Paul Weller has been at the forefront of the British music scene for almost 40 years and to be able to still sell out venues and bang out a non-stop 100-minute set on a hot summer evening is impressive The forestry commision's annual' mini-festival feel' gigs are extremely popular, and Westonbirt Arboretum, with its spectacular back-drop, was the perfect setting.

He opened with the atmospheric Sunflower,and from then on the set list was non stop, with Weller only pausing occassionally for a couple of puffs on a cigarette.

To be honest his hit list from The Jam, Style Council and solo years would have been endless, but Weller didn't just stick to the crowd-pleasers and in particular Going Places from his 2003 album, Illumination gave his stellar band free range to show what they could do.

Steve Pilgram stood out with an amazing drum solo and bassist Andy Lewis and guitarist Steve Cradock showed complete mastery of both instruments. Not known for banter with the crowd, Weller was relaxed, and his incredible song-writing talent did all the talking.

The main set ended with two Jam classics, Thats Entertainment and Start, which were flawless, Weller didn't need much encouragement to re-emerge with the classic Rose Royce cover, Wishing on a Star followed by a very pertinent Wild Wood before moving on to the thought provoking, Be Happy Children.

The night could only end in one way and The Jam's smash hit Town Called Malice was his choice of finale.

It left the crowd breathless.

A concert for the memory-box with Weller proving he's not just one of Britain's best song-writers, he's one of the best performers too.

The Modfather's story continues.