ECNETNews reports the passing of Rick Buckler, the renowned drummer from the iconic UK new wave band, The Jam. Buckler’s former bandmates, Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton, confirmed his death in a heartfelt message. While the specific cause of death remains undisclosed, Buckler’s family has shared that he “passed away peacefully on Monday evening in Woking after a short illness with family by his side.” He was 69 years old.
Born in Woking, Surrey, Buckler attended Sheerwater Secondary School, where he met future bandmates Weller and Foxton. The three musicians formed The Jam in the early 1970s, initially performing covers of classic rock songs at a local pub. Originally, Weller played bass while their first guitarist, Steve Brookes, took the lead. However, following Brookes’ departure, Weller transitioned to guitar, with Foxton stepping in on bass, establishing the lineup that would achieve fame.
In April 1977, The Jam released their debut single, “In The City,” under Polydor, which was quickly followed by their first album of the same name. Drawing inspiration from 1950s and 1960s rock and roll icons, Buckler, Weller, and Foxton played a pivotal role in the UK mod revival. The band went on to produce five additional studio albums: This Is the Modern World (1977), All Mod Cons (1978), Setting Sons (1979), Sound Affects (1980), and The Gift (1982).
Following the release of The Gift, which topped the UK albums chart, Weller made the controversial decision to disband The Jam without consulting Buckler and Foxton. Reflecting on this moment, Buckler recalled the sense of impending change and uncertainty during interviews. Post-breakup, Buckler and Weller rarely communicated for the rest of his life.
During the 1980s, Buckler explored various musical projects, including bands such as Time UK and a collaboration with Foxton in a short-lived group called Sharp. He later stepped back from performing to focus on managing a production studio in Islington, working on records for various artists. Buckler returned to the stage in 2005 as part of a tribute act called the Gift, with Foxton joining them in 2007, leading to their ongoing touring as From the Jam.
Throughout their career, The Jam achieved significant commercial success, securing 18 consecutive singles in the UK Top 40 over five years, with four of those reaching number one: “Going Underground,” “Start!”, “Town Called Malice,” and “Beat Surrender.” Buckler chronicled his experiences with the band in several publications, including his 2015 autobiography, That’s Entertainment: My Life in the Jam. He reflected on their early rehearsals and the extraordinary journey they undertook, emphasizing the lasting impact of their music.
