An oddity caught my eye while working on yesterday’s BMW M post. The face seemed familiar, and I just caught the name: Paul Weller. “Wait – Paul Weller on a BMW press release? That can’t be THE Paul Weller. Paul Weller from The Jam? What the hell does he have to do with BMW? Wait, the MINI?”
And indeed it IS Paul Weller, and, of course, he has something to do with the MINI.
Paul Weller isn’t very well known in America, but in England, and especially England in the 1980s, Paul Weller was about as big a musical phenomena as the country could produce. He was the founder and lead singer/guitarist in The Jam, a power trio that single-handedly caused a full-blown revival of The Mod scene throughout Britain. After their first album debuted and skyrocketed to number one on the Brit charts, every single album the released DEBUTED at number one. Every single album. By the end of the 80s, New Musical Express magazine ran a poll, and The Jam was voted not only band of the decade, but Weller himself was voted “Person of the Millennium” by a 40% margin. They were THAT big.
What does this have to do with the MINI you ask? Well, if you’re asking that, you don’t know much about Mods. Mods were a 1960’s British phenomena. A youth movement centered around sleek fashions, copious consumption of barbiturates, a love of modern music as personified by The Who and with a preferred ride of Vespa scooters or, if one had the means, a Mini.
When The Jam sparked the Mod revival, it also brought along a revival in all things 60s, and hence, interest in, and demand for the Mini, the quintessential Mod car from the 1960s.
Hence, with MINI (now in all caps, now owned, designed and built by BMW) having its 50th birthday bash, who better to headline the party than Paul Weller.
A strange world indeed.
Here’s BMW’s odd press release:
Paul Weller to headline MINI United 2009
04/02/2009British music icon Paul Weller will top the entertainment bill at MINI United 2009, which is being held at Silverstone race circuit from 22-24 May. Calvin Harris, Chris Thompson, Raygun and Twisted Wheel complete the line-up of outstanding British musicians, DJs and bands brought together to celebrate MINI\’s 50th birthday.
The MINI United festival, which in previous years has attracted MINI fans from around the world to events in Misano, Italy and Zandvoort, Holland, is coming home in 2009. An all-British entertainment programme worthy of such a significant milestone in the life of MINI is set to light up the greatest birthday party of 2009.Friday 22 May
Artist, remixer and producer Calvin Harris is kicking off the weekend playing a full live set with his band. Calvin is one of the most in-demand DJs in the world, has collaborated with the likes of Kylie Minogue and recently scored a massive chart number one hit in the UK; with Dizzee Rascal on the track \”Dance Wiv Me\”. Calvin has also specially curated a bill to DJ in support of him.Saturday 23 May
Chris Thompson, former lead singer of Manfred Mann\’s Earth Band, will open the night with a special guest appearance. He will be followed by the band Raygun, who were selected by US superstar Pink to support her on her current European tour.The final support act is Northern upstarts Twisted Wheel, already a rising force in the UK. The band has a reputation as one of the most driven and ferocious live bands around, and has earned prime support slots with mega-acts including Paul Weller, The Enemy, Kasabian and Oasis.
Headlining MINI United 2009 is none other than Paul Weller. Former lead singer of The Jam and The Style Council, and a massively successful solo artist, Paul is a music icon and a fitting headliner for such a special event.
Paul said: \”As a lifelong MINI driver, I am really happy to be taking part in its 50th anniversary celebrations.\”
As a special treat, Twisted Wheel will be performing one of Paul Weller\’s classic songs as a tribute on the night. This unique version of the track will then be made available online at www.mini.com after the event.
Tickets for the full three day programme cost just £35 each and may be purchased online now at www.miniunited.com Admission for children under 14 is free. As well as an array of high-profile musical talent, MINI has prepared a multitude of activities guaranteed to keep visitor\’s adrenalin pumping.
Thousands of MINI owners and fans from across the globe are expected to descend upon the Northamptonshire site for the festival. Guests will have the opportunity to drive laps on the Silverstone track in their own MINI or as a passenger with a MINI CHALLENGE competitor, as well as watching the third and fourth races of the popular MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport series.
The Mini Seven Racing Club will be staging a race in which up to 40 classic models will compete on the Silverstone circuit. A comprehensive exhibition will guide fans through the rich and fascinating heritage of the brand. Stunt shows, go-kart racing, driver training activities and much more add to the exciting activities on offer to everyone at MINI United.
All visitors will be well catered for, with numerous lounge areas, bars and restaurants placed around the Silverstone site. A children\’s area will provide entertainment for the little ones with \’Bobby-Car\’ racing, climbing, face painting and much more.
In true festival style, a camping area for up to 10,000 tents will be set up just a ten minute walk from the site at nearby Whittlebury Park. Further information regarding festival accommodation is also available at www.minunited.com
Silverstone is situated just 35 miles from Oxford, the home of MINI. For fans who want to experience MINI production first hand, plant tours will be offered. As places are limited, MINI United visitors should contact oxford.plant-tours@mini.com at the earliest opportunity to request a tour.
