Paul Weller. Photo by Chyrisse. CPT_7395 — Paul Weller. Photo by Chyrisse.

By Wendy Hunter, Journalist, and Chyrisse Tabone, Photographer – Rock At Night Tampa

Live Review: Paul Weller with Liam Bailey – 66 Tour- Eventim Apollo, London, UK – November 9, 2024

Winner of four Brit awards: Three time Best British Male Solo Artist (’95, ’96, ’09) and the Brit Award in ’06 for Outstanding Contribution to Music.

Walking into the Eventim Apollo was like a dream sequence for me because this was my first concert in London. The Apollo was dressed in it’s 1932 Art Deco style with soft lighting and comfy green velvet seats just waiting for the sold out crowd of over 3,600. I was perched in the balcony watching Gen X and Baby Boomers buzzing with anticipation as they filed into the space below.

The night was like opening a gift. After untying the ribbon from the package, Liam Bailey stepped on stage. Bailey hails from Nottingham and is known for his Reggae beat, but he gifted us with so much more. His energy was unstoppable with a strong and passionate voice coupled with constant movement across the stage and an occasional high kick. His four-person band was perfectly synchronized. The surprise was his crooning providing a soul sound, but it was difficult for me to pin down a favorite genre, since Bailey and his talented band constantly moved from Indie to Pop and more. A favorite song was “Dance with Me,” which the listeners loved as they expressed appreciation with clapping, whistling, and dancing.

Paul Weller

Some of Weller’s popular songs from his past group, The Jam, were seen in America on MTV, but most of his catalogue did not travel across the Atlantic to my ears. After kicking off the night with the 2021 song, “Cosmic Fringes,” with a driving beat, a unique sound, and perfect vocals, I was a fan. Weller shouted out “We’re going to play a lot of songs tonight!” Concert goers, especially the those standing at the front of the stage, went wild with clapping and whistling. The band had two drummers (Steve Pilgrim and Ben Gordelier) with distinctive integrated drum work during some songs. During many songs one drummer focussed on percussion while the other provided the beat. Excellent guitar work was crafted by Steve Cradock and Jake Fletcher was a hit on the bass. Thomas Van Heel made the keyboard sing, and Jacko Peake added a special ambiance with the lilting flute and ballsy alto saxophone. Weller led with clear vocals, a bright guitar tone, and fluid work at the keyboard.

Weller introduced the song “Jumble Queen,” which was co-written with Noel Gallagher of Oasis who was also rumored to be in the audience. With a heavy alto saxophone, the lyrics to this song appear to describe the current world of conspiracy and impermanence. The song “Into Tomorrow,” also from Weller’s latest album called “66” had a similar feel. From blue love songs like “All the Pictures on the Wall” to “Headstart for Happiness” describing happier days, each were meticulously presented with precision and soul. My favorite songs included “Shout to the Top!” and “Start” with those ‘80s era sounds including both the lilting flute and saxophone as an extra topping. To see this concert was an honor and a joy since Weller and his band exude a vibrant look back, as well as a glimpse of the present era with his music. But it was all the listeners who gave a big thumbs up with their shouts, smiles, and dancing throughout this concert presented by the iconic Weller.