British singer-songwriter and guitarist who emerged as a central figure in the mod revival of the late 1970s and early 1980s. As frontman of The Jam, Weller led one of punk era's most influential bands, shaping the sound of British rock and inspiring generations of artists from mod revivalists through to The Smiths and Oasis. His songwriting, deeply rooted in English cultural identity, established him as a distinctive voice in rock music.
Following The Jam's dissolution, Weller's artistic evolution led him to explore soul, Motown, and jazz influences, which he channeled into The Style Council (1983-1990). The sophisti-pop project showcased his expanding musical palette, incorporating house and electronic elements that reflected the broader dance music landscape of the 1980s. Though this experimental direction alienated some of his original fanbase, it demonstrated Weller's willingness to push beyond traditional rock boundaries.
Weller's solo career, launched in 1992, established him as one of rock's few veterans capable of remaining artistically vital across multiple decades. His work throughout the 1990s and beyond earned critical acclaim and commercial success, cementing his status as a significant figure in modern British rock music.
