The shock breaking news is that the former Jam drummer Rick Buckler has died following a short illness. He was 69.

Among the first to pay tribute is his former bandmate Paul Weller who says: "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."

Also taking to social media is fellow original Jam member Bruce Foxton who'd also been playing recently with Rick in From The Jam.

"I was shocked and devastated to hear the very sad news today," Bruce says. "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."

Formed several years ahead of the seventies punk explosion in Woking, Surrey, The Jam made an instantaneous chart breakthrough with their debut single, 'In The City', and went on to dominate the UK top 40 until Weller called 'time' on the band in December 1982 with 'Beat Surrender'. Buckler promptly formed a new band called Time UK but, despite lots of positive press and goodwill from fans, commercial lift off was never achieved.

He returned to live duty in 2006 with The Gift who eventually morphed into From The Jam who became a popular draw on the punk/new wave nostalgia circuit. Rick had been on a spoken word tour with dates booked up until Easter, but was forced to come off the road on February 1.

Here are a selection of the incoming tributes to Rick, a true gent who never lost his passion for rock 'n' roll.

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!

(1/4 - P.W) pic.twitter.com/UzWBFeWRvJ

— Paul Weller (@paulwellerHQ) February 18, 2025

RIP Rick Buckler 🖤🏁 pic.twitter.com/YBHrA7NUEQ

— 2 Tone Dublin (@TwoToneDublin) February 18, 2025

So saddened to hear the news of Rick Buckler’s passing.

Anyone who knows me knows how important The Jam were in my life.

Rick …you touched the lives of so many.

Condolences to his family and friends.
RIP. pic.twitter.com/R5dAUc6CJV

— Gary Crowley (@CrowleyOnAir) February 18, 2025

Awful news about Rick Buckler The Jam's powerhouse drummer. One of my favourite bands. Sad news for Paul & Bruce...but what a legacy. pic.twitter.com/OdFSRNVRkO

— Mike Read (@MikeReadUK) February 18, 2025

Oh what times we had following The Jam around the country - coaches to Deeside, minibuses to Manchester - Rick Buckler was part of a group that changed our lives - the soundtrack of our youth RIP Rick 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/V3uljSpDQQ

— TheFarm/PeterHooton (@TheFarm_Peter) February 18, 2025