Rick Buckler, the influential drummer of the British band The Jam, has passed away at the age of 69 following a brief illness. His death marks the end of an era for fans of the iconic mod revival band that left an indelible mark on the music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Early Life and Formation of The Jam

Born Richard Paul Buckler on December 6, 1955, in Woking, Surrey, England, Buckler attended Sheerwater Secondary School. It was here that he met future bandmates Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton. In 1972, the trio formed The Jam, initially performing covers of classic rock and roll songs before developing their unique sound that blended punk rock energy with mod aesthetics.

Rise to Fame

The Jam released their debut single, “In The City,” in April 1977, which quickly garnered attention for its raw energy and sharp lyrics. This was followed by their first album of the same name. Over the next five years, the band released a series of successful albums, including “All Mod Cons” (1978), “Setting Sons” (1979), and “Sound Affects” (1980). Their music resonated with a generation, leading to 18 consecutive UK Top 40 singles, with hits like “Going Underground,” “Start!,” “Town Called Malice,” and “Beat Surrender” reaching number one.

The Jam’s Impact and Disbandment

The Jam were pivotal in the UK’s mod revival movement, influencing both music and fashion. Their sharp style and socially conscious lyrics captured the zeitgeist of the time. Despite their success, internal differences led Paul Weller to disband the group in 1982, a decision that surprised both fans and Buckler himself. Reflecting on the split, Buckler once remarked, “It was like we were going to be driving over a cliff at the end of the year, and you keep thinking ‘ … .'”

Post-Jam Endeavors

After the dissolution of The Jam, Buckler explored various musical projects. In 1983, he formed Time UK, releasing several singles. He later collaborated with Bruce Foxton in bands like Sharp and The Gift. Beyond performing, Buckler ventured into production, running a studio in Islington and working with bands such as The Highliners and The Family Cat. In the mid-1990s, he took a hiatus from music to focus on furniture design and restoration in his hometown of Woking.

Reunion and Later Projects

The mid-2000s saw Buckler’s return to the music scene. In 2005, he co-founded The Gift, a band dedicated to performing The Jam’s repertoire. This project eventually evolved into “From The Jam,” with Bruce Foxton joining in 2007. They toured extensively, celebrating the legacy of their original band. However, Buckler departed from the group in 2009, expressing concerns about becoming merely a tribute act without Paul Weller’s involvement.

Literary Contributions

Buckler also made significant contributions to documenting The Jam’s history. He authored several books, including “The Jam: Our Story” (1994) and his autobiography, “That’s Entertainment: My Life in The Jam” (2015). These works offer an insider’s perspective on the band’s journey, shedding light on their experiences and the dynamics that shaped their music.

Tributes from Bandmates

Following Buckler’s passing, his former bandmates expressed their condolences. Paul Weller shared his sentiments, stating, “I’m shocked and saddened by Rick’s passing. I’m thinking back to us all rehears … . To all the pubs and clubs we played at as kids … What a journey! We went far … Bruce Foxton added, “I was shocked and devastated … . I’m glad we had the chance to … .”

Legacy

Rick Buckler’s drumming was integral to The Jam’s distinctive sound, driving their music with precision and passion. His contributions have left a lasting impact on British music, inspiring countless musicians and fans alike. As a founding member of The Jam, his legacy continues to resonate, ensuring that the band’s influence endures for generations to come.

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