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 in October 2024, Keith shares how he first fell for The Jam during the heady days of punk, seeing them on Top of the Pops and being swept up in the excitement. He talks about growing up in the Highlands, the challenges of actually getting to gigs, and missing The Jam live but later catching The Style Council at university, which he describes as “pretty special”.
Our conversation goes far beyond straight music journalism. Keith pulls back the curtain on what it’s actually like to interview Paul Weller – from nerve-racking encounters on the tour bus in the ’90s, to being sent home for looking worse for wear, and frank chats about Heavy Soul.
There are stories of Paul’s run-ins with music critics, tattooed superfans, and the camaraderie (and competition) around covering him for MOJO.
Keith reflects on the changing nature of the music press, why memories from our teenage years stick so fiercely, and why Paul Weller’s relentless creativity and refusal to stand still remain so admirable.
Click your preferred podcast platform to listen…
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Acast
Keith Cameron – Music Writer – Sounds, NME, Mojo – Paul Weller Fan Podcast
Dancing Through the Fire
Keith Cameron is one of over 250 contributors to my Sunday Times Bestselling book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire, which is available now.
Click on the image below to grab your copy…
168 Songs of Hatred and Failure – A History of Manic Street Preachers
Keith mentioned that he was working on a book in our conversation. Well here it is! The definitive account of Manic Street Preachers, diving deep into 168 songs and four decades of friendship, tragedy, and creative fire.
It’s a forensic, heartfelt exploration written with the band’s full co-operation – capturing both their music’s emotional punch and their unique place in British culture.
If you want to understand what makes the Manics’ journey so remarkable, this is absolutely essential reading.
Congrats to Keith on the book and it’s continued success.
Grab your copy here