![Snap SE [2CD]](http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000E8M1VE.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)
Paul Weller was only 17 years old when along with drummer Rick Buckler (18) and bassist Bruce Foxton (18) he signed his band to Polydor it was 1976.
They released their first two albums in 1977, and over the next five years released a further four studio albums. 1981 was the only year they failed to release a studio album, however they did manage to produce two new Top Five singles, namely ‘Funeral Pyre’ and ‘Absolute Beginners’.
By 1982, they’d enjoyed four number One singles and a number One album, ‘The Gift’. So, they were unquestionably the biggest group in the land destined for more success.
But no they split up.
Weller wanted to go out at the top, with his “integrity and dignity intact”. He was only 24.
Buckler and Foxton were shell-shocked and out of court have never spoken to Weller again.
Weller commented that he was remaining true to his punk roots, refusing to turn his group into rock dinosaurs like Townshend and Daltry had with The Who. His concerns may have started with Daltry’s Heinz Bean advert, which Weller had mocked by wearing a Warhol style Heinz Bean apron on Top Of The Pops.
Splitting at this time undoubtedly increased the long-term popularity of the band as they have passed into Mod Culture folklore. Killing the band at the peak was a much easier way to rock immortality than the ways of Moon, Vicious and Morrisson.
In 1977 The Jam were mocked as powder puff by the Punk Royalty, The Pistols, The Clash and The Buzzcocks, but history will be kinder to The Jam because of Weller’s decision.
Think of The Jam, think of a young trio of Mods at the top of their game.
Think of the Pistols or The Buzzcocks and who doesn’t think of Lydon at the come back gig, or a bloated Shelley on the University circuit.
![Morrissey - Who Put The \'M\' In Manchester [2004]](http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00078JZ9W.02._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)
![Blow Up [1966]](http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0001CVB64.02._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)
A Mars Bar - Unavailable for comment.
