The Jam's iconic drummer Rick Buckler has died aged 69, with his bandmates announcing his death in an emotional statement.
Buckler died on February 17 following a brief illness.
The band's guitarist Paul Weller penned: "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."
Bass Guitarist 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 and his family at this very difficult time."
The star has died at the age of 69
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His death comes after the star was forced to cancel his recent spoken word tour due to "ongoing health issues," with his team posting a message at the beginning of the month.
Posting on Facebook, a statement read: "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.
Rick was famed for being the bands drummer
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"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."
Buckler and his fellow bandmates formed The Jam after meeting at Sheerwater Secondary School in the 1970s and found huge success with their hits such as Going Underground, The Eton Rifles and The Bittersweet Pill.
The band later split in 1982 and was instigated by Weller, and in a later interview with The Strange Brew, Buckler reflected: "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."
Wanting to continue his love of music, Buckler went on to form Time UK, and after that venture disbanded, he transitioned into production, operating a studio in Islington.
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The band split in the 80s but remained close friends
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The news of his death has prompted tributes on social media as one fan wrote: "RIP Rick Buckler. Thanks for all the good times and great memories."
Another emotionally said: "So sad to hear the news of Rick Buckler of the Jam passing. First band I ever saw live and still the best I’ve ever seen. RIP Rick."
Someone else expressed: "I have just heard the devastating news about #RickBuckler. Not only was he a brilliant drummer but he was the driving force behind so many of the songs by The Jam we all know and love.
"Thank you for the memories Rick. There will be an extra star shining in the sky tonight." (sic)
