Rick Buckler leaves behind his loving wife, Lesley, and their two dear children, Jason and Holly, who will continue to honor his memory and the impact he made.
He was a well-known drummer of the rock band The Jam, who recently canceled his spoken word tour due to “ongoing health issues.”
Highlights
- Rick Butler was a well-known English drummer for the rock band The Jam.
- He passed away on 17 February 2025 following a short illness, leaving his wife and children.
-
Fans have turned to social media to bid their final farewell to the legendary drummer.
Buckler played with the band from the early 1970s until the break up in 1982, and The Jam was one of the most successful mod revival bands in commercial terms with his drumming.
He also worked as a carpenter before returning to music with From the Jam, a band that played The Jam’s classic hits.
Buckler eventually left the band after discovering it was becoming a tribute act. Later in life, he worked as a manager for other musical groups and penned an autobiography, That’s Entertainment: My Life in The Jam.
Rick Buckler’s Wife, Lesley, Stood Beside Him Throughout His Illness
The Jam drummer Rick Butler has d*ed at the age of 69 after a short illness, leaving his wife, Lesley, and his children, Jason and Holly Butler.
Rick and Lesley have been married for many years, and their children, Jason, 39, and Holly, 32, have started their own families.
We have lost another Icon, Rick Buckler, drummer for the The Jam has passed away. pic.twitter.com/Ph6mb2ASoX
— This Is SKA (@thisisskaradio) February 18, 2025
Sadly, his management confirmed that he left this world peacefully on Monday evening, 17 February 2025, in Woking, Surrey.
The exact nature of his illness has not been revealed. However, his family described him as a great husband, father, and grandfather who all will miss.
Buckler and his bandmates Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton were instrumental in The Jam’s success in the 1970s and 1980s when they had four UK No. 1 singles.
Details of his funeral are not forthcoming, as his family has requested privacy during this time of mourning.
Fans and musicians have paid tribute to the artist’s contribution to British music, remembering his role in shaping the mod revival sound.
Fans Mourn the Loss of The Jam’s Rick Buckler
Fans, musicians, and fellow artists alike have been saddened by the news of Rick Buckler’s passing.
Tributes have been paid, and condolences have been expressed, remembering him as a powerhouse drummer and a nice guy.
Rest in peace Rick Buckler
Gutting news
It was true to say at the time The Jam were The Best Band In The Fucking World pic.twitter.com/Fupm3aGT0v
— Daniel (@danielclems1975) February 18, 2025
Also, his former bandmate wrote:
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!
Some spoke about how his drumming defined The Jam’s sound, while others discussed meeting him personally.
His contribution to music is undeniable, and the outpouring of affection shows how much he affected people.
Fans have flocked to social media to share their condolences, saying:
I have been deeply influenced by the Jam, and still love them. Such an amazing drummer. Really had a lot of drive and power. Condolences to the family.
Others added:
RIP Rick, ty for all the memories you and the guys gave me during my school years and will for ever. You will be misssed, condolences to your wife and family. “The Best Band in the “Fu***ng” World !!”
Moreover, some shared:
Absolutely gutted to hear that Rick has gone, the beating heart of the soundtrack to my youth. The world just got slightly quieter.
Additional Information
- Rick Butler’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million as of 2025.
- He and his bandmate Paul Weller did not speak to each other again after the band broke up, aside from a brief encounter.
- Butler was a private person who kept the details surrounding his family to himself.
