So I was just planning on spending the day biking, relaxing and hanging out by the pool. Maybe we'd go out for dinner, but that's it. Until I got the surprise...the BEST birthday present EVER. Paul Weller, whom I hope at least one of you have heard of. He started The Jam and then The Style Council and now he's on his own (has been for quite some time). He's The Modfather, from England and a super star over there, he's huge! Not so huge here in the states, but we love him. Bruce introduced me to his music about 10 years ago and he's been my favorite ever since. We have seen him about 8 times (he doesn't come over the states very much).
Have a listen to one of his songs.
If you haven't heard this one, try this...it's one of his big hits.
Anyway, we are going to see Paul Weller tomorrow, on my birthday, how great is that. The venue is called the Wiltern and it's small and intimate and has a great sound. I'm so excited that Bruce got these tickets, it's a great present.
About 3 years ago we saw him at the House of Blues, we actually went to all 3 shows. Our friend is an agent and he got us into the "vip lounge" and we had a drink and hung out...but no Paul. So we went outside to have a smoke (not me but Bruce) and who comes out onto the landing, Paul Weller! OMG. I almost fainted. We talked to him for about 15 minutes, about his kids, music, LA, etc... Then the next night I got to meet him again I got my picture taken with him...what the hell! Bruce said he was so nervous that he wasn't going to get the shot, but he did.
me and Paul Bruce had 3 vintage Vespas (he sold them all when he got hit by a car and was almost killed). But many people who follow Weller are total MODS, they wear their big parka's (like paul's above) and ride Vespas. We would ride our Vespa to the shows and park them right out front with all the others, it was so much fun. Bruce was really sad selling his vespas, but LA isn't the right place for them, but France is!!!!
This was our P200e, 1985
I'll let you know how the concert was, but Paul never disappoints!
10 comments:
Happy Birthday!! I look forward to our luncheon and we will celebrate some more.
And, now that you tell me Paul was in Jam and Style Council I know he is. I am not good at Musician's name unless that name is my beloved Morrisey.
I used to be a big English Beat fan. Ah, the days of ska!
Have a great time at the concert. I look forward to hearing about it.
I love love love Paul Weller and the Jam and the Style Council. You've seen him 8 times??? Fabulous!
What a great birthday present.
Happy Birthday! We were both born on the same year! I haven't heard of Paul Weller but it sounds like it'll be fun evening all in all. Have a good one!
You crazy new waver kids and your mop tops and scooters. Enjoy the show!
LBR - I can't wait for our lunch so we can finally meet. Bruce used to live with this guy (still our good friend) and when they moved in together his only request was NO morrissey. Bruce was bummed...he LOVES him and think his lyrics are some of the best. Concert was great, Paul rocked!
Loulou - YES another Weller fan. YEAH!!!!! There are not many of us here in the states. He rocked the house last night - did "Eaton Rifles", "Out of the Sinking", "You do someting to me" "Shout to the Top" "That's entertainment" (of course), "Town called Malice" (of course) and some other great tunes. There are so many great songs you always leave a bit disappointed he didn't play all of them - ones like "Foot of the mountain" "My ever changing Moods" "Clues" "Cosmos"...I could go on and on.
Actually I just asked Bruce how many times we have seen him - and it's 11. It's the only person we ever see live. We are hoping to see him in Europe or England next year. If he comes to France we all should go!
Rowena - 1963 was a very good year. You need to check out Paul Weller - he's huge in Europe and England and he's amazing!
Randall - show was great. We miss the our scooters.
OJL: Poor Bruce!! I cannot imagine a life without Morrissey. I so agree---there is no better lyric writer.
So glad you had a great time!!
See you Friday!!!!:-)
Hi Alicia,
Sorry to be late; happy belated birthday wishes to you !
That was a really cool b day gift! I just know that you enjoyed every note.
This will probabaly be my last comment here, as Sunday we will be leaving for the States.
Have a safe trip
xxxxxxx
Hello
I found this blog while wasting time online (as you do). I was attracted by a couple of things; you are going to live in France, you are a fully developed adult, you are an artist, you write well.
I have similar aspirations. I have only been to Paris and Lyon but want to go back with my husband when we can to explore. One day, who knows when, I'd love to live there. At this stage I dream of living in Paris, but once we've explored, who knows? I am adding you to the reading list on my new blog. I hope that's okay. If not let me know and I will remove you.
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