Paul Weller had Sydney audience in raptures with a repertoire of hits

PAUL Weller brought The Jam, the Style Council and more than a few of his own cracking tunes in a show that held a Sydney audience spellbound.

Paul Weller had the Sydney crowd in raptures during his first show at the Opera House. Picture: Ken Leanfore

The Modfather of British rock Paul Weller has confirmed a particular love affair with his Australian audience at his Sydney Opera House concerts.

Weller joined The Cure, Stone Roses, Spiritualized, Morrissey and Florence and the Machine as one of the milestone seminal artists to perform at the venerable venue since contemporary music elbowed its way as a more regular feature in its hallowed halls and forecourt.

With a band featuring multi-instrumentalists of enviable skill, the wildly respected and revered singer and songwriter had hundreds of songs to construct the perfect set.

Paul Weller played songs from his days in The Jam, the Style Council and from his solo career. Picture: Ken Leanfore

Yet, even with his 13th studio album A Kind Revolution to consider, Weller proved to be generous to his audience on the second night of a three-show stand at the Opera House’s Concert Hall on Sunday.

From The Jam through The Style Council and his 25-year solo career, he deftly wove his way across the decades considering his own enjoyment and that of his enduring fans.

The setlist was an almost perfect mix to shine the spotlight on his compelling songwriting, both as a lyricist and composer, and his fearlessness in exploring all of rock’s possibilities.

Paul Weller shines at Sydney Opera House. Picture: Supplied

From the psychedelic blues of opener White Sky to post-punk chant ofEton Rifles, through the Northern soul of Shout To The Top and the new wave bounce of Town Called Malice, Weller made sure there was plenty to push the buttons to get people to their feet.

His power to thrill was far from diminished when he sampled his vast and compelling solo repertoire with Saturns Pattern, Woo Se Mama, Wild Wood, Friday Street, Peacock Suit and I’m Where I Should Be.

The elegant and enthusiastic artist was sweetly grateful for the applause and the opportunity to play these gigs at one of the world’s signature venues.

Paul Weller showed off his sublime musicianship. Picture: Ken Leanfore

And cheeky, too, introducing Style Council’s Have You Ever Had It Blue by mentioning “it was off a s**t film ... Absolute Beginners” before an “oops”.

There would be no offence directed at David Bowie whose influence on his work, along with The Beatles, is undeniable. You had to wonder if the Blackstar logo on the amps was tribute or simply branding.

The Modfather, Paul Weller, was in fine form in Sydney. Picture: Warner Music

Weller offered two revelations at his Sunday concert. The first that he is perhaps a very underrated guitarist and pianist. He plays both with precision and passion.

And he is a brilliant composer of love songs. You Do Something To Me stands out alongside She Moves With The Fayre and Long Long Road.

Weller and his band claimed the Concert Hall as their own, and undoubtedly belonged there, with a performance that was equal parts arms wrapped around you, challenged you to get out of your seat and offered the stuff of memories.

He performs his final concert at the Sydney Opera House on Monday.

Paul Weller in his Jam days. Picture: Supplied

Originally published as Paul Weller had Sydney audience in raptures with a repertoire of hits