Paul Weller’s Three Decades of Music in Three Nights

Paul Weller’s lack of fame in America is a very special gift for his fans in the States, and those who travel there to see him. It means that one can actually get a ticket to a gig where the musicians are visible without paying more than face value (if one is quick enough). For three nights in New York earlier this week, Mr. Weller gave a special set of concerts, each night themed after a different stage in his three-movement career.

The promoter sold three-day passes, billing the thing as a night of the Jam, a night of the Style Council and a night music from Mr. Weller’s solo career, the three movements. This was somewhat misleading, as only the first 10 or so tunes fit the description the first two evenings. Mr. Weller warned everyone in a Newsday interview, “I don’t want to give too much away, but we’ll start off and do 10 Jam or Style Council tunes, and then a normal set. People expect us to do a greatest hits thing -- we don't really do that. Hopefully, my audience will understand that it’s going to be more B-sides or album tracks as opposed to ‘Going Underground’.”

This left some annoyed or disappointed, but this is a musician who still thinks his best work lies ahead of him. Nostalgia is acceptable in small doses only. Deceptive promotional practices pre-date rock and roll, though, and the guys in concert promotion seem to be genetically incapable of changing. As Hunter Thompson would say, “you buy the ticket, you take the ride.”

The first night was the most anticipated; first nights always are, and the emphasis on the Jam tunes meant the Old Guard’s musical itches were to be scratched (and were). The second night had a few rough edges, largely due to the whack sound system at New York’s Irving Plaza. Mr. Weller was visibly upset at his sound engineer during the dodgy first 30 minutes, but New Yorkers know that this venue needs an audio upgrade in the worst possible way -- or perhaps it has had one, in the worst possible way.

Something truly magical occurred the final night of the three. Sometimes, a performer simply hits everything right: the right mood, right energy, and right audience. After three songs, Mr. Weller smiled at his long-time drummer Steve White and pumped his fist like he’d scored a goal in the World Cup. A Union Jack had been draped over some of the equipment on stage that had the words “Fire + Skill” taped across its St. George’s cross. Mr. Weller always brings his skill to a gig, but on Wednesday, there was also a particularly hot fire, the sort the late Joe Strummer talked about when a band just clicked; on the nights when it burns, performing is the greatest high imaginable.

Now, it’s onto Los Angeles for two nights at the Avalon. The West Coast is as fertile territory as New York for Wellermania, but it probably won’t be as cold waiting for the door to open. Given the odd winter North America is suffering, though, there are no guarantees. Still the Kensington Review advises those heading to the Avalon to wear light clothing. One must respect the fire.

© Copyright 2007 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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