He died following a brief illness
Paul Weller has led tributes to The Jam drummer, Rick Buckler, after he died aged 69.
The musician passed away on Monday, February 17, following a brief illness.
His former bandmates, Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton, confirmed the sad news in separate statements.
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In a statement, Paul said: “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. My deepest sympathy to all family and friends – P.W x.”
Foxton added: “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.”
The iconic musician had been forced to cancel his recent spoken word tour due to “ongoing health issues”. On February 1 his team posted a message about the cancellation on Facebook.
They said: “Rick and his team want all the fans of Rick and The Jam to know that due to ongoing health issues Rick has been advised to take a break from touring his spoken word events booked for the first quarter of 2025.
“Rick has been really touched by the number of fans who have booked to see the shows, but presently he has been advised to rest, repair and build his physical strength in order to deal with touring up and down the UK.
“Rick was really excited to bring his updated “in conversation” show to life in so many new venues and to both loyal fans and new audiences.
“Once again thank you for your continued love, support and understanding. We will keep you up to date as time goes along.
“Rick looks forward to seeing you all down the road.”
Rick formed The Jam in the early 1970s alongside classmates at Sheerwater Secondary School, Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton.
He remained an integral part of the group until a split in 1982.
Rick later said in an interview with The Strange Brew: “One thing that struck me immediately…was how we just got on with it.
“We spoke about Paul leaving, and then we just got back into what we were doing, we immersed ourselves in the recording, we were in a recording studio, where Paul made the announcement. We got straight back into work.
“And it was almost not mentioned again, the reasons why Paul wanted to leave…There was no reason.
“There was no great scheme. The reason that Paul gave us was about why he wanted to leave the band in that initial meeting was rubbish, basically.”
Buckler went on to form Time UK, and after that venture disbanded, he transitioned into production, operating a studio in Islington.
He is survived by his wife Lesley and their two children, Jason and Holly.