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 soul-infused 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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