Paul Weller

December, 8th 2010
Liverpool (Echo Arena)

Paul Weller – yet again makes a welcome return to Liverpool’s Echo Arena for a more than appreciative dollop of scouse hospitality.

This time backed with solid support from The Isle of Wight’s very own The Bees.

It is, this time however, that Weller can ride proudly high in to – town on the back of a Mercury Album Nomination, and universal praise for this year’s critically acclaimed Wake up the Nation!

The evenings set is opened with a touching tribute to John Lennon; via a heart felt Love, coupled with a rocking Come Together. It is then from this that “we are to be treated to some new stuff” these collective words are surely enough to send shivers down the spines of even the most worthy of concert goers! This however is no problem indeed, given the strength, and quality of Weller’s recent output.  Gems like Andromeda, Moonshine, and the title track Wake Up The Nation, along with prime-cuts from the equally impressive 22 Dreams album, are all delivered with power and the kind of intensity that would leave a 21 yr old Weller quietly respectful.

For those in attendance – who perhaps yearned for something a bit more old-school from Weller, where not to be short changed at all? The Jam’s Start! Money, and the glorious call to arms that is Eton – Rifles, played with just a mere hint of self- knowingness, considering No 10’s present incumbent.

Much of the encore is then given to best bits of 1995’s Stanley Road courtesy of Broken Stones, The Changing Man, and the achingly beautiful ballad You Do Something to Me.

It’s the pure musicianship of the back players, Liverpool’s very own Steve Pilgrim (Drums), Andy Lewis (Bass) and Andy Crofts (Keys) which helps elevate the evening to the rafters, leaving the Six – thousand plus crowd walking Above the Clouds as they left the auditorium.

James Brodie.

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