Rick Buckler, the English drummer who helped boost the rock band to fame in the late 1970s, has died.
Midnight Mango, Buckler Reserve Agency, confirmed Tuesday on social networks that the musician died Monday night in his hometown of Woking, Surrey, in the southeast of England. He died after a brief illness with his family by his side. He was 69 years old.
“Rick was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was a devout friend for many, who will be surprised,” said the agency's statement. “His family has asked for privacy and respect during this time.”
The drummer died only weeks after his agency announced that he would take a break from spoken words commitments due to “continuous health problems.” According to a January statement, Buckler had been advised to “rest, repair and build his physical strength to deal with the United Kingdom tour.” Additional details about Buckler's condition were not revealed at that time.
Buckler, who also sought writing and design and restoration of furniture, was better known among music fans for his time with the jam. The rock trio was formed in 1972 and presented Buckler, guitarist and singer Paul Weller and bass player Bruce Foxton. The group won fame for successes such as “Town Calleed Malice” and “That's Entertainment” and for their debut album, “In the City”, which The Times called in 1993 “an absolutely galvanic celebration of the rebellion of British adolescents.”
Before his breakup in 1982, The Jam launched a total of six albums, including his last “The Gift”, and led the lists of the United Kingdom several times. It was also the theme of the 2015 television documentary “The Jam: About the Young Idea.”
More than 40 years since the dissolution of The Jam, singer Weller said Tuesday that the trio's legacy remains.
“We went far beyond our dreams and what we did is the test of time,” Weller published on Tuesday with a photo of Buckler. “My deepest sympathy for all family and friends.”
Weller and Fxton reflected on their time with Buckler in a series of publications shared through the first account of the first. The thread presented black and white photos of The Jam's peak. “SOCCADO Y SAD” FOR BUCKLER'S DEATH, WELLER thought of the essays in his room and “all pubs and clubs we play when they were children, to finally make an album.”
“What a trip!” Weller wrote.
Fxton, “devastated” by Buckler's death, said his former bandmate “was a good guy and a great drummer whose innovative drum patterns helped shape our songs.”
The bassist added: “I'm glad I had the opportunity to work together as much as we are.”
After his days with the jam, Buckler continued to connect with fans through a variety of questions of questions and answers and other public speaking opportunities, said his agency. He also channeled his experiences with the JAM for the book “The Jam 1982”, which he co -written with Zoe Howe. While promoting the book in 2022, Buckler recognized the rock podcast The Strange Brew that “none of us was really exceptional musicians in many ways.”
“But I think we were trying to be as inventive as we could, so that we work well as a band,” he said at that time. “And that is about the bands; They are not individuals, he is actually working together, which makes that sound work. “
He added: “You can put the same cake along with different ingredients, and it is not the same cake. You can try anything else, but that's what a great band really does. “
Before Buckler's Break of Events Live, his agency said he was “really excited to give life to his updated 'in conversation' program in so many new places” and act for new and old fans.
“Rick expects to see everyone along the way,” said Midnight Mango in January.
