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 traces his musical awakening back to his youth in Elstree, Hertfordshire – torn between The Jam, Joy Division, and, unexpectedly, Chic. Equally pivotal was his obsession with UK music journalism and the NME specifically, where writers like Nick Kent and Julie Burchill became his ‘gods.’ Their wit and adventurous vocabulary would set the standard for his own aspirations.

Breaking Into Journalism: Despite early rejections, Paul’s break came with Melody Maker in the late 1980s, where he soon built a reputation for insightful and playful criticism. By 1997, he co-launched Uncut magazine, moving into long-form, in-depth music storytelling.

The Landmark Weller Interview: Seeking a major cover for Uncut, Paul spent three days interviewing Paul Weller in 1998 – at London PR offices and Black Barn Studios. The result was a detailed, 13,000-word career overview, touching on The Jam, The Style Council, and Weller’s solo transformations. Weller’s openness – both musical and personal -stood out, especially as he discussed the end of The Jam, pivotal albums, creative risks, and the aftermath of major life events.

Personal & Artistic Insights: Paul reflects on Weller’s resistance to nostalgia, his drive to always forge ahead musically, and his willingness to discuss even difficult periods. The sessions were unusually lengthy and candid, offering those ‘little nuggets’ only possible from deep, extended conversation.

Legacy and Influence: Paul Lester affirms Weller’s place alongside McCartney and Bowie in terms of influence and chart success, especially valued among fans of magazines like Uncut and Record Collector. He notes Weller’s ongoing credibility and willingness to take risks, and sees him as ‘the governor’ – one of the few legacy musicians who can still drive magazine sales and critical excitement.

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1998 – Uncut – Last Man Standing

Dancing Through the Fire

Paul Lester is one of over 250 contributors to my Sunday Times Bestselling book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire, which is available now.
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