast series with a few from my wish-list of potential guests for added spice!
Episode 67: Andy Crofts – Weller Bandmate + The Moons
In this episode, Dan chats to Andy Crofts – Paul Weller Bandmate and founding member of psychedelic indie rock band The Moons.
Episode 66: David Lines – ‘The Modfather’ Author
In this episode, Dan chats to David Lines – author of the fabulous book – The Modfather – My Life with Paul Weller – what you’ll hear is heaps of passion and brilliant stories for a man who has loved it all – The Jam, The Style Council and the Solo Paul Weller…
Episode 64: Seckou Keita – Musician, Kora Master, Griot, Pioneer…
Seckou Keita is a world-class musician, griot (praise singer), composer, djembe master, virtuoso and pioneer – he’s a rarity, seated in tradition whilst constantly pushing the boundaries of his art.
Episode 60: Declan O’Rourke – Singer-Songwriter + Storyteller talks connections with Paul Weller
Declan O’Rourke has been a favourite of mine since hearing a recommendation from Paul Weller for the song Galileo (Someone Like You) and the outstanding debut album, Since Kyabram back in 2004.
Episode 57: Hannah Peel – Composer, Producer, Synth & Sound lover
Composer, artist, musician, arranger, producer, late night broadcaster and synth-pop pioneer – there would appear to be no end to Hannah Peel’s talent. I’ve even seen her described as ‘The Queen of headphone dreamscapes’ which I love!
Episode 55: Sam Brown – Singer / Songwriter / Musician / Composer / Ukelele Club
Musician and Singer-Songwriter Sam Brown is another of the very special guests that have joined me on the The Paul Weller Fan Podcast so far. I’ve been a huge fan for over 30 years – since buying that smash hit single Stop on 7″ single from my local chemists (Lord knows why they sold singles in Laindon in the late 80s) – along with all the singles an albums since; so the fact that Sam had connections to Paul Weller with recorded and live music was a wonderful bonus and meant that I could invite one of my favourite singers for a lovely interview back in the Summer of 2021.
Episode 53: Steve Brookes – Co-Founder of The Jam
It was another very special moment when in August 2021, I was joined on the Paul Weller Fan Podcast by Steve Brookes – co-founder of The Jam with his childhood best mate Paul Weller. AMAZING! and what a lovely guest he was too – so warm, friendly, funny, open and honest. We talked about thoseContinue reading “Episode 53: Steve Brookes – Co-Founder of The Jam”
Episode 49: Kathryn Williams – Mercury Music Prize nominated singer-songwriter
Kathryn Williams was an exceptional podcast guest. Open, warm, honest, funny, revealing and ridiculously talented.
Episode 38: Matt Deighton – Overshadowed / Mother Earth / Paul Weller Band / Family Silver / Monks Road Social…
What an amazing guest Matt Deighton was on the Paul Weller Fan Podcast back in May 2021.
Matt’s story is a fascinating one – and I highly recommend watching his OVERSHADOWED documentary on Sky Arts or getting a copy of the DVD – you’ll be blown away by the music and magic.
Episode 11: Andy Lewis on The Paul Weller Band, Music, Production and More…
Back in February 2021, The Paul Weller Fan Podcast welcomed it’s first Weller band member past or present with a mega hour-long-episode from bass player, musician, producer, broadcaster and DJ – Andy Lewis. And what an amazing guest he was too – have a listen and check out my notes below for some of the links and performances that we cover off and a whole bunch of recommendations that we didn’t even have time for.
Episode 7: Ian Snowball (Snowy) – Author – Sounds from the Studio, Soul Deep, Thick As Thieves & More…
Ian Snowball is a writer with more than 30 books published, as well as being a drummer and house music producer who joined me on Episode 7 of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast.
Episode 3: Russell Hastings – From The Jam
Russell Hastings is a British guitarist and vocalist primarily known for his work with From the Jam who joined me on Episode 3 of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast.
We hear how, growing up, Russell was always a big music fan and developed an untethered passion for the Jam, first seeing them in Portsmouth and attending many of their gigs across the country (he estimates around 30 times).
Episode 2: Mark ‘Bax’ Baxter – PR Man, Author & Film-Maker & Super-Fan!
In this episode, Dan chats to writer, film-maker, PR man, London legend – Mark Baxter (Bax) about his friendship with Paul Weller and creating films and documentaries including Long Hot Summers.
Episode 1: Stuart Deabill on Soul Deep, The Style Council and more…
In this episode, Dan chats to author Stuart Deabill about The Style Council Coffee Book Soul Deep and his love of The Jam, TSC and Weller Solo…