Celebrating his 17th solo album, Paul Weller steps onto the Barrowland stage. An artist who’s never faded away, one who’s continually evolved, Weller shows gratitude to the jubilant crowd and adjusts his guitar.

My mind drifts back to images of The Jam—young, raw, and playing a street concert in London’s Soho in October 1976. Forty-eight years may have passed, but, in essence, little has changed. Paul Weller remains stylish, politically charged, and tirelessly prolific. So many songs. I glance at tonight’s set list—21 tracks, not even counting the encores.

With a voice like no other, one that feels stronger and more assured than ever, Weller takes us on a journey through the vast landscape of his career, touching on everything from The Style Council’s “Shout to the Top!” to The Jam’s “Start!” The night crescendos in a powerhouse finale with “Town Called Malice.”

What more can be said about this artist that hasn’t already been written? His career is so multi-faceted it seems impossible to capture it all in a two-hour set, but that’s exactly what happens. The performance is mesmerizing, the transitions between songs seamless and unified, creating an invisible thread that ties it all together.

It’s a beautiful night in a hot, sweaty Barrowland. The crowd adores Paul Weller, and he reciprocates as they cheer him on.

What you give is what you get.

Sixty-six years strong, and Weller’s still not out.

Photos: Chris Hogge

Words: CECH