Paul Weller is a musical icon whose influence and legacy deserve greater recognition, especially in the United States. His career spans nearly five decades, beginning in the late 1970s as the frontman for the legendary British band The Jam. Known for their punk-driven energy and socially-conscious lyrics, The Jam helped shape the UK punk and mod revival movements. In the mid-1980s, Weller reinvented himself, moving away from the punk sounds of The Jam to form The Style Council, where he embraced a more sophisticated, pop-oriented sound infused with elements of jazz, soul, and R&B.
Last night, Weller returned to the Philadelphia area for the first time in seven years, performing at a sold-out show at the Keswick Theatre. At the Keswick last night, Weller celebrated his 17th solo album, 66, aptly named to reflect his age. The crowd was treated to a rich and varied 30-song setlist, seamlessly weaving through his extensive catalog. The familiar sounds of The Style Council’s hits like “My Ever Changing Moods” and “Headstart for Happiness” energized the venue, setting the tone for the evening.
Paul Weller | photo by Joe Del Tufo for WXPN
Backed by an extraordinary seven-piece band, Weller’s performance was impeccable, with each track delivered with precision and passion. Guitarist Steve Cradock, founder of Ocean Colour Scene, elevated the music with his masterful playing. Many of the songs had a jazz-like spontaneity, with Weller and his band effortlessly transitioning between structured melodies and improvised sections, adding a layer of complexity to the live renditions.
The night concluded on a high note, with Weller closing the main set with three of his most powerful solo tracks: “The Changingman,” “Porcelain Gods,” and “Wild Wood.” For the second encore, he surprised the audience with a rare performance of “It’s a Very Deep Sea” from The Style Council’s Confessions of a Pop Group, before ending the show with an explosive rendition of “Town Called Malice.” This Jam classic, which debuted at number one on the UK charts in 1982, brought the night to a rousing conclusion, leaving the audience in awe of Weller’s enduring talent and musical legacy.