Express & Star

Paul Weller, Forest Live, Cannock Chase - review and pictures

It was a night of great music set in the most stunning of locations as Paul Weller delighted thousands of fans at Cannock Chase.

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Paul Weller at Forest Live in Cannock Chase. Picture: Dave Cox

The Modfather’s performance was the first of two headline shows set to take place at the Staffordshire beauty spot this weekend as part of the annual Forest Live open air concerts.

Support for the evening was Midland act Stone Foundation, whose latest album Everybody was recorded at Paul Weller’s Black Barn studio and features five tracks on which he plays.

Though the weather had been largely dull for most of the day, it brightened up just in time for the start of their gig and the band’s upbeat set filled with rock, funk, ska and more sounded fantastic in the sun among the picturesque greenery.

Frontman Neil Jones shone in particular, with strong, soulful vocals, while the rest of the band impressed on drums, percussion, keys, guitar and brass.

The sold-out show organised by Forestry England saw thousands descend on the Birches Valley location, with friends, families and couples alike tucking into picnics and drinks while enjoying the superb live music.

And when headline act Paul Weller took to the stage, the arena burst into life; his array of excited fans cheering with delight as he kicked-off what would be a lively, varied set of nearly two hours.

The 61-year-old star treated audiences to performances of songs from across his career of almost five decades, from hits he recorded with The Jam in the 70s and 80s, to numbers from his modern-day solo career.

Paul and his talented band wowed throughout the evening, with the Surrey singer displaying tremendous vocal range and strength on each and every number - from 1993 hit Wild Wood, to a rousing, powerful rendition of The Jam’s That’s Entertainment; both of which saw the crowd heartily sing and move along.

A particular highlight was his performance of 1995 number You Do Something To Me, which saw the icon deliver lovely deep, velvety vocals as the crowd swayed beneath a sky of pink clouds.

Town Called Malice signalled the end of the wonderful show and saw revellers dance, jump and sing along as Paul performed with great energy and zeal.

Another truly excellent evening of live entertainment on the Chase, with a brilliant atmosphere, and superb music and talent.

The perfect way to spend a summer evening.