Rock Legend Rick Buckler, Founding Drummer of The Jam, Passes at 69
In a heartbreaking loss for music lovers everywhere, Rick Buckler, the original drummer of the iconic British rock band The Jam, has passed away at 69 following a brief illness. His former bandmates took to social media to confirm the news, with Paul Weller reminiscing about their early days jamming away in cramped bedrooms to exploding onto the music scene and becoming a defining force of the late ’70s rock and punk era. “What we created together stands the test of time,” Weller fondly noted in his tribute. Bruce Foxton, another Jam member, praised Buckler’s innovative drumming that helped craft timeless hits like “Going Underground”—a song that became an anthem for a generation.
The Jam was a phenomenon that emerged from the UK punk scene, smashing into the mainstream with their debut album, “In the City,” in 1977. From there, they went on to release several chart-topping singles and critically acclaimed albums, earning a place in the hearts of fans and the annals of rock history before disbanding in 1982. Their influence remains palpable, with modern bands often citing The Jam as a major source of inspiration.
Interestingly, Buckler took a hiatus from music during the ’90s, where he traded the sticks for a hammer, working as a carpenter before making a triumphant return to the stage in 2005 with a new project, The Gift, which also featured Bruce Foxton. This resurgence saw the duo tour together, rekindling the musical magic that once brought them fame. Sadly, just weeks before his passing, Buckler had to pull out of a spoken word tour due to ongoing health struggles—a testament to the toll life can take even on our favorite rock stars.
Buckler leaves behind his wife Lesley and two children, as well as an indelible mark on the fabric of rock music. Fans and fellow musicians alike will undoubtedly remember him not just for his contributions to The Jam, but for how he helped bridge the gap between punk and mainstream rock, a legacy that continues to echo through time. You might shed a tear for the loss, but let’s celebrate the music that still lives on.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and TMZ, Rolling Stone, NME
