Rick Buckler dead: The Jam legend dies aged 69 as bandmates devastated by tragic news

Rick Buckler, who came to prominence as the drummer for The Jam, has died at the age of 69 – just weeks after the musician was forced to cancel his tour due to ongoing health issues.

His bandmates Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton confirmed the news in separate statements shared on social media.

Weller 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."

Foxton said on Tuesday: "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."

His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

His management also issued a statement. Alongside a black and white image of the star they wrote: Rick Buckler, best known as the legendary drummer of The Jam, passedawaypeacefully on Monday evening in Woking after a short illness with his family by his side.

"Rick was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was a devoted friend to many, who will be greatly missed. His family have asked for prvacy and respect during this time.

"Formed in 1972 in Woking, Surrey, the powerhouse three piece comprised of singer, guitarist Paul Weller and drummer Rick Buckler and later bassist Bruce Foxton. the Jam had 18 consecutive UK Top 40 singles from their debut in 1977 to their break up in December 1982, including four number 1 hits.

Rick was also successful with other avenues following The Jam which included furniture design and restoration, writing a number of books and keeping a strong relationship with his fans through his Q and A's.

"Further information regarding how fans can pay their respects to Rick will follow in due course."

The legendary musician was forced to cancel his recent spoken word tour due to "ongoing health issues". His team posted a message about the cancellation on Facebook on February 1.

"Rick and his team want all the fans of Rick and The Jam to know that due to ongoing health issues Rick has been advised to take a break from touring his spoken word events booked for the first quarter of 2025.

"Rick has been really touched by the number of fans who have booked to see the shows, but presently he has been advised to rest, repair and build his physical strength in order to deal with touring up and down the UK.

"Rick was really excited to bring his updated 'in conversation' show to life in so many new venues and to both loyal fans and new audiences. Once again, thank you for your continued love, support and understanding. We will keep you up to date as time goes along. Rick looks forward to seeing you all down the road."

Born in Woking, he attended Sheerwater Secondary School where, in the early 1970s, he joined fellow pupils Weller and Foxton in the newly formed band The Jam. He remained with the group until its break-up in 1982.

The split was at Weller's behest. Speaking of it in later years in an interview with The Strange Brew, Buckler recalled: "One thing that struck me immediately ... was how we just got on with it. We spoke about Paul leaving, and then we just got back into what we were doing, we immersed ourselves in the recording, we were in a recording studio, where Paul made the announcement. We got straight back into work.

"And it was almost not mentioned again, the reasons why Paul wanted to leave ... There was no reason. There was no great scheme. The reason that Paul gave us was about why he wanted to leave the band in that initial meeting was rubbish, basically," he said.

The following year, Buckler formed a new band, Time UK. When they broke up, he moved into production, running a studio in Islington.

He stepped away from music in the mid-1990s and went into business as an ad hoc carpenter, fashioning cabinets and "distressed" furniture in Woking.

He returned to the business in 2005 when he set up a new band called the Gift, playing exclusively old material from the Jam's back catalogue. He was joined by Foxton in 2007 and they began touring as From the Jam.

However, Buckler quit From the Jam in September 2009 because he felt performing without Weller risked making them a Jam tribute band – even though he and Foxton were original members.

Following his departure, he worked in various other roles in the music business over the years and also authored several publications on The Jam's history.

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