Paul Weller
About the Gig
Fred Perry launches Subculture – a series of gigs that will bring together some of the most iconic names from its heritage, playing alongside the cream of new British talent. And what is the best way to launch it? See if a British music and fashion legend is up for playing the 300 capacity and world famous 100 Club.......
The launch gig saw the legendary Paul Weller ‘The greatest British songwriter of his generation’ play a blinding 90 minute set from his forthcoming album 'As Is Now'. From the stripped back, guitar fuelled sound of 'Blink' to 'From the Floorboards Up' this was undoubtedly Weller at his very best. Between the new songs, Weller managed to slip in some old favourites such as 'The Woodcutter's Son’ and 'Shadow Of The Sun’ - described by one fan as "the single best ever live version by a mile".
A once in a lifetime gig and an incredible way to kick off Subculture.
About the Band
What do you say about the inimitable Paul Weller?
Paul Weller is a cultural icon, with a career spanning three decades producing hit after seminal hit. His undoubted talent, matched to his musical integrity, has been a major part of his enduring and timeless appeal. As influential now, as he was with The Jam, more bands than it is possible to list have been influenced by his sound. Oasis, Ocean Colour Scene, The Kaiser Chiefs and The Rakes all openly admit their indebtedness to Paul and the Weller sound.
And the great man returned to play The 100 Club, to mark the launch of Fred Perry Subculture. Playing the venue for only the second time since 1977, Paul rocked through tracks from his superb new album 'As Is Now' - available October 10th 2005. Undoubtedly the hardest ticket to get hold of this year, and the most talked about London gig of recent months, the night is already a unique part of the Paul Weller, Fred Perry and 100 Club folklore.
Reviews
Yeproc.com, Yep Roc Records, London, June 05
The wait is over. Three years on from Illumination and a year since his highly acclaimed covers album, Studio 150, you have 14 new songs from Paul Weller, simply titled 'As Is Now'. The good news doesn't end there. Fired up by both his break from writing and the resurgence in British guitar bands, many of whom were inspired to pick up a guitar in the first place by Paul, 'As Is Now' is quite simply a milestone record, a dazzling return to the form which made Wildwood and Stanley Road central texts to Britpop a decade ago.....
...14 brand new songs from the greatest British songwriter of his generation. Crank it up loud. Mr. Weller, we'll see you in the speakers.
The Mirror - August 05
Nearly 30 years ago, Paul Weller was, along with Joe Strummer and Johnny Rotten, one of the three major figures to emerge from Britpunk. Now Strummer is no longer with us and Rotten is a reality show has-been. But Weller is back with his strongest record in a decade.
'From The Floorboards Up' is a two minutes 27 second rocking blast that sounds as fresh and determined as Weller's brilliant debut with The Jam, 'In The City', did back in 1977.
What's On - July 05
The Weller is back and in top form. Forget the covers this new guitar-fuelled original means that his song-writing hat fits once again.
