On May 14th, Paul Weller released his 16th solo album since his self-titled debut in 1992, his fourth in as many years and his second in just under twelve months following June 2020’s magnificent, chart-topping On Sunset. It’s not hyperbole to state that this new album, titled Fat Pop (Volume 1), is among his most compelling collections, bar none, including all of his era-defining work in the 1970s and ‘80s with The Jam and The Style Council. It’s an absolute scorcher.
The show at Swansea’s Singleton Park that will feature work across his prolific career & his brilliant new material, follows successful concerts on the site with Noel Gallagher, Jess Glynne & Catfish & The Bottlemen and again is promoted by award winning promoters Orchard Live. Pablo Janczur from Orchard Live said ‘’We are thrilled to be working again with an unbelievable artist like Paul Weller and bringing the Mod Father to Swansea!’’
When lockdown was declared in March 2020, Paul Weller decided immediately that he wanted something to focus on, since it seemed unlikely he’d be able to tour On Sunset as planned that summer.
“I had lots of ideas stored up on my phone,” he explains down that same handset, speaking from outside his London home, “and at least this gave me an opportunity to develop them.” So he started to record songs on his own, doing just vocals, piano and guitar, then sending those sound files to his core band members such as drummer Ben Gordelier, Steve Cradock on guitar and various other instruments, and bassist Andy Crofts for them to add their parts. “It was a bit weird not being together, but at least it kept the wheels rolling. I’d have gone potty otherwise.”
