Rick Buckler: The Jam’s Influential Drummer Dies at 69
Rick Buckler, the dynamic drummer for the iconic British band The Jam, has passed away at the age of 69. He died peacefully on February 17, 2025, in his hometown of Woking, Surrey, after a brief illness, with his family by his side.
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Early Life and Formation of The Jam
Born Richard Paul Buckler on December 6, 1955, in Woking, Buckler attended Sheerwater Secondary School. There, he met Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton, with whom he would later form The Jam in the early 1970s. The trio began by playing covers of classic rock and roll songs, eventually developing their unique sound that blended punk rock with mod influences.
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Success with The Jam
As the drummer of The Jam, Rick Buckler was crucial in forming their musical foundation. Between 1977 and 1982, the group had a lot of success. They put out six new albums and had 18 straight UK Top 40 hits. Some of their best-known hits are “Going Underground,” “Town Called Malice,” and “Down in the Tube Station at Midnight.” The band was very important to the mod revival movement in the UK in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Post-Jam Endeavors
After The Jam broke up in 1982, Buckler worked on several different musical projects. He teamed with Bruce Foxton in Sharp and assembled groups like Time UK. He stopped producing music in the middle of the 1990s to concentrate on Woking furniture restoration and woodwork. But he returned to music in 2005 when he helped launch The Gift, a band whose sole aim was to perform Jam songs. Eventually, this idea evolved into From The Jam and Foxton joined in 2007. Buckler stayed performing with the group until he quit in 2009.
Tributes from Bandmates
Paul Weller, the Jam’s lead vocalist and guitarist, talked about his grief: “I’m shocked and saddened by Rick’s death.” 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, … What a journey!”
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!
(1/4 – P.W) pic.twitter.com/UzWBFeWRvJ
— Paul Weller (@paulwellerHQ) February 18, 2025
“I was shocked and devastated to…” said bassist Bruce Foxton in a tribute.
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Legacy
In addition to his shows, Rick Buckler wrote several books about The Jam’s past, including his autobiography, “That’s Entertainment: My…” (2015). His unique way of playing the drums and unwavering commitment to his craft has left a lasting mark on the music world, influencing a huge number of musicians and music fans.
