<p>In this episode, I’m joined by <strong>Roger Armstrong</strong> - co-founder of the legendary <strong>Rock On</strong> record shop and the <strong>Chiswick</strong> label - to talk about his unique vantage point on Paul Weller’s earliest days.</p><br><p>Long before record deals, Roger knew Paul as a meticulous record buyer, hunting for Motown and soul 45s at his Soho Market stall.</p><br><p>We explore the lost world of seven-inch singles, the importance of B-sides, and how that deep, physical relationship with records helped shape Paul Weller’s musical values from the very beginning.</p><br><p>Roger also shares first-hand memories of the Jam’s formative period, including the legendary Soho Market performance powered off a lightbulb, near-misses around signing the band, and how Polydor ultimately swooped in.</p><br><p>Along the way, he reflects on the explosion of punk, pub rock’s role as a bridge, encounters with Joe Strummer, and why seeing bands <em>before</em> fame mattered most. </p><br><p>A lovely chat about records, scenes, and shared memory - and a reminder that the core of Paul Weller’s musical DNA was set long before the charts ever noticed.</p><p>Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>