Dave Amitri on Episode 180 – Paul Weller
About 3 years ago during lockdown one time DJ Dan Jennings started a podcast trying to fulfill his wish to finally interview Paul Weller. Much like our friends Jason and Steven’s Nothing Is Real, Desperately Seeking Paul grew from humble beginnings to be essential listening for thousands of music fans. 179 guests all with connections to Paul Weller. Friends, family, collaborators, journalists and fans sharing their stories, connections to the great man as well as what his music has meant to them. My favourites among many Nick Heyward, Dr Robert and Pete Paphides.
Dan’s style has always been a major part in why it was so listenable. Always allowing guests to tell their stories and giving them plenty of air time. This was Dan’s podcast but it was never about Dan. I’ll admit when I heard that Weller was to be the last episode I was worried how Dan would cope being such a huge fan. I shouldn’t have. This episode is without doubt the best interview I’ve heard with Paul Weller. He’s relaxed, open and clearly, as we were to discover, more content than he’s ever been in his life. He was charming, funny, humble yet still definitely Paul Weller. Dan’s gentle questioning instantly putting his guest at ease as he opened up about everything from his early life in Woking and his first pub gigs through the next nearly 50 years up to his tour next year. No spoilers here but if you’re a fan of Paul Weller it’s essential listening. If you’re not it’s still a fascinating insight into one of Britain’s greatest ever song writers.
It turns out Dan’s first introduction was Uh Huh Oh Yeh! From 1992. As someone who got on the Weller train in 1977 I’m very jealous that he had the pervious 15 years to discover. He’s turned that fandom into a life defining project that has touched many of us. Dan gave himself a moment at the end which was fully deserved. I might share this with Steven to inspire him not to give up on his dream of getting Paul McCartney onto Nothing Is Real. Desperately Seeking Paul II? Uh huh oh yeh! Thanks Dan
The interview is here or wherever you get your podcasts
Sounds great. I’ll be tuning in. At some point. Two hours is outside of my usual comfort zone.
It flys by….
The bath water gets cold with anything longer than an hour
I’ve been a big fan of this right from the off and a hugely enjoyable ride it’s been. Some very good guests on too, yes some obvious ones but some of the more obscure ones had some very enlightening new angles and tales to tell.
When it was announced that Weller himself was to be the final guest I actually had a bit of a lump in my throat for Dan, who comes across as a good guy throughout.