Rick Buckler, the drummer of the iconic British band The Jam, has passed away at the age of 69, his former bandmates have confirmed.
Buckler, whose rhythmic precision helped define the sound of the influential punk and new wave group, died peacefully on Monday evening in his hometown of Woking after a short illness, surrounded by family.
Paul Weller, the band’s frontman and guitarist, expressed his grief on social media, writing that he was “shocked and saddened” by Buckler’s passing.
“I’m thinking back to us all rehearsing in my bedroom in Stanley Road, Woking. To all the pubs and clubs we played at as kids, to eventually making a record. What a journey!” Weller shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Bass player Bruce Foxton also paid tribute to his former bandmate, stating he was “devastated” by the loss. “Rick was a good guy and a great drummer whose innovative drum patterns helped shape our songs,” Foxton wrote.
“I’m glad we had the chance to work together as much as we did. My thoughts are with Leslie and his family at this very difficult time.”
Buckler’s family issued a statement describing him as a “loving husband, father, and grandfather” who was “devoted to many” and would be “greatly missed.”
A Defining Beat in British Punk and Mod Revival
Born in 1955, Rick Buckler was a founding member of The Jam, which formed in Woking in the early 1970s.
The band rose to prominence during the punk and new wave explosion of the late 1970s, blending raw energy with a sharp mod aesthetic. Buckler’s drumming style, known for its precision and power, played a crucial role in shaping the band’s distinctive sound.
Between 1977 and their abrupt split in December 1982, The Jam notched up 18 consecutive UK top 40 singles, including four number-one hits: “Going Underground,” “Start!,” “A Town Called Malice,” and “Beat Surrender.”
The band’s influence extended beyond their chart success, inspiring a generation of musicians and reviving mod fashion and culture.
Life After The Jam
Following the band’s dissolution, Buckler largely stepped away from music before later reuniting with Foxton in From the Jam, a successor band that performed The Jam’s classic songs.
Meanwhile, Weller pursued new projects, forming The Style Council and later establishing himself as a successful solo artist.
In recent years, Buckler had engaged in spoken-word tours, sharing stories about his time in The Jam and the music industry. However, he was recently forced to cancel a planned UK tour due to health concerns.
Tributes from the Music Community
Musicians and fans alike have paid their respects to Buckler. Rhoda Dakar, lead singer of the ska group The Bodysnatchers, which gained prominence around the same time as The Jam, emphasized the drummer’s vital role in the band.
“A band is only as good as its drummer,” she said. “So I would say he was a bloody good one. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Don’t waste a day, people – tomorrow isn’t promised.”
As the music world mourns his loss, Buckler’s legacy as a pioneering drummer and key figure in British punk and mod revival remains firmly intact. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
