The Westenders are a wonderfully diverse group of people with many different interests, united by a common affection for scooters and scooting. In our happy company we have artists, music lovers, gearheads, and foodies. Our events tend to cater to these interests. Last night was a night for our music lovers and foodies, as we rode out to see 1980s music icon Paul Weller perform at the Moore Theater.
Paul Weller, also known to his fans as 'The Modfather', was a member of famous 1980s punk/new wave bands The Jam and The Style Council. He has since enjoyed a busy solo career, recording a number of varied and well-received albums. When Rudy the Rat learned that Seattle would be one of only four US tour stops, he put out the word and we put together a ride to see a music legend.
In keeping with the 'mod' theme of the evening, Rudy the Rat, GrumpyGus, RogerTango, and EvanB met at Spud's fish 'n chip shop on Alki to fortify themselves for the evening ahead. They were all decked out in Mod attire, with Harrington jackets, Fred Perry shirts, and M51 parkas very much in evidence. After chowing down of some of the finest fish 'n chips in Seattle, they enjoyed a sunny ride along the waterfront to the Moore Theater, where they met up with Chewy and GoodGuy! They even managed to score prime parking for the scoots on 2nd Avenue right in front of the theater, and the scooter lineup provided added ambiance for all who were coming to see the show (Paul Weller is himself an avid scooterist and collector)!
The show itself was a delight! There was no opening act, but Paul Weller and his band put on a long show that definitely delivered people their money's worth! Much of the music came from his latest album "22 Dreams", much of which can be described as 'NeoPsychedelic', but the program was liberally sprinkled with well-remembered hits from his long career. They thrilled the crowd with two encores, closing with a thundering rendition of the classic Jam rocker "Eton Rifles", which had the crowd on it's feat, roaring out the refrain along with the band!
For those who, like your humble correspondent, really didn't know Paul Weller and his music, we may have gone in strangers, but came out fans! After the show, the Westenders parted company, with some heading to their homes all around Seattle, and some to check out an English rock party at a nearby club. RogerTango led Rudy the Rat and GrumpyGus on his favorite route back to West Seattle, which always includes a jog down the cobblestoned, narrow and twisty back route known as Post Alley in the Pike Place Market. Clubgoers hanging out in the Alley for a smoke always seem to enjoy the sight of the colorful scoots zooping by!
All in all, it was another great Westender time enjoyed by all!
