Rick Buckler, the former drummer of The Jam, has passed away, his bandmates confirmed on social media. Buckler’s cause of death has not been revealed. He was 69.
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According to the BBC, The Jam broke through in the late 1970s punk and new wave movement, helping to revive mod fashion and music. In a heartfelt statement via the BBC, his family remembered him as a “loving husband, father, and grandfather,” deeply devoted to those around him and someone who will be “greatly missed.”
Its so very sad to hear the news of the passing of Rick. Here is an early publicity photograph of THE JAM with original guitarist, Steve Brookes, drummer Rick Buckler and Paul Weller, where he originally played bass. Things were about to dramatically change, when Weller… pic.twitter.com/WLBxtag4wd
— 𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓫𝓲𝓮 𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓫𝓲𝓮 🐓 (@CarbieWarbie) February 19, 2025
Buckler “passed away peacefully on Monday evening in Woking after a short illness with family by his side,” the statement added.
Between 1977 and their breakup in December 1982, The Jam achieved an impressive 18 consecutive UK top 40 singles. Among their four chart-topping hits were the iconic tracks “Going Underground” and “A Town Called Malice.”
Buckler and The Jam bass player Bruce Foxton later reunited to form a successor band, From the Jam. Meanwhile, singer and guitarist Paul Weller pursued his musical journey with the Style Council before establishing himself as a successful solo artist.
Buckler recently had to cancel a spoken-word tour across U.K. venues due to health issues.
The Jam Bandmates Pay Tribute to Rick Buckler
Upon the news of Rick Buckler’s passing, his former The Jam bandmates paid tribute to the prolific drummer.
“I’m shocked and saddened by Rick’s passing,” Paul Weller wrote on X.
“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!”
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!
— Paul Weller (@paulwellerHQ) February 18, 2025
(1/4 – P.W) pic.twitter.com/UzWBFeWRvJ
“I was shocked and devastated to hear the very sad news today,” Bruce Foxton also added, via the BBC. 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.”
He is going to get the recognition now :
— The Who Archive (@thewhoarchive) February 19, 2025
In my view Rick Buckler was the driving force behind The Jam, and made Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton work harder live especially at those early punk gigs in 1977#RIPRickBuckler 🥁 https://t.co/gsKsYoKCVO pic.twitter.com/LkkyKB51rl
The lead singer of the ska band The Bodysnatchers, who rose to fame alongside The Jam, also offered a heartfelt tribute.
“A band is only as good as its drummer,” Rhoda Dakar said, via the BBC. “So I would say he was a bloody good one. … My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Don’t waste a day people – tomorrow isn’t promised.”