Friday's Find.

Paul Weller performing "Running on the Spot" (The Gift, 1982) on Oct. 18 on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Photo: Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Move, Move, We Got The Gift Of Life.

Paul Weller is currently on the cover of two magazines and the offices of Waist High are abuzz today!

NME is celebrating its 60th birthday this week with eight special edition covers and this month's MOJO honors 30 years since The Gift and the end of The Jam.

In the MOJO cover story John Harris "tells the tale in forensic detail, as Weller, Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler revisit that tumultuous time..."

Photos: NME and MOJO

Paul Weller Welcomes Twins Bowie And John Paul.

 

Paul Weller and his wife Hannah announced the birth of their twins John Paul and Bowie on Saturday:

Both boys are healthy and doing well following the birth and Paul and Hannah are thrilled and over the moon. Paul would like to thank his fans for all their well wishes over the last few months.

Weller, who has said that The Beatles changed his life, told MOJO in 2008 that he is also, "a born-again Bowie freak."

53-year-old Paul Weller, whose new album Sonik Kicks is set to be released in March, now has seven children.

Photo: David Levene via guardian.co.uk

Paul Weller Says He Hopes To Never Be "Skint" Enough To Re-Form The Jam.

 

Speaking with ShortList, Paul Weller said that some recently reformed bands have been motivated only by the mighty dollar, something he said he would never be tempted by, "Money talks, doesn't it? Simple as that." 

Responding to the news that the recently reformed Stone Roses would make upwards of £10 million from their reunion shows next summer, and an additional £1 million for each of their festival appearances, Weller said, "Hopefully I'll never be that skint, mate. I mean, I don't know the Roses that well, apart from Mani who's a good mate. There'll be a financial consideration, obviously, but I know from [Mani's] point of view that he's been mad to do it for years. He's actually really wanted to get back with his mates and he loved that band. But for Ian [Brown] and John [Squire], I don't know...I really don't think there's too much love lost there. We live in that age, though, don't we? It's either bands reforming, bands playing their classic album or tribute bands."

When asked if he would do a "classic album" gig, Weller's response was, "Nah. I'm going to go out and play a classic album next year, but it'll be my f*cking new one. Not one from 20 years ago."

53-year-old Paul Weller and wife Hannah Andrews are expecting twins next year, he has five other children from previous relationships.

Photo: NME

Paul Weller Nominated For BRIT Award.

 

From paulweller.com: After a stunning 2010, Paul has begun 2011 with a bang following the news that he has been nominated for Best British Male at this year's BRIT Awards. 

Paul is up against the likes of Mark Ronson, Plan B, Robert Plant and Tinie Tempah. The overall winner will be hand-picked by a judging panel of industry experts.

To find out if Paul takes home the coveted BRITs statue make sure you tune into the show February 15th - you can visit brits.co.uk for more information and follow all the awards action as it happens.

Photo: David Levene for the Guardian via paulwellernews.blogspot.com

Paul Weller Designs MINI Cooper For Charity.

 

The great Paul Weller has come together with one of the most iconic British brands of all time - MINI, to design and auction a unique car to raise money for Nordoff Robbins and War Child, two charities very close to Weller's heart. 

Weller said of the design: "I've always loved and driven Minis so when Mini asked me to be their ambassador last year, it felt a natural thing to do. I was given the opportunity to design my own Mini Cooper and the colours on the car were inspired by a shirt I designed for Ben Sherman that I loved a few years back. 

"Now that the car has been manufactured, I thought it would be good to give it to two charities that I support to help them raise some much needed funds. War Child is an amazing charity which works tirelessly to provide protection for kids who live in some of the world's most dangerous places - Iraq, Afghanistan, Uganda and DRC. 

"Nordoff Robbins is the charity that really uses music to transform the lives of kids and adults who are ill or disabled, helping them to engage and communicate with others. They're endlessly fundraising to help and support these vulnerable people." 

The online auction is open now until December 11. 

Photo & material: paulwellerminiauction.com

Paul Weller's Suburban 100 Now Out.

 

Paul Weller's 2007 lyrics book Suburban 100 was released Thursday in a new revised and updated edition. 

From paulweller.com: Suburban 100 features hand-picked lyrics from Paul's five-decade career - from The Jam and The Style Council right up to this year's Mercury Prize nominated Wake Up The Nation. 

Throughout Suburban 100 Paul offers a unique, personal insight into the song-writing process and reveals the inspiration behind some of his most loved tracks. 

From the inside flap: It's been thirty years since Paul Weller and The Jam first burst onto the British music scene, and throughout that time the music and lyrics that have been acclaimed, imitated and loved by so many have revealed to us all, something of the man behind them. 

In this the only selection of Weller's lyrics, may be found those songs that span the decades - from the much loved, to the lesser known. Here, the frustration and boredom of suburban life that fuelled Weller’s early writing is palpable and so too is the raging but poignant response to Thatcher's Britain. Alongside this Weller's lyrics, rooted in British culture, tell a story about the love and lives of ordinary people, and offer glimpses into Weller’s own life: his influences and experiences and loves and losses. 

From modfather and social commentator to king of Britpop and romantic lyricist, Paul Weller reflects back on his lyrics, revealing what these songs meant to him - both then and now. A must for all Weller fans, you can order Suburban 100 right here. 

Photo: Amazon

Paul Weller's Wake Up The Nation Nominated For Mercury Prize.

 

The tenth studio album from Paul Weller, Wake Up The Nation has been nominated for the highly prestigious Mercury Prize, currently known as the Barclaycard Mercury Prize. 

A full-circle affair, the 16-track album reunited Paul with Bruce Foxton whom he had not worked with since 1982 after a falling out over Jam related royalties.

This is Paul's second nomination for the Mercury Prize, his album Wild Wood made the list in 1994. 

"The overall winner will be judged by a panel of music industry luminaries and announced at a ceremony in London on September 7th."

According to NME, Weller has reportedly given up alcohol after several public incidents including being banned from a BMI flight after a drunken rage and being photographed collapsed on the street in Prague with his girlfriend. A friend said: "He decided to knock the drink on the head two or three months ago. He's enjoying a new lease of life."

Photo: Yep Roc Records

Quote: Paul Weller

It's Paul Weller Week At Q.

 

From Qthemusic.com: Since the early incendiary days of the Jam, through to his incorporation of soul, r'n'b and jazz styles into his music with The Style Council and a hugely successful solo career, penning sensitive ballads and forthright "tunes" that mix and recall many of his previous musical incarnations, whilst further pushing his musical boundaries, he's been one of the leading lights of British music scene. 

Responsible for tracks such as "A Town Called Malice," "Going Underground," "Shout To The Top," "Wild Wood," "The Changingman," "You Do Something To Me," and inspiring and influencing many from his and subsequent generations, not least of all a couple of Gallagher's from Manchester. 

As his tenth solo album is released this week, he'll be picking our Track of the Days from tomorrow, ever the musical chameleon, all we'll say is they're not necessarily what you might predict... later in the week we'll have a freshly chosen Spotify playlist of his "Late 60's Luvlies," hand-picked by the man himself. 

Plus we'll have an exclusive new interview with him about his tenth solo album, Wake Up The Nation, which is an invective take on the current state of society, politics and the effects of technology as well as containing the heartfelt and sensitive love songs that display both sides of the man. 

Expect to read about the making the album, the re-kindling of his friendship and subsequent recording with Bruce Foxton of the Jam (he's on two tracks on the new album), his views on reality TV/talent shows, politics and the monarchy, the demise of Oasis and a touching tribute to his late father and manager, John Weller. Not to mention where he thinks he's going next musically, well, he's not one for sitting still is he? 

We hope you'll enjoy the week as much as we've enjoyed the man's new record (Full review in Q Magazine Q286, the current issue with Liam Gallagher on the slipcase). First things first, to kick it all off, our Track of the Day for today is "Wake Up The Nation," the title track and single from his new album...enjoy! 

Photo: Qthemusic.com

Thought That I Would Forget You?

Heaven knows that's not my style.

Bruce Foxton Reunites With Paul Weller.

 

Bruce Foxton has reunited with Paul Weller to play two songs on Weller’s new album Wake Up The Nation, "Fast Car Slow Traffic," and "She Speaks." 

This news is kind of a BIG DEAL because Foxton and Weller have not recorded together since a bitter 1982 falling out over The Jam related royalties. 

Jam drummer Rick Buckler and Bruce Foxton formed From The Jam in 2007 without Weller, who at one time stated that he and his "children would have to be destitute and starving in the gutter" for him to front the band once again. 

Buckler left From The Jam in late 2009 and was replaced by Mark Brzezicki (Big Country), and according to From The Jam's Official Facebook Page, Brzezicki, Foxton, and vocalist Russell Hastings are preparing to head into the studio to record some new material. 

Paul Weller admits it took the deaths of his father John and Foxton's wife Pat to bring them together. Weller told MOJO magazine, "We'd both lost loved ones and without getting too spiritual that was the spur of it. I spoke to him...when his wife Pat was ill and that broke the ice... There was no big plan, it was easy, a laugh, and nice to see him and work together again. We just slipped back into it." 

Photo: Gighit 

Quote: contactmusic.com

A Grieving Paul Weller Turns Down Award.

Paul Weller was unable to accept a lifetime achievement award at the Ivor Novello Awards on May 21 because he was still mourning the loss of his father John.

John Weller, who managed Paul's career for 30 years, died Apr. 22 from pneumonia related to Alzheimer's disease.

Paul told ceremony organizers that he couldn't bring himself to accept the award because he is still grieving for his dad.

Paul has praised his father in the past for seeing The Jam, who broke up in 1982, through some of their darker periods. John Weller was with Paul through the soulful Style Council years (1983-1989) and Paul's solo career.

John bought Paul his first guitar when Paul was 12, and financed The Jam's initial demo recordings. John also began booking the band into local working men's clubs when the band was still a four piece (Weller, Foxton, Brookes, Buckler).

"When The Jam signed to Polydor in February 1977, for a £6,000 advance and a six per cent royalty rate, John admitted he didn't have a bank account and asked for cash instead of a cheque."

The Jam had eighteen Top 40 singles in the UK, including four #1's. Their 1982 album The Gift went to #1, Setting Sons went to #4, and Sound Affects went to #2.

John's wife Ann, in a tribute to him, said, "I am definitely going to do things for the Alzheimer's Society and collect for them. Before John's diagnosis, Alzheimer’s was just a name to me. It affects the whole family."

The Jam's "Going Underground" was played during John Weller's funeral.

As someone whose life has been deeply affected by Alzheimer's disease, Waist High would like to tell you that Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and fatal brain disease that has no cure. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, and as many as 5.3 million Americans are living with it. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, and one in eight persons 65 or older have the disease. Every 70 seconds someone develops Alzheimer's.

"The mechanisms by which dementia leads to death may create ambiguity about the underlying cause of death. Severe dementia frequently causes such complications as immobility, swallowing disorders or malnutrition. These complications can significantly increase the risk of developing pneumonia, which has been found in several studies to be the most commonly identified cause of death among elderly people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias."

Photo: Times Online
Material: getsurrey.co.uk & Ireland On-Line
Alzheimer's facts & figures courtesy: Alzheimer's Association of North America & UK Alzheimer's Society

Further Proof That "Without Music, Life Would Be A Mistake."

Paul Weller covers Sister Sledge's "Thinking of You," recorded for their 1979 album We Are Family. Weller included the song on his 2004 album Studio 150 and the 2005 compilation album Acoustic 05.

"Thinking of You" was written and produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards.

Quote: Friedrich Nietzsche

Bookies Lose £100,000 After Paul Weller Wins BRIT Award.

UK bookmakers lost £100,000 as a result of Paul Weller winning the BRIT Award for Best British Solo Male Artist on Wednesday.

Prior to the bash, all BRIT Awards bets were suspended in bookmakers including William Hill, Ladbrokes and Paddy Power after a flurry of suspicious bets on Weller winning were placed within a short space of time of each other.

Seven men placed several bets in outlets in London and Guildford - near to Weller's Woking birthplace - prior to the awards.

A William Hill spokesman said the company believes that they may have been tipped off about who would win the category. He also said it is unlikely that the bookmaker will accept BRIT Awards bets next year.

"It was our music department's worst night for years," the spokesman told The Sun. "It's highly unlikely we'll be betting on the BRITs again as there is no doubt the results are circulating up to a week before.

"The fact Paul's' interview was pre-recorded suggests people had been tipped off," the spokesman continued.

Despite Weller pre-recording his acceptance speech for the award, he is not believed to be involved in the scam.

A BRIT Awards spokesman said: "Every precaution is taken to keep results under lock and key."

Photo: bbc.co.uk
Material: nme.com

Weller Says He Was Right To Split The Jam.

Paul Weller says he has no regrets about splitting up The Jam - and has repeated his distaste for the current reunion without him. The band split in 1982 at Weller's behest, but drummer Rick Buckler and bassist Bruce Foxton recently formed a new version of the group, From The Jam, with a different singer.

However, speaking to BBC 6Music's Music Week show, the original frontman says there is no going back for him.

"It was the right thing to do. It was an artistic decision, without sounding poncey. I didn't want to be in the same set up for the rest of my life. I like to change and move on," Weller explained.

"Do I miss it? No, not particularly. I quite like what today is. It was a lot of pressure, being that kind of spokesman for a generation. Whether it was my own fault for setting myself up or not, I don't know, but it was a lot of pressure for a young man. I certainly didn't miss that."

Weller added he would not be attending his old bandmates shows any time soon.

"I'm not mad about the idea, it's a bit cabaret to me," he explained. "I thought we were against all that."

In response, Jam drummer Rick Buckler said, "I don't understand the spleen-venting. It is totally out of the blue and I was shocked by it.

"In the Jam days, we were quite a unified force. We had to be. I don't know why he's got it in for me - we haven't spoken since 1983. You can understand my bemusement. The Jam was a band, it wasn't just Paul Weller."

Weller's first album in three years, 22 Dreams, will be released this summer. The first single, "Echoes Round the Sun," was co-written with Noel Gallagher.

Photo: BBC Radio via bbc.co.uk
Material: nme.com & independent.co.uk

Happy Birthday Paul Weller.

Pushing the limits has always been the musical philosophy of Waist High favorite Paul Weller.

From his time with The Jam, still for many the most inspirational group of the last thirty years, through to the pop genius of The Style Council, to his ever-evolving solo career, he has always made a point of keeping ahead of the throng.

Now with a new generation of bands inspired by his music and mindset, Paul Weller has, without a doubt, earned his stripes, proven further still by his recent 2006 BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music, and nomination for MOJO magazine's Honours List 2006 'Inspiration Award,' which is "presented to an act that has been the catalyst for music fans and fellow musicians alike."

Material: vfestival.com & mojo4music.com
Photo: bbc.co.uk

Happy Birthday Paul Weller.

Born in the working class British town of Woking in 1958, Paul Weller was the "reluctant spokesman for a generation as the lead singer in The Jam, turned us on to bluenote jazz and cappuccinos via the Style Council, and as a solo artist since 1991 has dabbled in everything from experimental funk and psychedelic jazz to acoustic folk and pastoral soul rock. His recording legacy is peerless - six albums with The Jam and four number 1 singles, four LP's with The Style Council," (paulweller.com) and more than nine solo albums including "Wild Wood, arguably the finest collection of songs Weller had written since The Jam's All Mod Cons." (icebergradio.com)

This guy might be a bigger Paul Weller fan than Waist High, we are not sure.