The distant echo -
of faraway voices boarding faraway trains
To take them home to
the ones that they love and who love them forever
The glazed, dirty steps - repeat my own and reflect my thoughts
Cold and uninviting, partially naked
Except for toffee wrappers and this morning’s papers
Mr. Jones got run down
Headlines of death and sorrow - they tell of tomorrow
Madmen on the rampage
And I’m down in the tube station at midnight…

Anyone old enough to remember the first time The Jam’s Down in the tube station at Midnight crackled its way through a mono radio will just have had shivers run down their spine, an electric shock course through their cortex, and a wave of nostalgia that only the news that Paul Weller, ex Jam front man, will be playing at Dubai Desert Rhythm will shake them from.

Yes, it’s fact - the Modfather will be headlining this year’s festival, continuing his sold out UK tour based on his 9th newest solo-album 22 Dreams. The album, released in June (featuring Noel Gallagher, Gem Archer, ex-Blur guitarist Graham Coxon and more), continues Weller’s return to form after his lost, sickly years with The Style Council.

According to the organisers Jam material will be on the play list. You heard it here first…

Dubai Desert Rhythm Festival runs this year from October 31st and November 1st 2008.

Tickets are now on pre-sale on www.desertrhythmfestival.com.