Paul Weller is an English singer, songwriter and musician known as the Modfather, a leading figure in British music for more than five decades. He first found fame as the frontman of The Jam, then led The Style Council, and later built a long and acclaimed solo career.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | John William Weller |
| Born | May 25, 1958 |
| Age | 68 years old |
| Birthplace | Woking, Surrey, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Years Active | 1972 – present |
| Spouse | Hannah Andrews (married 2010) |
| Known For | The Jam, The Style Council, Wild Wood, Stanley Road |
Who Is Paul Weller?
Paul Weller is a singer and songwriter from Woking, England, whose career has spanned three distinct acts. With The Jam he became a voice of late-1970s Britain, with The Style Council he explored soul and jazz, and as a solo artist he has released a steady run of albums that have kept him at the top of the UK charts into his sixties.
Weller is known for his sharp songwriting, his mod style and his willingness to change direction. He has influenced generations of British bands, from Oasis and Blur to newer indie acts, and he continues to record and tour with a loyal audience.
Early Life & Background
John William Weller was born on May 25, 1958, in Woking, Surrey, England, to John and Ann Weller. His father worked as a taxi driver and later became his manager. Weller attended Sheerwater Secondary School in Woking, where he formed a band with school friends, and he began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by The Beatles, The Who and Motown.
In 1972, at the age of 14, Weller formed The Jam with Steve Brookes, Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler. The band played local gigs and built a following in London, signing to Polydor Records in 1977. Weller became the group’s main songwriter, guitarist and singer.
Career
The Jam released their debut album, In the City, in 1977 and became one of the leading bands of the punk and new wave era. Their later albums, including All Mod Cons in 1978, Setting Sons in 1979 and Sound Affects in 1980, produced hit singles such as Town Called Malice, Going Underground and That’s Entertainment. The band split in 1982 at the height of its success, with Weller deciding to move on.
Weller then formed The Style Council with keyboard player Mick Talbot. The group mixed soul, jazz and pop, and had hits with Shout to the Top! and You’re the Best Thing. The Style Council released albums including Cafe Bleu in 1984 and Our Favourite Shop in 1985, before splitting in 1989.
His solo career began with the album Paul Weller in 1992, followed by Wild Wood in 1993 and Stanley Road in 1995, which included The Changingman and You Do Something to Me. Further solo albums included Heavy Soul in 1997, Illumination in 2002, 22 Dreams in 2008, Sonik Kicks in 2012 and A Kind Revolution in 2017. In 2020 he released On Sunset, followed by Fat Pop, Volume 1 in 2021 and 66 in 2024.
Facts About Paul Weller
- Paul Weller was born in Woking, Surrey, on May 25, 1958.
- He formed The Jam at the age of 14.
- The Jam had number-one singles with Town Called Malice and Going Underground.
- He led The Style Council in the 1980s with Mick Talbot.
- His solo album Stanley Road was released in 1995 and included The Changingman.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Paul Weller?
Paul Weller is 68 years old. He was born on May 25, 1958, in Woking, Surrey, England.
How tall is Paul Weller?
Paul Weller is 5 feet 10 inches tall (1.78 m).
Who is Paul Weller’s wife?
Paul Weller has been married to Hannah Andrews since 2010.
Which bands was Paul Weller in?
Paul Weller was the frontman of The Jam and later led The Style Council, before starting a solo career in the 1990s.
What is Paul Weller famous for?
Paul Weller is famous for The Jam songs such as Town Called Malice and Going Underground, for The Style Council, and for his solo albums Wild Wood and Stanley Road.