Rick Buckler dead: Tributes pour in for The Jam drummer
Rick Buckler, the drummer for The Jam, has sadly passed away at age 69 after a short illness. Tributes are already flooding in for the deeply respected player who provided the beat for one of the UK’s most influential bands.
Born in London in 1955, Buckler joined The Jam when he was still just a school boy. Formed by Paul Weller and made up of mere teenagers from their secondary school, the lineup soon took shape of Buckler, Weller, and later Bruce Foxton. At first, they all bonded over a mutual love of rock and roll legends like Chuck Berry, first simply performing covers of the hits. But soon, they began to develop their own history-shaking sound.
After forming in 1972, The Jam rose to prominence as part of the early punk scene. Until their split in 1982, they led the way as one of the country’s most thrilling acts, merging the worlds of rock and roll with heavier sounds to launch punk and new wave as the new sound sweeping the world. At the heart of the band, there was Buckler, pinning them down with his drumming and powering the band’s music with a real punch.
After the band’s split, Buckler formed Time UK, and later reunited with his old Jam bandmate, Foxton, to start Sharp, as well as briefly working as a music producer. In 2015, he published That’s Entertainment: My Life in the Jam, an autobiography about his years in the band and his career spent in music.
As the news of his death hits, peers and fans alike are paying their respects to the musician. Noting his influence, talent and the personality those close to him knew, the tributes honour him as both a revered musician and a man.
The Jam’s frontman Paul Weller was among the first to share a statement regarding the death of his drummer and old friend. He 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. 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.”
His bandmate 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.”
Tim Vickery shared a live of The Jam’s ‘Funeral Pyre’ and wrote on X: “One of the many great moments from the mighty Rick Buckler. Gone too soon, but what a legacy of a life well lived. With eternal gratitude – RIP.”
Musician JB Barrington said: “From that first strike of the snare 5 seconds in on Art School in 1977 to those fading snares at the end of The Gift in 1982 you drummed the soundtrack to our adolescence & we’ll be forever grateful.”
Actor and writer Steve Wraith wrote on X: “RIP Rick Buckler. They say never meet your heroes. Ignore that. He was brilliant x”
Radio presenter Gary Crowley said: “So saddened to hear the news of Rick Buckler’s passing. Anyone who knows me knows how important The Jam were in my life. Rick …you touched the lives of so many. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP.”
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