Paul Weller signs to V2 label

Chart veteran Paul Weller has finally landed a new record deal today by signing to Richard Branson’s V2 – just weeks after he branded record labels “scum”.

The former Jam frontman parted company with his former label Independiente after his contract expired.

Branson said Modfather Weller was one of the acts he had most longed to sign during his 30-year career as a label boss.

The Wildwood singer had also been in negotiations with the Sanctuary group for a new deal, but has plumped for a worldwide deal with V2, the label set up by the multi-millionaire after selling Virgin.

His new label said today: “As a highly respected singer, musician and writer and one of the most influential artists of his generation V2 is very excited by this fantastic addition to its roster.”

The company is also home to Stereophonics and Grandaddy.

Branson, chairman of V2, said today: “There were two established acts that I had always wanted to sign.

“I managed to fulfil my dreams with the Rolling Stones after some 20 years of trying.

“Paul Weller, who we signed today, may have taken a little longer, but it is all the more satisfying as a result.

“Everybody at V2 is over the moon to be working with him.”

Weller – whose most recent album Illumination topped the UK album charts - showed his disdain for record companies in an interview as part of Radio 2’s Great British Music Debate last month.

“I think they’re all scum really and always have done. They’ve treated me awfully [but] I don’t expect anything else really.

“They’re only there to make a quick buck, the quickest, fastest way they can do that the better for them. It would be nice if they could also make their quick buck but you’d be allowed to do your own thing and be creative as well.”