From the latter half of 1985, Weller was highly involved in the formation of Red Wedge, a left-wing collective of musicians and actors etc. who aimed to "bring left-wing ideas to other people". [55] However, from around 1988 onwards, he became less politically vocal, ultimately stating during the 1990s that he no longer particularly believed in any politics. [56] During the Jam years, Weller was influenced by early punk bands, including the Sex Pistols and the Clash, and later post-punk acts such as Gang of Four, the Undertones and the Skids. During the final part of the Jam's career, he became more interested in contemporary soul and funk acts, such as Pigbag and Shalamar, as well as 1970s soul and funk artists — most notably Curtis Mayfield.

Paul Weller heads up Mercury Prize nominations". Manchesterwired.co.uk. 20 July 2010 . Retrieved 30 January 2011. I like them a lot", remarked Peter Gabriel, who enlisted Weller to play on his third album. "They're one of the new groups who have written the best songs. They're really very good." [9]a b c d e "Paul Weller | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 2 July 2020. Weller has a long association with British politics. In the Jam's first NME interview in May 1977, he famously announced that the band would vote Conservative at the next election, something he has long since stated was a joke. [49]

In 2015, Weller made a West Coast Tour of the US to promote the Saturn's Pattern album. The tour ran from 9 June to 9 October. [26] [27] Paul Weller: 'I miss the chaos and madness' ". The Guardian. London. 13 March 2014 . Retrieved 19 May 2015. a b Hand, Shaun (2016). Pop Art Poems: The Music of The Jam. Sheep Publishing. p.70. ISBN 978-1526205254.

Paul Weller announces West Coast tour in support of new album". 20 May 2015 . Retrieved 20 May 2015. Munn, Iain (2008). Mr Cool's Dream: The Complete History of the Style Council. Wholepoint Publications. ISBN 978-0-9551443-1-8.