Yahoo Lifestyle Rick Buckler, The Jam Drummer, Dead at 69
Rick Buckler, the drummer of British punk-era trio the Jam, died at 69 on Feb. 17, according to his former band mates. No cause of death has been announced.
The Jam rose to prominence in the punk era alongside the Clash and the Sex Pistols, but the band’s mod fashion sense and musical approach was more closely aligned with early recordings of the Who than its punk peers.
Former Jam front man, singer/guitarist Paul Weller said in a post on X that he was “shocked and saddened” by his former band mate’s death.
According to the BBC, ex-Jam bass player Bruce Foxton said that he was “devastated” by Buckler’s passing.
Buckler’s family released a statement calling him a “loving husband, father and grandfather,” adding that he was “devoted to many” and will be “greatly missed,” the BBC reported.
The family also revealed that Buckler “passed away peacefully on Monday evening in Woking after a short illness with family by his side.”
The Jam was best known in the U.S. for the college radio hit “Town Called Malice,” which topped the charts in the U.K. but only made it to No. 45 in the U.S. However, the song was prominently featured in the 2000 film Billy Elliot in a raging tap-dancing scene.
The Jam formed in 1972 when its members were still in their teens and lasted a decade before Weller broke up the trio and reemerged as the front man of the Style Council, known for such hits as 1983’s “Long Hot Summer.” Following the breakup of the Style Council, he launched a solo career and continues as one of the U.K.’s most beloved musicians.
While Weller was making new music, Buckler and Foxton formed the tribute band of sorts From the Jam.
Despite the band’s bitter split, Weller shared fond memories of Buckler on social media. "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!"
Foxton’s post also looked back fondly at his former band mate. “Rick was a good guy and a great drummer whose innovative drum patterns helped shape our songs,” he said, according to the BBC. “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."
