Rick Buckler of The Jam Passes Away at 69
The music world mourns the loss of Rick Buckler, the renowned drummer of the iconic UK band The Jam, who has died at the age of 69. His bandmates, singer and guitarist Paul Weller and bassist Bruce Foxton, confirmed the news through social media. In a statement shared by Buckler’s family, it was reported that he “passed away peacefully on Monday evening [February 18] in Woking after a short illness," though the exact cause of death has not been disclosed.
Early Life and Formation of The Jam
Buckler was born in Woking, Surrey, where he met future band members Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton during his time at Sheerwater Secondary School. The trio formed The Jam in the early 1970s, initially performing covers of rock ‘n’ roll classics at a local pub. Over time, Weller switched from bass to guitar after the departure of the band’s original guitarist, Steve Brookes, finalizing the lineup that would become synonymous with the UK’s mod revival movement.
Rise to Prominence
The Jam released their debut single, “In The City,” in April 1977, followed by their first album of the same name. Drawing inspiration from influential acts of the 1950s and 1960s, such as The Who and Larry Williams, the band’s distinct sound and lyrical relevance resonated with the youth of Britain. Over their career, they produced five more 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 reached No. 1 on the UK albums chart, Weller made the controversial decision to disband The Jam without consulting Buckler and Foxton. Reflecting on this abrupt end in a 2012 interview, Buckler described it as "like we were going to be driving over a cliff," emphasizing the discontent that lingered between him and Weller for the rest of Buckler’s life.
Later Years and Legacy
After The Jam’s dissolution, Buckler explored various musical pursuits throughout the 1980s, forming several bands, including Time UK and briefly collaborating with Foxton in the group Sharp. He later transitioned from performing to running a production studio in Islington, where he worked on records for artists like the Highliners and the Family Cat.
Buckler returned to the stage in 2005 as part of a tribute act named The Gift. With Foxton joining in 2007, they toured regularly under the name From the Jam, allowing Buckler to reconnect with fans and commemorate his legacy.
The Jam’s impact on music remains significant; they achieved 18 consecutive singles in the UK Top 40 within a five-year span, and four of those singles topped the charts: “Going Underground,” “Start!”, “Town Called Malice,” and “Beat Surrender.” Buckler took pride in chronicling their journey, authoring several books about his experiences with the band, including his autobiography, That’s Entertainment: My Life in the Jam, published in 2015.
Significance of Buckler’s Legacy
The passing of Rick Buckler marks the end of an era for The Jam and the mod revival movement in the UK. Fans and peers remember him for his significant contributions to the band and the music scene at large. His story serves as an important reminder of the collaborative spirit and the creative vitality that defined British rock music in the late 20th century.
As those in the music community reflect on Buckler’s life and legacy, it becomes evident that his impact will resonate well beyond his time with The Jam. The essence of their music continues to influence new generations, ensuring that Buckler’s contributions will not be forgotten.
For those wishing to celebrate Buckler’s art, The Jam’s influential catalog, including tracks like “Town Called Malice,” remains available for listening across various platforms.
