According to sources, British drummer Rick Buckler, who was most famous for his work with the mod rock group: The Jam, has passed away. He was 69 years old.
Buckler’s family confirmed his passing to the BBC on Tuesday, saying the musician “passed away peacefully” in his birthplace of Woking, England, on Monday night after a “short illness.”
Buckler’s condition was not further described. According to the Jam alum’s family, Buckler was a “loving husband, father, and grandfather” who will be “greatly missed.”
Paul Weller, the lead vocalist of The Jam and Buckler’s former bandmate, honored Buckler on Facebook on Tuesday.
“I’m shocked and saddened by Rick’s passing,” Weller wrote alongside black-and-white throwback photos of the band. “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.”
Bruce Foxton, the bassist for The Jam, also contributed a word of remembrance. “I was shocked and devastated to hear the very sad news today,” Foxton wrote in a letter.
“Rick was a good guy and a great drummer whose innovative drum patterns helped shape our songs,” he 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, who were formed in 1972, had a run of top 40 hits in the UK from 1977 until 1982. The band achieved four No. 1 hits, including “Going Underground” and “Town Called Malice.”
They were well-known for their mod-inspired look and blend of punk rock and ’60s soul. Paul Weller, left, Bruce Foxton, and Rick Buckler of The Jam on May 10, 1977, at the Rainbow Theatre in London.
After the band broke up in 1982, Buckler started the brief musical groups Time UK and Sharp. The latter ensemble included singer Jimmy Edwards as well as Buckler’s brief reunion with Jam bandmate Foxton.
After quitting the entertainment business in the middle of the 1990s, Buckler turned to carpentry and restored vintage furniture in his own workshop.
In 2006, he made a comeback to music with the group The Gift, which subsequently changed its name to From the Jam.
The band, which included Buckler, bassist David Moore, and singer-guitarist Russell Hastings, drew inspiration from The Jam’s previous repertoire. Although Buckler left the band two years later, Foxton joined the lineup in 2007.
Buckler’s health has forced the postponement of his planned A Night of Memories and Music Q&A tour of the UK later this year.
Buckler’s spouse, Lesley, and their two grown children, Jason and Holly, survive him. He wrote several books after his stint in The Jam and entered the furniture design and repair business. Among his writings were several about The Jam’s past and his 2015 autobiography, ‘That’s Entertainment: My Life in The Jam’.