Rick Buckler, the drummer from the Jam, has passed away at 69.
His friends and bandmates Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton shared this sad news on social media. Although we don’t know exactly what caused his death, his family mentioned he died peacefully in Woking after being sick for a short time, surrounded by loved ones.
Rick grew up in Woking, Surrey. He met Paul and Bruce at Sheerwater Secondary School. They started playing music together in the early ’70s at a local pub called Michael’s. At first, they played songs by Chuck Berry and Little Richard. Back then, Paul was on bass while Steve Brookes handled guitar duties. But after Steve left, Paul switched to guitar and Bruce took over bass—this became their final lineup.
In April 1977, they released “In The City” with Polydor Records; soon after came an album with the same name. They were inspired by older rock bands like the Who which helped kickstart a mod revival in the UK during that time period! Over several years they made five more albums: This Is the Modern World, All Mod Cons, Setting Sons, Sound Affects, and finally The Gift.
“The Gift” hit number one on UK charts but shortly afterward something unexpected happened—Paul decided to break up their group without asking anyone else first! “It felt like heading towards a cliff,” Rick said once when talking about how sudden it all seemed back then.
Buckler didn’t stop making music though! In the ’80s he formed new bands like Time UK and Sharp (with Bruce again). Eventually leaving fame behind for some quieter times running a production studio where he helped other artists make records too! Then around 2005 came back performing with The Gift tribute act which later included Bruce as well under From The Jam name.
The Jam had an incredible run with 18 singles hitting UK’s Top 40; four even reached number one: “Going Underground,” “Start!,” “Town Called Malice,” and “Beat Surrender.” Fans often wonder how such magic happens so quickly!
“I remember us practicing together back home,” wrote Paul reminiscing about those early days filled with dreams that became reality beyond imagination .
