Dan Jennings's Blog
June 4, 2025
Introducing... Dancing Through the Fire...
Dancing Through the Fire is the book I never imagined I’d write – but always hoped someone would. It’s the result of a journey that began in a makeshift home studio during the pandemic and grew into something far bigger than I ever expected: a podcast, a community, and finally, this.
For those who’ve followed Desperately Seeking Paul – thank you. You’ve been part of every step that led here. For those new to the podcast or my story, here’s the short version: I gave up a career in broadcasting with one big regret: never interviewing my hero, the legendary singer, song-writer and musician – Paul Weller. It was the one creative regret that never left me – until 2020, when I finally decided to do something about it.
After three years and 180 episodes, the series culminated in a two-hour conversation with the man himself, who said, “You’ve got to turn it into a book. It would be my most complete story ever.”
That conversation became the catalyst for Dancing Through the Fire. Over the past eighteen months, I’ve expanded the archive with over 70 new interviews (including Paul), uncovered unheard voices, and worked closely with his inner-circle to build a book that truly captures the story behind the music. The result is a candid, richly textured, and multi-voiced portrait of a true original.
Whether you’ve followed Paul Weller from the beginning or discovered him somewhere along the way, this book will give you something new – insight, reflection, a deeper connection. It’s been an absolute privilege to create.
This is the most comprehensive account of Weller’s career to date – from his earliest memories in Woking and the explosive rise of The Jam, whose sharp song-writing and uncompromising attitude defined a generation; through the bold, genre-defying, politically charged and creatively fearless period of The Style Council; to a richly textured and constantly evolving solo career that has seen Weller push boundaries, defy expectations, and remain a vital creative force. It explores the full arc of his life in music, told through the stories, reflections and memories of those who’ve lived it with him.
This is an oral history in its purest form – first-hand, unfiltered, and deeply personal. You’ll hear from bandmates past and present, family members, tour managers, producers, art directors, label reps, collaborators, and long-time friends. People like Claire Moon (Paul’s manager), Kenny Wheeler (his tour manager for over 30 years), and countless others who have never spoken publicly about their role in his story – until now… I even tracked down the man who rang John Weller to deliver the news that Polydor were rejecting The Style Council’s infamous “house” album.
I’m delighted that this book has Paul’s backing and trust. That access has allowed me to create something unique: a living, breathing account of his life in music, told by the people who know him best.
If you’ve followed the podcast, you’ll recognise the spirit of it here. If you haven’t, this is the perfect place to begin. Dancing Through the Fire is a celebration of one of Britain’s most influential and enduring artists, built from the ground up by the voices that shaped him.
Built from passion, persistence, and 250 voices – This is Weller’s legacy, told like never before…
Publishing this September, pre-order your copy to be part of the story now.
For those who’ve followed Desperately Seeking Paul – thank you. You’ve been part of every step that led here. For those new to the podcast or my story, here’s the short version: I gave up a career in broadcasting with one big regret: never interviewing my hero, the legendary singer, song-writer and musician – Paul Weller. It was the one creative regret that never left me – until 2020, when I finally decided to do something about it.
After three years and 180 episodes, the series culminated in a two-hour conversation with the man himself, who said, “You’ve got to turn it into a book. It would be my most complete story ever.”
That conversation became the catalyst for Dancing Through the Fire. Over the past eighteen months, I’ve expanded the archive with over 70 new interviews (including Paul), uncovered unheard voices, and worked closely with his inner-circle to build a book that truly captures the story behind the music. The result is a candid, richly textured, and multi-voiced portrait of a true original.
Whether you’ve followed Paul Weller from the beginning or discovered him somewhere along the way, this book will give you something new – insight, reflection, a deeper connection. It’s been an absolute privilege to create.
This is the most comprehensive account of Weller’s career to date – from his earliest memories in Woking and the explosive rise of The Jam, whose sharp song-writing and uncompromising attitude defined a generation; through the bold, genre-defying, politically charged and creatively fearless period of The Style Council; to a richly textured and constantly evolving solo career that has seen Weller push boundaries, defy expectations, and remain a vital creative force. It explores the full arc of his life in music, told through the stories, reflections and memories of those who’ve lived it with him.
This is an oral history in its purest form – first-hand, unfiltered, and deeply personal. You’ll hear from bandmates past and present, family members, tour managers, producers, art directors, label reps, collaborators, and long-time friends. People like Claire Moon (Paul’s manager), Kenny Wheeler (his tour manager for over 30 years), and countless others who have never spoken publicly about their role in his story – until now… I even tracked down the man who rang John Weller to deliver the news that Polydor were rejecting The Style Council’s infamous “house” album.
I’m delighted that this book has Paul’s backing and trust. That access has allowed me to create something unique: a living, breathing account of his life in music, told by the people who know him best.
If you’ve followed the podcast, you’ll recognise the spirit of it here. If you haven’t, this is the perfect place to begin. Dancing Through the Fire is a celebration of one of Britain’s most influential and enduring artists, built from the ground up by the voices that shaped him.
Built from passion, persistence, and 250 voices – This is Weller’s legacy, told like never before…
Publishing this September, pre-order your copy to be part of the story now.
