Rock legend Rick Buckler, best known as the drummer in the band The Jam, has died at the age of 69 after cancelling his tour.
The musician was the drummer in the band during its formation in the 70s and until they broke up after a decade together in 1982.
In a statement, Buckler’s bandmates, Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton, confirmed the news with tributes.
Weller 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 – P.W x.’
Foxton said: ‘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.’
Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton, and Rick Buckler made up the band (Picture: Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images
Buckler was forced to cancel his tour just a few weeks ago (Picture: Andre Csillag/REX/Shutterstock)
Buckler’s cause of death is unknown at this time but it was understood he was suffering from an illness recently.
Buckler was forced to cancel his spoken word tour earlier this month as his team revealed in a statement that he had ‘ongoing health issues’ – but hoped to reschedule.
‘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.
‘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.’
The band formed in the 1970s (Picture: Steve Morley/Redferns)
The band was a huge success in the 70s with all 18 of their singles and seven albums reaching the Top 40 in the UK.
Their best-known hits were Town Called Malice, That’s Entertainment, Going Underground, and In The City.
Buckler set up a band in 1983 called Time UK, and in the mid-80s he briefly reunited with his former Jam bandmate Bruce Foxton, teaming up with Jimmy Edwards in a band called Sharp.
He worked in other bands and in 2013 he moved into management consultancy for musical acts. In 2015 his autobiography That’s Entertainment: My Life in the Jam, was published.
The band never reunited after its split in the 80s but in 2020, Weller and Foxton reunited for a one-off performance. with Paul told NME at the time: ‘It came about because we had both lost loved ones last year.
‘[Bruce] lost his wife at the early part of the year, and I lost my dad, and it opened up a bit of a dialogue, and it seemed like a nice thing to do at the time. In fact, it was a wonderful thing.’
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