Rick Buckler, the previous drummer within the punk band The Jam, has died on the age of 69.
The rocker “passed away peacefully on Monday evening in Woking [England] after a short illness,” his household mentioned in an announcement, per the BBC. His family members had been by his aspect.
Describing him as a “loving husband, father, and grandfather,” the household added that Buckler was “devoted to many” and can be “greatly missed.”
Rick is survived by his spouse, Lesley, and their two kids, Jason and Holly.
Buckler’s bandmates confirmed the information on Tuesday. Paul Weller, The Jam’s frontman and guitarist, wrote on X that he was “shocked and saddened” by Buckler’s passing.
“I’m thinking back to us all rehearsing in my bedroom in Stanley Road, Woking,” Weller recalled. “To all the pubs and clubs we played at as kids, to eventually making a record. What a journey!”
He added, “We went far beyond our dreams and what we made stands the test of time. My deepest sympathy to all family and friends.”
Bruce Foxton, the band’s bassist, additionally shared his grief, saying he was “shocked and devastated” over the “very sad news.”
“Rick was a good guy and a great drummer whose innovative drum patterns helped shape our songs,” Foxton continued. “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.”
The Jam made its mark on the music scene within the late Seventies amid the surging punk and new wave scene and is taken into account answerable for sparking a renewed curiosity in mod music and style.
The band scored 4 primary singles and 1 No. 1 album on the UK data charts over the course of their profession.
Finest identified for songs similar to “Town Called Malice,” “Going Underground” and “Down in the Tube Station at Midnight,” The Jam additionally earned 18 consecutive high 40 singles within the UK.
Buckler’s drums featured on the entire band’s six studio albums.
After The Jam broke up in 1982, Buckler and Foxton continued to play collectively over time underneath the title “From The Jam.” Weller went on to hitch pop band The Model Council whereas additionally working as a solo artist.
Buckler additionally started a brand new chapter in his skilled life post-The Jam as an writer and carpenter.
He wrote a historical past of The Jam together with an autobiography, “That’s Entertainment: My Life in The Jam.”
Buckler just lately needed to postpone a UK Q&A tour — “A Night of Memories and Music” — that was set to happen later this yr, owing to his well being.
