Somerset House exhibition The Jam: About the Young Idea honours Paul Weller’s punk-mod band
Paul Weller says he is “honoured” by a new exhibition celebrating the history of the Jam, which opens tomorrow at Somerset House in London.
The Jam, a punk rock/mod revival band who formed in Woking in 1972, had a No1 hit with Going Underground in 1980. They had three further chart toppers – A Town Called Malice, Beat Surrender and Start – and by the time they disbanded in 1982 had notched up 18 consecutive UK top 40 singles and more than 14 million global album sales.
The exhibition, called The Jam: About the Young Idea, is being curated by Weller’s sister Nicky, who ran the band’s fan club at the height of their fame. There will be video footage of Weller’s late father John, who managed the band, to greet visitors on arrival.
Singer Weller’s bandmates, drummer Rick Buckler and bass player Bruce Foxton, have opened up their archives, especially for the show. The collection includes hand written lyrics, original stage outfits, personal photographs and footage, unreleased music videos, early scrapbooks, letters and postcards, posters and fanzines, and the band’s instruments.
The exhibition, designed in reference to album artworks and featuring original graphics from celebrated artist Anthony Burrill, will provide a personal insight into the band’s life and their influence on popular culture. It charts the trio’s journey from Sheerwater Secondary Modern in Woking to international success, following the release of their debut hit single In The City, whose lyrics are referenced in the exhibition’s title.
• 100 best love songs of all time
Weller said: “When we were in the band, I would never have thought that some 35-odd years later, there would be an exhibition in our name at Somerset House. How incredible it is to think of all the memorabilia from the band, our families and fans together in one place. What an honour.”
Read the full article at The Telegraph
Got gaps in your Jam or Weller collection? Look no further than at eil.com for rare Vinyl, CDs, Vintage Posters and Memorabilia
Be the first to comment