The Jam’s Rick Buckler has died at the age of 69 following a short illness, his bandmates have announced today.
The news of the drummer’s passing was shared to social media on Tuesday by singer Paul Weller and guitarist Bruce Foxton.
His friends confirmed the news of his death in separate statements and fans have since rushed to social media to share tributes.
In a statement shared to X, Paul wrote: ‘I’m shocked and saddened by Rick’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!
‘We went far beyond our dreams and what we made stands the test of time. My deepest sympathy to all family and friends.’
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The Jam’s legendary drummer Rick Buckler (pictured in May 2007) has died at the age of 69 following a short illness
Rick was The Jam’s drummer from its formation in the early 1970s through to its break up in the early 1980s alongside Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton
In a statement shared to X, Paul wrote: ‘I’m shocked and saddened by Rick’s passing. I’m thinking back to us all rehearsing in my bedroom in Stanley Road, Woking
Meanwhile, Bruce wrote in his own announcement in which he shared his grief over his former bandmate’s passing.
He penned: ‘I was shocked and devastated to hear the very sad news today.
‘Rick was a good guy and a great drummer whose innovative drum patterns helped shape our songs.
‘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.’
Devastated fans took to the comments section to offer their condolences to the band, writing: ‘Sad to read this, great up in this era, the best era… iconic British band from a better time in this country. God bless Rick. RIP’;
‘Greated band, much respect’; ‘Condolences to Rick’s family, Paul and Bruce. Memories of Newcastle City Hall 1980 and Bingley Hall 1982 will stay with me forever. “The Jam were the Beatles of my generation”;
‘Best band ever. Respect’; ‘RIP Rick!! The Jam Rule!!’; ‘Godspeed Rick’; ‘The Jam and Motorhead are the power trios I had the privilege of growing up with. The drums at the end of Funeral Pyre are going through my head as I read this. Godspeed Rick’;
‘Condolences to you Paul!’; ‘Was lucky enough to see The Jam seven times back in the day. Met Weller and Foxton to get their autographs at a soundcheck, but not Rick Buckler. Much to my regret. RIP Rick. Thoughts with all who lived and worked with him’
His former bandmates confirmed the news of his death in separate statements and fans have since rushed to social media to share tributes (pictured Rick in 2015)
Meanwhile, Bruce wrote in his own announcement: ‘I was shocked and devastated to hear the very sad news today’ (Bruce pictured in 2014)
‘Rick was a good guy and a great drummer whose innovative drum patterns helped shape our songs’
‘I think The Jam were among the best live bands of the punk – new wave period, and yes, Rick was a great, and underrated drummer, condolences to the family and rest in peace, bye Rick and thank you at all.’
‘Rick was really excited to bring his updated ‘in conversation’ show to life in so many new venues and to both loyal fans and new audiences.
‘Once again thank you for you continued love, support and understanding. We will keep you up to date as time goes along. Rick looks forward to seeing you all down the road.’
Buckler was born in Woking and attended Sheerwater Secondary School, where he met Weller and Foxton.
The Jam – known for its hits including Town Called Malice – was formed in the early 1970s, with Buckler remaining an integral part of the outfit until it split in 1982.
In that time, they racked up an impressive 18 singles and seven albums, all making the top 40.
Though The Jam never fully reunited, Buckler and Foxton played again together on a number of occasions under the name From The Jam.
Buckler had been forced to cancel a recent spoken word tour due to ‘ongoing health issues’ just weeks before his death.
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Devastated fans took to the comments section to offer their condolences to the band, writing: ‘Sad to read this, great up in this era, the best era… iconic British band from a better time in this country. God bless Rick. RIP’;
The Jam – known for its hits including Town Called Malice – was formed in the early 1970s, with Buckler remaining an integral part of the outfit until it split in 1982
In that time, they racked up an impressive 18 singles and seven albums, all making the top 40
On February 1, his team posted a message about the cancellation on Facebook, sharing that he had been advised to ‘take a break’.
It read: ‘Rick and his team want all the fans of Rick and The Jam to know that due to ongoing health issues Rick has been advised to take a break from touring his spoken word events booked for the first quarter of 2025.
‘Rick has been really touched by the number of fans who have booked to see the shows, but presently he has been advised to rest, repair and build his physical strength in order to deal with touring up and down the UK.’
Last summer, his bandmate Foxton was forced to quit tribute group From The Jam due to ongoing health issues, sharing the sad news to Facebook at the time.
He announced that he had to undergo an ‘immediate procedure’ in hospital and needs to step down from The Jam in order to make a ‘full recovery’.
He penned: ‘To all my lifelong wonderful fans, As a lot of you know my health has not been good for the past few years and the latest news is that I have had to go into hospital for an immediate procedure.
‘It is with much regret and sadness that I will not be able to perform again with From The Jam until I have made a full recovery.
‘The band has done everything to help me for the past couple of years and have even suggested several times that I take time off to look after my health and recuperate.
‘That time has now come so I wish the band (my dear friends) continued success until I return and with God’s will I will see you all in the not too distant future on the ‘Setting Sons’ 45th anniversary tour. Much love and respect, Bruce.’
