Paul Weller
Paul Weller
Eden Sessions
Having had ‘Jam related issues’ with Mr. Weller for many years, my Weller-mad son
informed me that it was ‘time to get over it’ and see how amazing he is live. So this
review is not coloured by passion for the man dubbed the Modfather, or a Wellerite
who follows him wherever he leads.
The arena literally roared as one as the set was opened with a blistering rendition of
Peacock Suit and from that first song I was hooked back under the Weller spell.
Weller kept the concert upbeat and rockin’ – possibly remembering those classic Jam
gigs at the Coliseum and appreciating that Cornish fans like to rock. Moving seamlessly
from his solo work in the form of From The Floorboards Up, Changing Man and
Wildwood, Weller cleverly interspersed these with Jam classics; an amazing Eton
Rifles, an electrifying That’s Entertainment and a class version of Malice. Interesting to
feel the sea change in the crowd whenever he played opening notes of Jam hits – the
fans were word perfect with their singalongs from start to finish.
Yep, I put my hands up – I stood in the pouring rain for 2 hours singing as loudly as
everyone else and pogoing so much I could hardly move the next day. I have heard
reports that some of his recent gigs have been dull as he plugs his latest album, the same
fans tell me that the Eden gig was his best ever performance.
As for me, the Paul Weller/Florence and the Machine night is in my top 5 Eden sessions
of all time – OMG, did I really put that in writing?
Sheila Vanloo
July 2009
