The Jam drummer and rock legend Rick Buckler dies aged 69...

THE Jam drummer Rick Buckler has died at the aged of 69 after a short illness. Rick was the drummer for the hit band from its formation in the early 1970s through to its break up in the early 1980s. His The Jam bandmates Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton confirmed the sad news in separate statements. 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.

Image Credit: The Sun [Rick Buckler of The Jam playing drums in 1979.]

"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.". Bruce 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,".

Image Credit: The Sun [The Jam band members in San Francisco.]

Legendary musician Rick had been forced to cancel his recent spoken word tour due to "ongoing health issues". On February 1 his team posted a message about the cancellation on Facebook. Between 1977 and 1982 The Jam had 18 consecutive UK Top 40 singles, including four number 1 hits, and were in part responsible for the mod revival movement in the UK. After The Jam, Rick formed Time UK with Jimmy Edwards, Ray Simone, Danny Kustow, and the bassist Nick South.

Image Credit: The Sun [Photo of The Jam band members Bruce Foxton, Rick Buckler, and Paul Weller.]

The band released 3 singles and a posthumous singles/demos collection. The latter collection also contained tracks Rick has recorded with Bruce Foxton and Edwards under the name of Sharp. In the late 1980’s Rick became involved in production as the band split, running a studio in Islington. Rick decoded to leave the professional music scene altogether in the mid-1990’s. He decided to focus on carpentry and what would now be classed as ‘upscaling’ distressed furniture.

Image Credit: The Sun [Rick Buckler performing live onstage at Hammersmith Odeon.]

After years away from music, in 2005 he set up a new band, The Gift, named after The Jam’s final album, initially with Russell Hastings (lead vocals/guitar) and Dave Moore (Bass). Two years later Bruce Foxton joined as the bass-player (Moore taking on rhythm guitar and keyboards). The new band began touring under the name of From the Jam. But after four years of touring, Rick quit in September 2009.