IN 1977 Paul Weller emblazoned his amplifier with the slogan “Fire and Skill”, and it is a maxim that he has lived his life by to this day.

As most of the punk generation have disappeared into the ether, or are advertising butter, Paul Weller appears to be the last man standing. He’s still relevant, still vital, and making music that sounds like it needs to be made.

In the past two years he has become revitalised, enjoying a creative resurgence, and musically becoming more explorative and experimental than ever before.

In the process he has made two of the best albums of his solo career – 2008’s 22 Dreams and this year’s Wake Up the Nation.

He has regained critical acclaim, winning NME’s god-like genius award, and being nominated for the Mercury Music Prize.

As he is currently making music as good as at any time in his career, he plays an explosive set which draws mostly from his latest album.

He complements this with well-chosen solo and Jam classics such as Start and Pretty Green.

Ever the Mod, he keeps things moving forward as he plays two new songs, the upbeat and funky Dangerous Age and the darkly psychedelic Around the Lake.

He plays with so much energy, verve and intensity that he put acts half his age to shame. After playing three encores, he ends on a jubilant Town Called Malice, which sends the audience into delirium.

Paul Whitcher