This Day in Music – 25th May

Born on this day in 1958, Paul Weller, UK singer, guitarist, songwriter with The Jam who had the 1980 UK No.1 single ‘Going Underground’ plus over 15 other UK Top 40 singles. Weller then formed the Style Council, who had the 1983 UK No.3 single ‘Long Hot Summer’ plus 14 other UK Top 40 singles, and is now solo (1995 UK No.7 single ‘The Changing Man’).
Starting with the punk rock band The Jam (1976–1982), Weller then went on to branch out musically to a more soulful style with The Style Council (1983–1989). In 1991 he re-established himself as a successful solo artist, and continues to remain a respected singer, lyricist and guitarist.
He has remained a national rather than an international star, and much of his songwriting is rooted in British culture. He is also the principal figure of the 1970s and 80s mod revival and is often referred to as the Modfather.
His 1995 album Stanley Road took him back to the top of the British charts for the first time in a decade, and went on to become the best-selling album of his career. The album, named after the street in Woking where he had grown up, marked a return to the more guitar-based style of his earlier days.
Weller found himself heavily associated with the Britpop movement that gave rise to such bands as Oasis, Pulp and Blur. Weller even appeared as a guest guitarist and backing vocalist on Oasis’ hit song “Champagne Supernova”. The album’s major single, “The Changingman”, was also a big hit, taking Weller to #7 in the UK singles charts. Another single, the ballad “You Do Something To Me”, was his second consecutive Top 10 single and reached #9 in the UK.