Rick Buckler, the former drummer in the punk band The Jam, has died at the age of 69.
The rocker “passed away peacefully on Monday evening in Woking [England] after a short illness,” his family said in a statement, per the BBC. His loved ones were by his side.
Describing him as a “loving husband, father, and grandfather,” the family added that Buckler was “devoted to many” and would be “greatly missed.”
Rick is survived by his wife, Lesley, and their two children, Jason and Holly.
Buckler’s bandmates confirmed the news on Tuesday. Paul Weller, The Jam’s frontman and guitarist, wrote on X that he was “shocked and saddened” by Buckler’s passing.
“I’m thinking back to us all rehearsing in my bedroom in Stanley Road, Woking,” Weller recalled. “To all the pubs and clubs we played at as kids, to eventually making a record. What a journey!”
He added, “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, the band’s bassist, also shared his grief, saying he was “shocked and devastated” over the “very sad news.”
“Rick was a good guy and a great drummer whose innovative drum patterns helped shape our songs,” Foxton continued. “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 Jam made its mark on the music scene in the late 1970s amid the surging punk and new wave scene and is considered responsible for sparking a renewed interest in mod music and fashion.
The Jam scored four No. one singles and one No. 1 album on the UK records charts over the course of their career.
Best known for songs such as “Town Called Malice,” “Going Underground” and “Down in the Tube Station at Midnight,” The Jam also earned 18 consecutive top 40 singles in the UK.
Buckler’s drums were featured on all of the band’s six studio albums.
After The Jam broke up in 1982, Buckler and Foxton continued to play together over the years under the name “From The Jam.” Weller went on to join the pop band The Style Council while also working as a solo artist.
Buckler also began a new chapter in his professional life after The Jam as an author and carpenter.
He wrote about his time in the band in an autobiography, “That’s Entertainment: My Life in The Jam.”
Buckler recently had to postpone a UK Q&A tour — “A Night of Memories and Music” — that was set to take place later this year, owing to his health.