That Was the Weller Week That Was: Update!
→[More:]Got in to the green room at Jimmy Kimmel! It was packed, so Weller only came in for about half a minute -- said hello to someone right near the entrance, looked around, and then sauntered out. However, in that instant of looking around, he saw me over by the bar (who me, getting a free drink?) and caught my eye (who me, staring at Paul Weller? Never let it be said I cannot multitask), and gave me the Universal Gesture for "Hey Over There, I Acknowledge You in a Friendly Manner" -- you know, the combo chin raise/half smile -- paired with the Raised Glass of Cheers. EEEE!

A little later, Steve White came back in (richat: yep, same amazing drummer he's had since the Style Council days), gave me a big wave and a grin, and marched straight over. We chatted for quite awhile (among the conversation topics: Mexican food, whale watching, football [American and "real"], the awfulness of Posh Spice, the hilarious weirdness of Scientology, and recent art exhibitions), then exchanged email addresses. Honestly, he just couldn't have been friendlier or warmer -- truly a lovely fellow.

The band played two songs at the end of the show, for which we got to be a part of the audience, and that wrapped up Weller Week for me! Once I get pictures from Monday night, I'll post 'em.

All-in-all, it was a wonderful four days -- all three shows were incredible (great setlists with a good combination of Jam, Style Council, and solo songs), he and the band sounded fantastic, and he was obviously having blast (I've never seen him smiling and joking so much in concert!). It was also fantastic to hang out (and drink!) with fans who'd come from all over the world to see this series of concerts (in addition to folks from all over the U.S./Canada, I met fans from the UK/Ireland, Australia, Japan, and Brazil). The entire event was easily the best experience of my life as a music fan.

(Also, an amusing sidenote: found out that Weller's youngest daughter is named Jessamyn.)