On the 17th February this year following a short illness, Rick Buckler died at the age of 69. In a statement, his management company said Buckley “passed away peacefully on Monday evening in Woking after a short illness with family by his side”.
The statement went on to describe him as a “loving husband, father and grandfather” who was “devoted to many” and will be “greatly missed”.
In terms of music, Rick Buckler will be remembered the most as having been the drummer with The Jam from the early 1970s to their breaking up in 1982. The Jam’s most famous and enduring line-up comprised Buckler, guitarist and lead vocalist Paul Weller, and bass player Bruce Foxton. Together the three men recorded six studio albums and achieved 18 consecutive UK top 40 singles, four of which topped the singles charts – ‘Going Underground’, ‘Start!’, the double-A side ‘Town Called Malice’/‘Precious’, and ‘Beat Surrender’.
Amongst the many tributes that have poured in since the news broke late last night, Paul Weller 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.”
Bruce Foxton said: “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 (Rick Buckler’s wife) and his family at this very difficult time.”
One of the greatest gigs I have ever been to was The Jam at Newcastle City Hall on 7th December 1979. More than 45 years after the event it still lingers long in my memory. I have never known three musicians in concert to create so much energy and drive. It was immense. Powered along by Rick Buckler’s relentless drumming the music seemed to levitate off that stage and roll deep into the crowd. They opened that night with ‘Girl On The Telephone’ and 20 songs and two extended encores later ended with an incredible blast of ‘David Watts’.
And the featured image here is the cover photo from my copy of The Jam’s debut album, In The City, with Rick Buckler pictured in the centre. I bought that record on its release in May 1977. It still sounds just as fresh and vital today.
Thanks for the memories, Rick.
