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\n\tRick Buckler, a longtime rocker best known as the drummer for legendary band The Jam<\/a>, has died. He was 69 years old.<\/p>\n \n\tThe news of his death was announced on X via a heartfelt message from his bandmate Paul Weller<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cI\u2019m shocked and saddened by Rick\u2019s passing. I\u2019m 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,\u201d the band\u2019s vocalist Weller wrote<\/a> alongside a series of black-and-white photos of Buckler. \u201cWe went far beyond our dreams and what we made stands the test of time. \u2026 Rick was a good guy and a great drummer whose innovative drum patterns helped shape our songs. I\u2019m glad we had the chance to work together as much as we did. My thoughts are with [Rick\u2019s wife Lesley] and his family at this very difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tWhile no cause of death has been revealed, the news comes two weeks after Buckler canceled a spoken-word tour due to ongoing health issues, per TMZ<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n \n\tThe English rock band was formed in 1972 in Woking, Surrey. Buckler was in the original lineup as drummer, and the group released their debut single \u201cIn the City\u201d in 1977, and released their debut album of the same name that same year. The band made waves via their political statements, rising up against police brutality, the British government and beyond.<\/p>\n \n\tOverall, the group released six albums, their final project being 1982\u2019s The Gift<\/em>, which peaked at No. 82 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. After a world tour in support of the album, the group disbanded due to a decision from Weller. <\/p>\n \n\tAfter his time in The Jam, Buckler formed Time UK with Jimmy Edwards\u00a0and Ray Simone, and later formed a new The Jam tribute band called The Gift.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n