Matt Lucey
Rick Buckler, the English drummer for the rock band The Jam, passed away at the age of 69 on Monday, February 17, 2025, following a brief battle with an undisclosed illness. The rock world mourns the loss of such an influential and positive figure in the community.
Early Life and Formation of The Jam
Born in 1955 in Surrey, Rick Buckle attended school with his future bandmates. Their shared passion for music led them to form a band that would go on to become a household name.
The Jam, which Buckler and his classmates formed in the mid-1970s, gained fame throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s, regularly reaching the UK Top 40 charts. As pioneers of first-wave mod punk, The Jam initially modeled their sound after The Who, one of their major influences. However, they soon developed a distinct style of their own. Buckler’s energetic, upbeat drumming—combined with Bruce Foxton’s bass work—helped create the iconic sound that propelled the band to success, alongside lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Paul Weller.
Life After The Jam
Like many bands, The Jam eventually disbanded due to internal disagreements. While Buckler and Weller parted on poor terms, his relationship with Foxton remained amicable. Within a few years, the two formed another band, The Sharp. However, The Sharp never reached the same heights as The Jam, and Rick Buckle gradually transitioned from performing to music production.
In the 1990s, in a surprising turn of events, the british drummer left the music industry to work as a carpenter. However, in the 2000s, he returned to professional drumming and formed a new band. Performing under the name “The Gift,” the group exclusively played classic songs from his time with The Jam. In 2007, Foxton joined the band, which rebranded itself as “From the Jam.” They enjoyed success for two years before Buckler stepped aside. Following this, he briefly played drums for the band “It” and worked on various other projects before releasing his autobiography, That’s Entertainment: My Life in The Jam, in 2015.
Legacy and Impact
Though much of his career and later life were overshadowed by his early success with The Jam, Rick Buckle was widely respected in the industry for his work ethic, kindness, and influence on the rock scene of the 1980s. His legacy lives on through his music, which will continue to inspire and entertain generations—not just through his work with The Jam, but also through the countless bands they influenced. He will also be remembered through his art, woodwork, and the cherished memories shared by his friends and family.
