THOUSANDS of fans enjoyed the return of Paul Weller as he played to a sold out crowd at the Brighton Centre.

The Modfather thanked his fans for “holding on to their tickets and waiting” after delays to some of his live shows due to the Covid pandemic.

The gig marked almost 40 years since The Jam announced they were disbanding as a band in October 1982. Their last ever show was at The Brighton Centre on December 11, 1982.

Paul played a 30-song set in front of an adoring crowd at the venue after the release of his latest album An Orchestrated Songbook, which was his first release for his new label Polydor.

Australian band The Stroppies supported Paul Weller for his show.

The Argus: Paul Weller live at The Brighton Centre on Saturday, April 2. Picture by Dammo PhotographyPaul Weller live at The Brighton Centre on Saturday, April 2. Picture by Dammo Photography

Throughout the show, Paul Weller swapped through what seemed like a dozen different guitars for specific songs.

The crowd was no doubt full of fans who went to that last gig nearly four decades ago.

Some of them were wearing their “Jam stage shoes” which became synonymous with the band which release 18 consecutive top 40 singles from their debut album in 1977, up to their break-up in 1982.

When Going Underground hit number one in 1980, guitarist Bruce Foxton could be seen wearing a pair of “Jam stage shoes”.

The Argus: Paul Weller serenaded his fans with 30 songs. Picture by Dammo PhotographyPaul Weller serenaded his fans with 30 songs. Picture by Dammo Photography

Mayor of Brighton Alan Robins and Paul Weller’s sister spoke of fans stealing the shoes from bowling alleys across the country.

Nicky Weller said: “It was terrible, it happened everywhere around the country apparently! People would leave their grotty old shoes and take the bowling shoes instead.”

Alan said he remembered it happening in the city.

He added: "Downstairs in the King Alfred was a bowling alley, you took your shoes off and they gave you a pair of bowling shoes. People would walk out with them!”

Nicky Weller is launching a call out for fan material to be including in This Is The Modern World - The Ultimate Exhibition Of Memorabilia Of The Jam And The Style Council. July 29 to August 29 2022, Valley Gardens, St Peter’s Place Brighton BN2 9QB.