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 launch of Newcastle’s groundbreaking live music show The Tube. He reveals the dramatic story of how he was sworn to secrecy by plugger Clive Banks after learning that The Jam were about to split up. This inside track led to the ultimate television coup: securing the band’s exclusive, final live performance for The Tube’s legendary debut episode in 1982. Malcolm vividly recalls the sheer electric energy of that night, with Pete Townshend watching from the wings with a massive grin, as the band defied union curfews to keep playing long after the cameras stopped rolling.
He reflects on continuing this visual legacy with Weller across every music show he ever produced, including Channel 4’s Wired and the iconic Britpop-era series The White Room. Malcolm describes the magic of capturing Weller’s career-defining 1995 performance of ‘Talk Tonight’ alongside Noel Gallagher, and why Paul’s unwavering commitment to live, authentic performance made him the ultimate TV gold.
Along the way, Malcolm shares hilarious stories of his time producing the Brit Awards – including the legendary moment Paul bypassed the ‘showbiz shite’ by sending his dad, John Weller, up to accept his award. He also recounts Iggy Pop’s infamous see-through plastic trousers, paying Little Richard fifty grand in cash from a suitcase, and the time Jools Holland decided to interview a slightly uncomfortable Paul Weller in a Gosforth Park hotel jacuzzi.
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Malcolm Gerrie – Pioneering TV Producer, Creative Renegade, and Architect of Live Music Television – Paul Weller Fan Podcast
The Jam’s Final Stand: The inside story of securing The Jam’s exclusive final live TV performance for The Tube’s historic launch episode in 1982, keeping the massive secret under wraps until the red-tops erupted.
A Diamond Named John: Warm reflections on John Weller’s legendary “no-plumbing” management style, his instant kinship with Geordies, and the brilliant moment he accepted a Brit Award from Iggy Pop on Paul’s behalf.
The Live Sound Revolution: How Malcolm broke all the television rules by letting the bands’ own road engineers mix the sound live in the gallery, rescuing televised rock and roll from years of sterile, tinny mixes.
The White Room Magic: Crafting the ultimate stripped-back, high-concept Britpop sanctuary where Oasis hung out as the unofficial house band just to watch Weller play.
The Handbrake Turn: Immense respect for Weller’s fearless ability to completely ditch his commercial safety nets and start again with The Style Council at a time when he had no financial backup.
The Jacuzzi Debunking: The hilarious story behind Jools Holland’s quest to soften Paul Weller’s “grumpy” image by filming an interview in a Newcastle hotel hot tub—unaware of its colourful history.
The Alan Bown Gift: How a rare vinyl copy of Live At The Marquee Club became the ultimate gift for Paul, highlighting their mutual obsession with the raw, soul-infused attack of ’60s British R&B.
Check It Out – The Jam
The Tube – The Jam & The Style Council
Confessions of a Pop Group – 1988
Malcolm was exec-producer for this TV special in 1988.
Wired – 1988
4 Goes to Glastonbury 1994 – Exec producer, Malcolm Gerrie
The White Room
Help Documentary – exec producer, Malcolm Gerrie
The Brit Awards
Malcolm served as executive producer of the televised BRIT Awards from 1993 through 2009 (the ceremonies covering the 1993–2009 BRIT Awards), producing the show through his company Initial Film & Television.
Raise the Roof – Jools Holland
Dancing Through the Fire
Malcolm Gerrie 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…
