The Jam co-founder Steve Brookes pays tribute to Rick Buckler: “The beat goes on”
Following the passing of The Jam drummer Rick Buckler aged 69, the band’s co-founder Steve Brookes has paid tribute to the late musician.
Alongside Paul Weller and Buckler, Brookes was a founding member of the group in 1972. However, Brookes left the band in 1975, which led to them becoming a trio out of necessity. As a result of his departure, Weller became the band’s guitarist after previously being their bassist, and Bruce Foxton stepped up to be their lead guitarist.
In a post shared via Weller’s social media channels, Brookes said of Buckler: “I’m deeply saddened at the news of the passing of Rick Buckler, my sincere condolences go to his family at this difficult time. From our rudimentary beginnings the band evolved into the powerful force that it became.”
He continued: “Rick’s evolution as a drummer, was such a vital part of that. I only saw Rick a few times in recent years but I know his easy-going nature will be sadly missed….the beat goes on….rest peacefully Rick.”
Buckler’s death was announced on February 18th, with Weller and Foxton leading the tributes to their late former bandmate, who passed away following a short illness.
In late January, the drummer’s agency announced that he would be cancelling his forthcoming spoken word tour due to his ongoing health issues. They stated that Buckler was “advised to rest, repair and rebuild his physical strength in order to deal with touring up and down the UK.” However, they didn’t reveal the specifics of his health issues.
After The Jam ended in 1982, Buckler reunited with Foxton to form Sharp during the 1990s, which split before releasing a studio album. He then formed The Gift, an ode to his former band, which later included Foxton in the line-up and morphed into From The Jam. Buckler left From The Jam in 2007, but Foxton remains an active member.
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.
In a statement, Weller said of Buckler’s passing: “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”.
Meanwhile, 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.”
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