From The Jam - A 1st Class Return Live At The Forum London

Like a musical Friends Reunited

It’s a testament to fan loyalty that From The Jam (bassist Bruce Foxton and drummer Rick Buckler without frontman Paul Weller) have been welcomed with open arms. What began as an impromptu guest appearance for Bruce with Rick’s band The Gift has turned into a roadshow which shows no signs of abating. Watching this concert from December 2007, it’s easy to see why; no one’s pretending this is The Jam proper.

Thankfully, they cut it. Bruce has lost little of his dynamism, Rick’s drum routines are as crisp as ever and, if Russell Hastings has a hard job filling Weller’s shoes, then he does an admirable job, helped by Dave Moore on rhythm guitar and keyboards, while Bruce steps up to the plate for his most famous Jam compositions, News Of The World and Little Boy Soldiers.

This is, however, more about the mood than specifics. It feels like a dignified celebration of a British institution, and there’s a second disc devoted to interviews with the band by longtime compadre Gary Crowley. “The fans worldwide have proven to us that they still feel as passionate about the music of The Jam as we do,” says Bruce. “We are genuinely overwhelmed by the support…” You can’t argue with that.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Invisible Hands | IHCD 53 (2-DVD)

Reviewed by John Reed
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