This is a lovely story about Paul Weller (especially if you’re a fan of Paul Weller)
16.
“We’ve been listening to backstage on tour. It’s great, but there’s a couple of singers I’ve never heard before and I need to find out more about them.” (16/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
17.
It turned out that they were Richard Hawley and an American singer-songwriter called Ernie Payne. I filled him in as best as I could (not so hard, in the case of Hawley). (17/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
18.
He continued, “So, anyway. I was wondering, ‘Do you want to DJ at my Alexandra Palace show in two weeks?” (18/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
19.
I was momentarily speechless, which he misinterpreted as me trying to decide if I wanted to do it. “Obviously, I’ll pay you,” he said. (19/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
20.
“You don’t need to pay me,” I replied. “It’s absolutely fine. I only live around the corner anyway.” (20/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
21.
“Well, we can sort that out later, anyway. So you’ll do it, will you? Great!” (21/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
22.
Two weeks later, I did the gig. It was a brilliant night. I didn’t go backstage afterwards. I figured he probably had enough people to see. (22/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
23.
A couple of days later, the phone rings. It’s Weller again. “I’ve got a cheque here for you. Where shall I send it?” (23/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
24.
Anyway, the point isn’t that he insisted on paying me (although that was nice). The point is that, he listened to the CD and that, after all these years, he’s still relentlessly curious about music. https://t.co/6EhnJFHvFg (24/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
25.
He’s retained the mindset of a fan and record collector. And I think that’s a huge part of the reason why he’s retained his vitality as an artist. There are new influences constantly going into his music. (25/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
26.
Ever since he followed Going Underground with Start!, he’s rarely put out the record you expected him to put out. He has stayed inquisitive. And that’s why, tomorrow, you’ll see so many tweets and posts wishing him a happy 60th birthday. (26/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
27.
He remains a inspiration. A reminder that curiosity and enthusiasm don’t have to burn away with age. (27/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
28.
And whatever he’s doing and wherever he is, I hope he has an absolutely brilliant day. https://t.co/avZzYFbaoH (28/28)
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) May 24, 2018
And you can follow Pete Paphidies here.