Rick Buckler, who was the drummer in the popular seventies/early-eighties rock band The Jam, has died at the age of 69.

Buckler had recently been forced to cancel a “spoken-word” tour of UK venues because of health problems.

The three-member group, led by singer and guitarist Paul Weller with Bruce Foxton on Bass, rose to fame in the punk and new wave era of the late 1970’s and are credited with inspiring a revival in mod fashion and music.

They had 18 consecutive UK top 40 singles from their debut hit in 1977, up until their break-up in December 1982.

Buckler and Foxton later played together in a successor band, From the Jam, while Weller continued his career with the Style Council, as well as a successful solo artist.

The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.

Family with him

Midnight Mango, Buckler’s booking agency, confirmed that the musician died in the evening of Monday 17 February in his home town of Woking, Surrey, in south-east England.

In a short statement they explained his death followed a short illness and he had passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

“Rick was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was a devoted friend to many, who will be greatly missed; his family have asked for privacy and respect during this time.”

Quick decline

It is just a matter of weeks since the agency announced that he would be taking a break from his commitments due to what they had described as “on-going health issues”.

The plan had been for him to “rest, repair and build his physical strength in order to deal with touring up and down the UK,” but sadly his condition appears to have deteriorated quickly.

“What a journey”

Paul Weller posted a message on X saying: “I’m shocked and saddened by Rick’s passing; we went far beyond our dreams and what we made stands the test of time.”

Reminiscing, he added: “I’m thinking back to us all rehearsing in my bedroom in Stanley Road, Woking and to all the pubs and clubs we played at as kids, to eventually making a record – what a journey! My deepest sympathy to all family and friends.”

“Good guy and great drummer”

Bruce Foxton spoke of his shock and devastation at hearing the sad news. “Rick was a good guy and a great drummer whose innovative drum patterns helped shape our songs,” he said.

He went on to add: “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.”

One of UK’s best bands

The band formed in 1972 and really made a mark on the UK music industry towards the end of the decade and in the early part of the 1980’s.

Amongst their best known tracks are “Town Called Malice”, “That’s Entertainment” and “Down In The Tube Station At Midnight”.