Originally this was planned as a straightforward Q&A type chat with Rick. However, the best laid plans and all that. We ended up in a pub and things meandered. Especially as we were accompanied by: Den Davis (Jam archivist/About The Young Idea Exhibitions) Sam Molnar (school friend of Paul Weller) Jeff Shadbolt (Purple Hearts/ PH2 bassist) and Tim V (Sham 69/Rick’s manager). As you can see, I wasn’t really needed, well, apart from trying (and failing) to keep the chat on track.
We started the day off with a photoshoot at the Jam monument in Woking centre ‘The Three Twigs’ as Den Davis describes it. ‘Spruce’ Foxton, ‘Stick’ Buckler and ‘Pole’ Weller. Jeff Shadbolt kindly pitched up with Alex Skingle’s lovely Dunton Original scooter in order to add a bit more glamour.
Pub talk
In the pub, my prepared list of questions went out of the window the second we sat down. Sam kicked the whole thing off with a question which was about as blunt and direct as you could get…
Sam: Were you all pissed when you played that televised gig at Woking Youth Club?
No. I certainly wasn’t. I don’t drink until after the show, it ruins the co-ordination. You can’t do it. The others probably were. It wasn’t a full set as I remember, it was only
