THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

A ROUGH TRADE, RESIDENT, UNCUT, SHINDIG!, CLASH MAGAZINE AND TLS BOOK OF THE YEAR

Irish Examiner - Top 10 Music Book of 2025

Scottish Herald - Best Music Books of 2025

'This is as definitive an account of the artist as we have to date' MOJO

'It's a treasure trove of personal recollections, and the picture that emerges is of a band with an incredible connection to its fans that would be unimaginable today . . . Weller can't be tied down and won't sell out. Dancing Through the Fire offers a route to understand him, and the picture it presents is never less than surprising. We shouldn't have expected anything else' Daily Telegraph

'An amazing book about an amazing man and an amazing career, with beautiful, brilliant music' Paul Ross

'A compelling oral history that is entertaining, authoritative, and comprehensive... the closest thing yet to a Weller memoir' Ewin Hannan, The Australian

The groundbreaking oral history on one of the most legendary musicians of all time: Paul Weller.

Across musical history, certain artists have transcended their craft to become cultural icons, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sound and style. Paul Weller, the legendary British musician, singer and songwriter, stands among the select few whose influence spans generations. His enduring popularity, traversing the explosive energy of The Jam to the sophisticated sounds of The Style Council and a prolific solo career spanning over thirty years, underscores the timeless appeal of his work. Weller also holds a unique position in music history: he shares the rare distinction with Lennon and McCartney as one of the few artists to achieve Number 1 albums in five consecutive decades.

Dancing Through the Fire explores the fascinating narrative of Paul Weller's musical career, weaving together never-before-told stories, intimate insights and perspectives from the man himself and those who have been integral to his remarkable journey.

With unique access to his inner circle - including family, friends, bandmates, producers, and long-time collaborators - award-winning broadcaster and journalist Dan Jennings weaves together over 200 hours of exclusive conversations, allowing exclusive access to the man behind the music, including his unparalleled drive, creative struggles and personal triumphs that have shaped his iconic career and legacy.

Endlessly candid, insightful and definitive in its approach, Dancing Through the Fire captures the essence of Weller's musical evolution through the voices of those who know him best.


Sunday Times Bestseller 21/09/2025

"This is as definitive an account of the artist as we have to date" - MOJO

"[An] extraordinary new oral history of the man and his music . . . It's a treasure trove of personal recollections, and the picture that emerges is of a band with an incredible connection to its fans that would be unimaginable today . . . Weller can't be tied down and won't sell out. Dancing Through the Fire offers a route to understand him, and the picture it presents is never less than surprising. We shouldn't have expected anything else" - Daily Telegraph

"What is the collective noun for a group of Weller fans? A 'jam'? Whatever it may be, Dan has brought them together in these pages, along with Paul Weller himself and all the musicians who've played with him for over fifty years, to tell the definitive story. A work of real journalistic dedication, perseverance and endeavour" - Radio 4

"THE book on someone who's touched the lives of so many of us" - BBC Radio London

"This is as close to a complete history of Paul Weller as you are going to get" - Louder Than War

"A must-read for Weller devotees that captures Paul's artistic evolution with infectious enthusiasm!" - Bauer Media

"An oral history that could arguably be the definitive document of the ever-changing man. . . Written with true love and insight" - Shindig

"An almost stalkerishy detailed account of Paul Weller's career" - God Is In The TV, Books of the Year

"Oral his­tory has been a real trend this year, most not­ably Paul Weller Dan­cing Through the Fire, a sub­stan­tial book that takes its sub­ject from child­hood to The Jam, and from The Style Coun­cil to his appearance in Steve McQueen's war­time film Blitz" - Herald

"It's such a complete picture we get of Paul Weller . . . digs so deep, covers so much ground, so much detail and it's really charming and touching and moving as well. It's such an incredible book" - Radio X

"With access to family, bandmates, producers, and longtime collaborators, Jennings reveals the creative drive, stubborn vision, and personal triumphs behind one of Britain's most enduring songwriters" - Irish Examiner, Books of the Year

"Through bands and solo years, we feel part of Weller's huge extended family of musicians, T-shirt sellers and other stars . . . Rock'n'roll madness yet moving, too" - Record Collector

"The authoritative word on the Changingman" - Clash Magazine