Prior to the Modfather’s appearance, the other highlight of the night was an appearance from local up-and-comers, The Children, who had a fair few fans of their own amongst the revellers. Weller strolled casually onto the stage; no big build up lighting effects or opening teaser chords, just a glimpse of the perfectly styled barnet emerging from the shadows and we’re off.  | | Paul Weller (pic: Natalie Williams) |
Easing us in with a flawless rendition of the Jam classic, Thick as Thieves, which was nothing but spectacular, he launched into Broken Stones, Changing Man, Wild Wood and Peacock Suit, all performed with the same enthusiasm he had when Stanley Road was pre-iconic. You Do Something To Me - performed at the piano - was the cause of many hairs on the back of necks standing to attention. The sheer power in his voice has simply - like the man himself - improved with age. An incredible evening with an incredible performer, who chose to thank us by ending the show with a roof-blowing version of Town Called Malice, a bit predictable I suppose, but you know what? I didn’t care! | 
