Rick Buckler, the powerhouse drummer behind The Jam, has died at 69. His former bandmates confirmed the news on social media, marking the loss of a key figure in one of the most influential bands to come out of the late ’70s punk and new wave scene.
The Jam, fronted by Paul Weller, didn’t just churn out hits—they sparked a full-on mod revival, blending punk energy with sharp suits and sharper songwriting. They racked up 18 consecutive UK Top 40 singles between 1977 and their split in ’82, with anthems like Going Underground and A Town Called Malice cementing their place in music history.
Weller took to X (formerly Twitter), saying he was “shocked and saddened” by Buckler’s passing. Bassist Bruce Foxton echoed the sentiment, calling him “a good guy and a great drummer whose innovative drum patterns helped shape our songs.”
Buckler’s family released a statement saying he died “peacefully on Monday evening in Woking after a short illness, with family by his side.” They described him as a “loving husband, father, and grandfather” who will be “greatly missed.”
The news hits even harder knowing Buckler had recently canceled a spoken-word tour due to health issues. He and Foxton had reunited for From The Jam in later years, while Weller moved on with The Style Council and his solo career.
Tributes poured in from across the scene, including from Rhoda Dakar of The Bodysnatchers, who summed it up best: “A band is only as good as its drummer. So I would say he was a bloody good one. Don’t waste a day people—tomorrow isn’t promised.”
No official cause of death has been confirmed.
