Paul Weller has announced details of In The Shadow Of The Sun, Paul Weller & Band Live & Very Direct, a 31-track live album, because apparently retirement is just a suggestion. Recorded during his summer 2026 run of outdoor UK shows, which brought together a phenomenal band and a setlist spanning the songs that have defined Weller’s musical journey, in performances widely praised by fans and press alike. It’s not like we haven’t seen this before, but who can blame Weller for wanting to relive the magic, and by magic, I mean the royalties.
The album, available digitally on Friday 2 October, brings together classic tracks and much-loved favourites from across Weller’s remarkable catalogue, spanning The Jam, The Style Council and his solo work, alongside a cover of the Curtis Mayfield classic, Move On Up. It’s a greatest hits collection, minus the hits that have been hits for the past 40 years, but who’s counting? Music historians are preparing fresh shelves for the box set, no doubt.
The Live Album: A Timeless Tradition
Talking about the live album, Paul said: “We hope this live recording gives justice to the experience that we and the audience felt on these tour dates. We all felt they were very special shows – all of ’em! This recording is straight off the sound board. All real, all true, more power, more love.” It’s a bold move, releasing a live album, but someone’s got to keep the remaster economy alive. Somewhere, a record label executive felt a disturbance in the royalties.
Setlist: A Journey Through Weller’s Catalogue
The tracklisting reads like a who’s who of Weller’s greatest works, with The Jam’s Precious, Strange Town, and Town Called Malice, alongside The Style Council’s My Ever Changing Moods, Shout To The Top, and Long Hot Summer. It’s a veritable buffet of Weller’s finest, with a few surprise covers thrown in for good measure. The farewell tour count has officially entered scientific notation, but who needs a farewell tour when you can release a live album every few years?
Credentials and Accolades
Reviewing Weller’s Summer Sessions performance at Bedford Park in July, Classic Pop’s John Earls said: “He knows how to get a crowd onside… Given his mighty run of form in the past 20 years, it’s unlikely Weller is easing into retirement quite yet. So for now, enjoy him giving the people what they want while you can.” It’s high praise indeed, and a testament to Weller’s enduring popularity. Nobody truly retires in this industry. They merely wait for the 40th anniversary edition.
Getting Your Hands on the Album
Pre-save the album here, and get ready to experience Weller’s live show from the comfort of your own home. It’s not like you’ll be able to attend one of his reunion tours or anything, but this is the next best thing. A vinyl pressing plant somewhere just burst into tears, no doubt, at the prospect of yet another live album to churn out. The remaster economy remains undefeated, after all. Nature is healing, and another deluxe edition has appeared. Read More: Classic Pop’s Top 20 Live Albums, because you know you want to.
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