The Jam Was Moving

Would give my best nut to visit "The Jam: About the Young Idea" on display now at the Somerset House in London:

This summer, Somerset House, in collaboration with Nice Time Inc Productions, is proud to present The Jam: About the Young Idea. With unprecedented access to The Jam’s archive, Somerset House will curate the first comprehensive exhibition about the extraordinary band whose music immortalised life for Britain’s disenchanted youth during the late 70s and early 80s. Through unseen material and fan memorabilia, the exhibition will chart the trio’s journey from Sheerwater Secondary Modern in Woking to superstardom, kick-started by the release of their debut hit single ‘In The City’, whose lyrics are referenced in the exhibition’s title, and ended six years later with 18 consecutive UK top 40 singles and over 14 million global album sales.

For the very first time, all three members of the band – Paul Weller, Rick Buckler and Bruce Foxton – the Weller family and music archivist Den Davis have opened up their archives, especially for the show. The collection, which is curated by frontman Paul’s sister and former head of The Jam’s fan club Nicky Weller, Tory Turk and Russell Reader with additional advice from DJ Gary Crowley, 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 unique and personal insight into the band’s trailblazing life and the retrospect legacy The Jam left on music, style, politics and culture.

Although I came of age even more during Weller's Style Council years, The Jam had a huge influence on me, and the exhibition looks like something I could spend a week straight going through. That Paul Weller hates nostalgia as much as Madonna makes the moment all the more special, as it seems he has truly embraced it.

Perhaps the only thing more joyous than seeing Paul, Paul Weller, Rick Buckler and Bruce Foxton all in one place is this photo of onetime backup singer and Respond artist Tracie Young (and her son) with her former mentor. I mentioned having recently dined with Tracie when I met Paul a few years ago and his face lit up. Although Respond never took off the way many had hoped, for a brief moment in time, Tracie et al. were the shit!  Complete show info HERE.