Rick Buckler, the English drummer who played a key role in The Jam’s rise to fame in the late 1970s, has passed away at the age of 69. His booking agency, Midnight Mango, announced on social media Tuesday that Buckler died on Monday evening in his hometown of Woking, Surrey, in southeast England. He passed away following a brief illness, surrounded by his family.
“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 privacy 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.”
Rick Buckler (December 6, 1955 – February 19, 2024) was an English drummer best known for his work with The Jam, one of the most influential bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. His precise, hard-hitting drumming style was a driving force behind the band’s signature sound, blending elements of punk, new wave, and mod revival.
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Born in Woking, Surrey, Buckler developed a passion for music at an early age. In 1972, he joined forces with Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton to form The Jam. The band rose to prominence in the late 1970s with hits like Going Underground, Town Called Malice, and That’s Entertainment, becoming a defining voice of their generation. Buckler’s tight, no-nonsense drumming was instrumental in the band’s success, helping them achieve four No. 1 singles in the UK and a string of acclaimed albums.
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
After The Jam disbanded in 1982, Buckler stepped away from the music industry for a time before re-emerging in the 1990s as a producer and manager. He later formed The Gift, a Jam tribute band, and collaborated with Bruce Foxton in From The Jam, keeping the band’s legacy alive for a new generation of fans.
In his later years, Buckler chronicled his experiences in the 2015 book That’s Entertainment: My Life in The Jam, offering an inside look at the band’s rise and fall.
Rest in Peace.
