Rick Bucklerthe drummer for seminal mod-punk tape JamDied February 17 in Woking, Britain He was 69.
Buckler’s death was confirmed by his bandmates Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton on social media. Buckler’s death comes a few weeks after he had to cancel an ongoing speaking word tour due to health complications.
“I am shocked and sorry by Rick’s passing,” split Weller in a tribute on x. “I think back to us all repetitions in my bedroom in Stanley Road, Woking. To all the pubs and clubs that we played on as children to eventually make a record. So! We went far beyond our dreams and what we did stands the test. My deepest sympathy for all families and friends. ”
Jam was formed in 1972 while the members were still in high school, and after starting to play cover, they began to be forced against a modern model sound. The trio’s first album “In the City” was released in 1977, with the influential “All Mod Cons” next year. With an advancing, melodic sound that melted Punk, New Wave and Soul, Jam had 18 in a row in the UK top 40 singles, with its song “That’s Entertainment” which became one of the UK’s best import singles of all time. Other remarkable songs included “A city called Malice” and “Down in the tube station at midnight.” They broke up in 1982.
Following Jam’s success in the UK, Buckler created a new band called Time UK with Jimmy Edwards, Ray Simone, Danny Kustow and bassist Martin Gordon and later played in Sharp with Foxtton. After leaving the music industry in the 90s, Buckler helped create the gift in 2005 and joined as a drummer 2011.
Other tributes from the Jam band comrades have poured, including Foxtton, who said in a statement: “I was shocked and ruined to hear the very sad news today. Rick was a good guy and a good drummer whose innovative drum pattern helped shape our songs. I’m glad we had the chance to work together as much as we did. “
Most recently, Buckler published his autobiography “That’s Entertainment: My Life in the Jam” 2015. He is survived by his wife, Lesley and two children.
