Paul Weller to play in first of Momentum’s concerts for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

'I’m doing the gig because I like what Corbyn says and stands for. I think it’s time to take the power out of the hands of the elite and hand it back to the people of this country'

British rock icon Paul Weller performing at Glastonbury earlier this year (Getty)

A group fronted by musician Paul Weller is set to take part in a series of concerts in support of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, the grassroots campaign group Momentum has announced.

The first event at the Brighton Dome will include in its “stellar line-up” the Temples, folk singer Kathryn Williams, indie veterans The Farm, and a group fronted by Paul Weller. Other acts on the bill for the December 16 concert include Stealing Sheep, Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind, Edgar Summertyme and Ghetto Priest.

“I’m doing the gig because I like what Corbyn says and stands for,” said Mr Weller. “I think it’s time to take the power out of the hands of the elite and hand it back to the people of this country. I want to see a government that has some integrity and compassion.”

Mr Weller had previously complained at David Cameron liking his hit song “The Eton Rifles” in an interview for magazine Mojo. He added at the time: “The whole thing with Cameron saying it was one of his favourite songs… I just think, Which bit didn’t you get?

“People say, Why don’t you write any more political songs? But I would just write exactly the same f**king things I wrote thirty-odd years ago. Every time they fire a missile in the Middle East, that’s 850,000 pounds, right? And then they talk about the NHS, f**king selling it off or it crumbling. So nothing’s really changed, has it?”

The £25 Brighton Dome show on December 16 is intended as the first of a series called People Powered: Concerts For Corbyn, organised by promoters Rocksalts in association with Momentum. Jim Jones of Jim Jones and The Righteous Mind added: "I've been shouting all my life, but Jeremy Corbyn is the first person to make me feel like I actually had a voice."

Commenting on the announcement, the organisers of the event, which includes representatives from Momentum and Unison said: “Music can be a huge force for social change. Today, more than ever, it feels like we need to stand up for democracy, for fairness and equality, for our basic human rights.

“We feel that Jeremy Corbyn's realigning of the Labour Party towards the principles of social justice and wealth distribution, which the party was first founded on, affords the best opportunity to improve everybody's lives.

“By inviting a broad range of acts, not all of whom are known for being overtly political, to play in support of this under the banner of 'People Powered', we are saying – Speak Out! Get Involved! Fight For What You Believe In! Make Your Voice Heard! Everyone can make a difference!”

Adam Klug, a National Organiser for Momentum, added: “Music brings joy and pleasure, and it can also politicise and empower. That’s why Momentum is so excited to be collaborating with Rocksalts and these amazing artists to put on this series of concerts.”