The Jam

The Jam formed in Woking in 1972, Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton, and Rick Buckler developing a sound that was rooted in the Who and the Kinks but filtered through punk's energy and directness. They signed to Polydor in 1977 and released their debut album 'In the City' — a record that announced a band with a fully formed voice and a very specific vision of English life.

The Jam's commercial success was extraordinary — six consecutive number one singles between 1980 and 1982, a devoted following that bordered on fanaticism, and a critical reputation that placed Weller alongside Lennon and McCartney as a British songwriter. 'Going Underground', 'Town Called Malice', 'Beat Surrender' — the singles were anthemic, political, and possessed of a melodic directness that felt genuinely populist.

Weller broke up the Jam at the height of their success in 1982, a decision that shocked the music world. He formed the Style Council and later had a successful solo career. The Jam's influence on subsequent British music — particularly on Britpop and the Mod revival — has been enormous. Weller remains one of the most important figures in British music.