In the Shadow of the Sun: Paul Weller & the Nineties. An in conversation: Nicky Weller, Stuart Deabill, Steve Rowland & host Ralph Dartford

In the Shadow of the Sun – Paul Weller and the Nineties is a fully illustrated, limited-edition hardback coffee table book published by Soul Deep, celebrating the first decade of Paul Weller’s solo career.

Spanning 304 pages, this definitive volume presents a rich visual and narrative history of one of Britain’s most influential songwriters. It follows the success of the acclaimed Soul Deep – Adventures with the Style Council and brings together a wealth of rare and previously unseen material.

The book charts Weller’s evolution from unsigned singer-songwriter to double million-selling artist and beyond. Drawing on original sleeve artwork, unseen photography from Lawrence Watson, Grant Fleming and Kim Tonelli, alongside press ads, tour posters, merchandise and fan-held artefacts, it captures the energy and cultural impact of the era in remarkable detail.

New interviews feature key collaborators and industry figures including drummer Steve White, Go! Discs founder Andy Macdonald, producer Brendan Lynch and musician Mick Talbot. First-hand accounts from fans trace the journey from intimate early shows to major outdoor concerts and festival stages.

The book is further enriched by Nicky Weller’s personal archive of memorabilia, memories and photographs, alongside Stuart Deabill’s perspective as a lifelong music and culture observer who experienced the decade first-hand. Creative Director Steve Rowland, whose work helped shape much of the visual identity of the 1990s music scene, brings his extensive expertise to this meticulously produced publication.

Copies of In the Shadow of the Sun – Paul Weller and the Nineties will be available to buy at the Festival and there'll be a dedicated book signing with Nicky, Stuart and Steve after their event.

About the Authors:

Nicky Weller has built a long and varied career in the music industry. She has curated exhibitions on The Jam and The Style Council, and written and produced books exploring punk and the legacy of The Jam. Alongside her work in music, she has supported numerous charities as an ambassador, focusing on causes related to cancer, animal welfare and children.

Stuart Deabill is a London-born author who has written books on Oasis, The Jam and The Style Council.He’s also a music walking tour guide, promoter and failed musician.

Steve Rowland is an author, creative director, broadcaster and publisher of books including Soul Deep - Adventures with the Style Council, In The Crowd - The Jam Snapped, 54321 - The Countdown Records Story, Punkzines - Fanzine Culture from the Punk Scene and Modzines - Fanzine Culture from the Mod Revival.

About the host:

Ralph Dartford is a long time Louder contributor and a poet and writer hailing from Basildon in Essex. Ralph is also an unhealthy Paul Weller obsessive, who has seen him perform over 100 times!

Description supplied by the event organiser.