Olympian Bradley Wiggin, Paul Weller inspiration
Photo credit: Getty Images | Paul Weller attends the Barclaycard Mercury Prize at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. (September 7, 2010)
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Everyone needs a fairy Modfather.
British cycling gold medalist Bradley Wiggins -- Wiggo to his fans -- cited musician Paul Weller as a major influence. How could he not be? Just look at Wiggo. That feathered Weller hairstyle. Those monster Mod sideburns. Wiggo, who also pedaled to victory in this year's Tour de France, could be a member of Weller's former band, The Jam.
Weller told The Associated Press last week that he felt great to have inspired "a fellow stylist." Here are other Weller-Wiggins inspirations:
"Just Who Is the 5 O'Clock Hero?" Although this classic Jam song from 1982 was written about the workaday stiffs stuck in U.K. factory jobs, it's safe to say Wiggins, right, will be a round-the-clock hero in Britain. "It's just nice to see an Englishman win something," Weller said. "He's great, he's at the top of his game, isn't he?" And if the sponsorship deals come riding in, another Jam song will do: "Pretty Green."
The first big hit from Weller's post-Jam band, The Style Council, was "My Ever Changing Moods." The video for this 1984 gem had Weller and bandmate Mick Talbot bicycling through the English countryside in fashionable racing jerseys.
There's also that new John Varvatos ad campaign Weller is taking part in, the Mod man's first ever. Varvatos, of course, is known for his suits and bespoke clothes. Enough said.
