The Jam exhibition 'About the Young Idea' goes north to Liverpool's Cunard Building

Nicky Weller

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

WHETHER you're a fan of The Jam or simply a rock n' roll devotee of any age - 'About the Young Idea' is a must-see exhibition.

Having just turned 50 myself (gulp!), I have always declared proudly that The Jam have been my favourite-ever band.

There was only three members of course - Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler - but together they have proved time and again since their rather acrimonious split way back in 1982 that, beyond doubt, they were one of the most influential bands of all time.

I was always nailed-on to be heading for the Cunard Building in Liverpool at some stage once 'About the Young Idea' headed north following a successful run at London's Somerset House last year.

However, even I was taken aback by the colour, the noise, the quality and the quantity of memorabilia on show here.

You name it, it was featured despite some of the items being over four decades old.

Tunes, giant screen video clips, stage clothes, tickets, programmes, newspaper cuttings - this exhibition had the lot, but such a lot. I could quite easily have drifted my way through a whole day of reminiscing.

Nicky Weller - Paul's still London-based sister who is the joint curator with Den Davis and Russell Reader - explained to me where some of the vast amounts of exhibits came from.

"Den had a massive collection of things going back 30 years or more," revealed Nicky.

"We also had the family stuff, before we also got the fans involved.

"In the past when I gave away prizes to fan club members, they'd give me things in return like clothes and other things.

"We've even had scooters loaned to us for the exhibition, and even now people are coming in every week to give us things. We always seem to be adding to the exhibition.

"That's really nice because we didn't really have enough space to do that in London last year."

As you might expect, the exhibition has been very busy. It was when I went (on the same day as the Charlatans put in appearance).

Drummer Buckler officially opened the exhibition, while bassist Foxton and front-man Weller will attend towards the end of August.

The exhibition runs until September 25. Log on to: www.nicetimeinc.co.uk for ticket booking details.