Drumming News
Rick Buckler, a founding member of the iconic British band The Jam, passed away on February 17, 2025, at the age of 69, after a short illness. As the powerhouse drummer of The Jam, Buckler played a pivotal role in the band’s explosive success throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, contributing to their 18 consecutive Top Forty singles, four of which hit Number One, and six critically acclaimed studio albums. His unique drumming style helped define the band’s sound, and his sudden passing marks the end of an era for one of the most influential bands in rock history.
The Jam were one of the biggest musical successes of the 1970s, rising from the burgeoning ‘pub rock’ scene in London. This scene, which also launched bands like The Stranglers and Dr. Feelgood, provided fertile ground for the formation of The Jam in 1972. The band’s blend of punk, mod, and R&B influences made them stand out, and they quickly earned a reputation for their high-energy performances and socially aware lyrics. Fronted by the fiery Paul Weller, the band became known for Weller’s sharp observations on the inequalities and struggles of working-class life, a theme that resonated deeply with young audiences in Britain.
Buckler’s drumming was at the heart of The Jam’s sound, offering an urgent, driving rhythm that propelled the music forward. His percussion style was crisp and minimal, with a focus on precision and power rather than flourishes. A prime example of this was his explosive drumming on “A Town Called Malice,” where a staccato drum-roll perfectly highlighted the classic Northern Soul rhythms. This percussive style became the backbone of The Jam’s music, supporting Weller’s sharp lyrics and Bruce Foxton’s fluid basslines.
Following The Jam’s unexpected split in 1982, Weller formed The Style Council, moving in a different musical direction that embraced jazz, soul, and pop. Meanwhile, Buckler and Foxton were left adrift. In the aftermath, Buckler briefly formed the band Time UK, which enjoyed a short-lived existence, before attempting a career in record production. Eventually, Buckler left the music industry altogether to focus on his career in furniture design and restoration.
However, music never truly left him. In 2005, Buckler returned to the scene with a new band, The Gift, and in the following years, he teamed up with Foxton to form From The Jam, a project that toured extensively, playing The Jam’s back catalogue. Though the collaboration was short-lived, Buckler’s frustration with the lack of new material and Foxton’s decision to work again with Weller led him to step away from the band.
Buckler’s connection to music didn’t fade entirely. In the years that followed, he occasionally played drums and shared his experiences through books about his time in The Jam. He even planned a Spoken Word tour, though it was cancelled due to health issues.
The surviving members of the band, Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton, paid heartfelt tributes to their friend and bandmate.
Weller’s statement read:
“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! 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.”
Foxton also expressed his grief, stating:
“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.”
The Jam’s music continues to live on, with Buckler’s drumming at the heart of some of the most influential tracks of the era. From their early punk-infused hits to their more polished pop anthems, The Jam’s music spoke to generations of fans, and Buckler’s steady, distinctive rhythms remain a defining feature of their sound.
Rick Buckler may have left the music industry behind for a time, but his impact on The Jam—and on the world of rock music—remains undeniable. His distinctive drumming, his role in shaping The Jam’s unique sound, and his contribution to the cultural landscape of the late 1970s and early 1980s will never be forgotten. As the world mourns the loss of this musical pioneer, we remember the songs that still reverberate in our hearts, and we honor the legacy of the man who helped create them.
Rest in peace, Rick Buckler. You will be missed.
