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50. Roger Pilling - Paul Weller’s School Friend
42:05||Season 3, Ep. 50In this episode, I’m joined by Roger Pilling, who offers an intimate window into Paul Weller’s formative years - sharing memories from their early friendship at Sheerwater School right through to the pivotal moments that would define Paul Weller’s life and career. As one of Paul’s earliest confidants, before The Jam and the limelight, Roger’s perspective brings to life the world Weller grew up in: the friendships, family, ambition, and small-town energy that helped shape a future icon.If you’ve ever wondered what Paul Weller was really like before he became a household name - or how those formative experiences set the stage for his incredible journey - Roger’s stories will transport you there. Get ready for tales of schoolyard alliances, Beatles-covered bedrooms, youthful dreams, and enduring friendship as we dive into the roots of one of British music’s most legendary artists.
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49. Joeri Saal – Recording Engineer and Producer, Studio 150 (Amsterdam)
21:32||Season 3, Ep. 49In this episode, recording and mixing engineer Joeri Saal shares a behind-the-scenes perspective on working with Paul Weller during the creation of the Studio 150 and As Is Now albums - capturing the collaborative Amsterdam sessions and the transition to mixing Weller’s original material.
48. Benjamin Herman - Jazz Saxophonist, Composer and Bandleader talks Studio 150 and As is Now...
28:05||Season 3, Ep. 48In this episode, Dutch jazz icon Benjamin Herman shares how his lifelong journey in music - and his creative outlook as a musician and bandleader - was profoundly shaped by working with Paul Weller. From contributing horns and arrangements on Weller’s Studio 150 and As Is Now albums to joining his touring band, Benjamin describes how these collaborations and time spent on the road deeply influenced his own approach to making music.
47. Paul Lester - Record Collector and Uncut - Paul Weller 'Last Man Standing'
31:33||Season 3, Ep. 47In 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).We discuss the enduring influence of meaningful, passionate music journalism.Paul Weller’s restless creativity and refusal to be pinned down by his past.The rare trust and intimacy possible in extended, thoughtful interviews.Paul Lester’s perspective on the continuing story of Weller and his place in British music history.
46. Dean Rudland - Acid Jazz Records
38:46||Season 3, Ep. 46In this episode, Acid Jazz records co-owner, Dean Rudland shares his lifelong musical journey and personal relationship with the world of Paul WellerFrom being pulled into music by The Beatles and The Jam, through finding his own identity in Mod, to eventually working with and around the Weller orbit, Dean gives an insider’s perspective on cultural movements - and Paul Weller’s unique gift for making fans feel part of something bigger.
45. Joe Beckett - Percussionist, Paul Weller Movement 1990
24:25||Season 3, Ep. 45Percussionist Joe Beckett share his stories from inside a pivotal, often-overlooked chapter in Paul Weller’s career: the Paul Weller Movement. Joe recalls the unique circumstances that landed him in the band, from chance club gigs to a spontaneous audition at Solid Bond Studios, and the creative camaraderie that followed.He takes us on the road in 1990, from a packed Dingwalls debut surrounded by mods and scooters, across Europe and the UK, to the final triumphant night at London’s Town & Country Club, later immortalized by the BBC.Along the way, Joe details the evolution of new tracks like 'Kosmos' and 'New Thing,' reflects on the enduring power of Paul Weller’s work ethic, and relives the camaraderie and chaos that defined life as a working musician in a high-pressure, high-energy band finding its feet.
44. Chas De Whalley - Stories of The Jam for Sounds Magazine...
51:27||Season 3, Ep. 44In this episode, music writer Chas De Whalley recalls discovering The Jam after a last-minute tip-off that led him to see them at the Nashville Rooms and review them for Sounds magazine. He reflects on the charged early gigs, their breakthrough shows at the The Roxy, and the fast-moving record deal with Polydor Records.Chas also shares memories of travelling with the band, visiting the Weller family home and seeing Ann Weller run the fan club operation, while watching Paul Weller rapidly develop as a songwriter.Our conversation also revisits the chaos of the Reading Festival 1978 and concludes with reflections on friendship, music history, and his later work with U2.