R.I.P. Rick Buckler of The Jam

Rick Buckler, drummer for The Jam, has died, following a “short illness,” according to a report from the BBC. He was 69.

His family said in a statement that he was a “loving husband, father and grandfather” who was “devoted to many” and will be “greatly missed”.

The Jam’s lineup took shape in the mid-1970s when Buckler and later Bruce Foxton joined the group, following an earlier incarnation of the band fronted by Paul Weller and featuring a rotation of various other friends. They signed to Polydor in early 1977 and released their debut single “In the City” in April of that year. One month later, they released their debut album of the same name, featuring loud, high-energy punk that was more heavily influenced by ’60s mod sounds.

The group released four more albums during their brief but concentrated career, as well as releasing 18 consecutive top 40 UK singles up until their breakup in 1982. In the aftermath of the band’s split, Buckler released a series of singles with the band Time UK, as well as reuniting with Foxton under the name Sharp to release the 1986 single, “Entertain Me.” Buckler also formed a band called The Gift in 2006 with Russell Hastings and David Moore, playing songs from The Jam’s catalog.

In an Instagram post, former bandmate Paul Weller wrote in tribute, “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.”

The Jam’s Bruce Foxton also said of his late bandmate, “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.”