A deep dive into The Jam
The Jam: About the Young Idea Exhibit
One would think that with just three members it would be easier to keep a band together. Oh sure there’s Rush, but they are Canadian, they probably spend more time apologizing to each than anything else. Two of UK’s biggest acts of the late 70s and early 80s were trios that couldn’t hold the harmony: The Police and The Jam. The Police had international recognition while the Jam’s epicness was largely confined to the UK and so it’s fitting that they are being honoured with an exhibition this summer in London.
The Jam: About the Young Idea is billed as the first comprehensive exhibit of the band including unseen materials and fan memorabilia. The collection was put together by Tory Turk, Russell Reader and the head of The Jam’s fan club, Nicky Weller, who also happens to be Paul Weller’s sister. Yes that last fact is weird and probably made for some awkward x-mas dinners.
Paul Weller: Pass the peas.
Nicky Weller: OMG, I can’t believe Paul Weller just asked ME! to pass the peas.
The family ties do however give weight to the show’s claim of unprecedented access to The Jam archives. The exhibit takes visitors through the band’s rise out of Woking, Surrey, England in 1972 to become the voice of Britain’s disgruntled youth, scoring 18 consecutive top 40 U.K. hits. A short 10 years later in 1982, the band dissolved.
The opening of the Jam exhibition was anticipated to be the first time all three members would have been seen together publicly since January 1982. Drummer Rick Buckler was a no-show. Buckler’s absence could have been brought on by Paul Weller’s recent statement that there wasn’t enough money in the world for a Jam reunion. Which is a bummer for fans, but if there’s no will, doing it for the money would be lame…Sting.
The Jam: About the Young Idea is on now at London’s Somerset until August 30th. If you can’t make it to the show in London, the limited edition companion book, Growing up with…The Jam, is available at pledgemusic.com. Universal Studios is also releasing a limited-edition CD to complement the event.
If you’re looking for more insight as to why Rick Buckler doesn’t want to be seen in the same room as his ex-mates check out his recently released autobiography: That’s Entertainment: My Life in The Jam.