He is one of Britain's best known musicians having fronted The Jam and had a very successful career as a solo artist.But Paul Weller, the Modfather himself, has slammed aspiring singers for wanting to find fame through the X Factor and other TV singing competitions.
And he said there is no way he would ever appear as a mentor on one of them if he was asked and said: 'Would I be a judge? Would I hell. Saturday-night viewing for the masses.'
Weller, who recently notched up his fourth number one album of his solo career, has previously criticised The X Factor, calling it 'very cheap programming and the lowest common denominator stuff'.
And in an interview with the Radio Times this week, Weller, 53, said wannabe music stars who appeared on those shows should not call themselves 'edgy'.
He added: 'I'd be too embarrassed to be on those shows. You get some of these kids who think they're a little bit "edgy", got a bit of a Pete Doherty haircut.
Paul also refused to give music mogul Simon Cowell any credit despite the recent overnight success of his boy band One Direction in the States and who became the first British band to hit number one in the US with their debut album. 
He said: 'I've never heard 'em. I do know what you're talking about. But I wouldn't give him anything, personally.'
Weller was interviewed with pianist and TV presenter Jools Holland, who agreed with Weller about appearing on one of these shows when he first was starting out.
He said: 'Yeah, you'd kick the microphone over, say, "It's a load of old b******s, see you later...".
'Budding artists need a break, I suppose. But music's not like a competition. It's an art form. I wouldn't knock the competition shows if that's what people want to do.
'But there's a difference between having it like a game show and having it as something that connects with your spirit and moves you...that's what music's supposed to be about.'
And he said there is no way he would ever appear as a mentor on one of them if he was asked and said: 'Would I be a judge? Would I hell. Saturday-night viewing for the masses.'
Best of British: Music legends Paul Weller and Jools Holland slammed TV talent shows such as The X Factor
And in an interview with the Radio Times this week, Weller, 53, said wannabe music stars who appeared on those shows should not call themselves 'edgy'.
He added: 'I'd be too embarrassed to be on those shows. You get some of these kids who think they're a little bit "edgy", got a bit of a Pete Doherty haircut.
No credit: Weller said he wouldn't give Simon Cowell praise for his success in the US with One Direction
'You're not edgy, really, mate. Otherwise you wouldn't be on an effing talent show, would you?'Paul also refused to give music mogul Simon Cowell any credit despite the recent overnight success of his boy band One Direction in the States and who became the first British band to hit number one in the US with their debut album.
The age of the Mod: Paul Weller shot to fame as the frontman of The Jam who were a huge chart success in the 70s and 80s
The interview appears in this week's Radio Times, on sale Tuesday 10 April 2012 (for listings 15-22 April)
He said: 'Yeah, you'd kick the microphone over, say, "It's a load of old b******s, see you later...".
'Budding artists need a break, I suppose. But music's not like a competition. It's an art form. I wouldn't knock the competition shows if that's what people want to do.
'But there's a difference between having it like a game show and having it as something that connects with your spirit and moves you...that's what music's supposed to be about.'
- The interview appears in this week’s Radio Times, on sale Tuesday 10 April 2012 (for listings 15-22 April)
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