The Jam: A Beat Concerto

by Paolo Hewitt

Traces the history of this popular British rock group, and explains how the three musicians got their start

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published September 16, 1983

About the author

Paolo Hewitt was born on July 11, 1958 in Redhill, Surrey, England.

Paolo Hewitt is a former NME journalist and author of over 20 books, including, with Mark Baxter, The Fashion of Football (Mainstream), Oasis... There and Then (1996), Outside Bet (2012) and Casuals: The Story of the Legendary Terrace Fashion (2011)

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 2 out of 5]

...in which our suspicion that the incomparable Paul Weller is actually a bit of a twat is roundly confirmed, even when written about in such fanboy style.

To be fair, this came out in 1983 in the aftermath of the band splitting up, so it was probably aimed squarely at pop fans of the day. However, it remains the only authorised biography of The Jam, and as such it's pretty lame. Hewitt seems like he was fairly close to the group though, so I'm guessing that it's factually accurate at least.

Shame really, cos The Jam were a great band whose brief existence yielded some of the most important records of the time, many of which still resonate today. I just can't help feeling that there's a gap in the market for a 'proper' book to be written about them.

[Anitak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book back in the 80s mainly for the photos because back then I thought Paul Weller was the best thing since sliced bread. In later years I've skimmed through the book and it's to have been written from the perspective or input from Paul Weller. It doesnt seem to include rather the other members or people involved in the scene.

[Brianna Westervelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, concise history of The Jam