‘His legacy will live on’: Rick Buckler, The Jam’s ‘powerhouse’ drummer, dies age 69

Rick Buckler, the iconic drummer of English rock band The Jam, has sadly passed away at the age of 69.

Formed in 1972, The Jam rose to prominence with a string of top 40 singles in the UK between 1977 and 1982, including four number-one hits—Going Underground, Beat Surrender, and Town Called Malice among them.

Buckler’s former bandmate Paul Weller confirmed the news with a heartfelt tribute on social media.

“I’m shocked and saddened by Rick’s passing,” he wrote.

“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.”

 

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Born December 6, 1955, Buckler’s musical journey began while attending Sheerwater Secondary School, where he formed The Jam with classmates Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton in the early 1970s.

The Jam emerged alongside punk rock bands like The Clash and the Sex Pistols, with their first single, In the City, reaching the UK Top 40 in 1977. Their 1980 hit Going Underground became their first No. 1 single and they made history by performing both sides of a single on Top of the Pops.

Buckler’s drumming, alongside Foxton’s bass, helped define The Jam’s unique sound, central to the band’s success during the mod revival era. Despite Weller being seen as the band’s creative leader, Buckler felt the contributions of the rhythm section were often overlooked. The Jam disbanded in 1982, and Buckler and Weller didn’t speak again after the split.

Following the band’s break up, Buckler went on to form the band Time UK in 1983 and briefly reunited with Foxton in the 1980s with the band Sharp. He also worked as a producer in the late ’80s and early ’90s. By the mid-1990s, Buckler left music to pursue a career in carpentry.

In 2005, he returned to music, founding The Gift and later joining From the Jam, which toured extensively until 2009.

In addition to his success in the music industry, he also published his autobiography, That’s Entertainment: My Life in The Jam, in 2015.

As news of Buckler’s passing broke, fans were quick to express their grief and admiration for his legacy.

“The Jam where my hero’s as a teenager, Rick’s Drumming always stood out to me as unique. He was an absolute powerhouse behind the kit! His legacy will live on!! Rest easy Rick! The Beat Will Never Surrender,” one wrote.

“This is so sad. The Jam were my first music love. It was a love that’s lasted almost 50 years.”

“RIP Rick. The Jam would not have been The Jam without his jackhammer drumming,” commented another.

“The soundtrack to my youth loses one of its most important drummers. What a huge loss. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy serve as a blessing for all. May all his family, friends and fans heal well and fully.”

Buckler is survived by his wife Lesley Hudson and their two children, Holly and Jason.