Rick the Stick

Drummer Rick Buckler was a founding member of The Jam, along with bassist Bruce Foxton and singer Paul Weller. A quarter of a century on from the iconic group’s spilt, he’s hooked up with Foxton again as part of From The Jam. uk-fusion catches up with Buckler to talk about Weller, Woking, and reformation

This year you’ve been touring with Bruce for the first time in 25 years – what took you so long to get back together again?
Up until last year Bruce was busy with SLF and then Casbah Club but when our paths crossed with both Casbah Club and my group, The Gift, on the same bill, I asked Bruce if he fancied jumping up for a couple of numbers. The reaction was fantastic. The time was right for us to reform, unfortunately Paul was always against The Jam reforming and had counted himself out.
What can fans expect to hear on the new studio album?
We are still working on some new material, so you will have to wait and see.

Is Woking still "A Town Called Malice" or has it changed in the intervening years?
“A Town Called Malice” could be any town or place.
Apparently you were quite dismissive of The Style Council when Paul played you some tracks. What didn't you like about them?
Paul never ever played any Style Council tracks to me. The Style Council just wasn't my thing.
How’s the furniture refurbishment going?
I stopped that about 2000, but I do still have my workshop.
Do you still get groupies?
No, fortunately.
How much does your replacement lead singer Russell Hastings sound like Paul Weller?
If you come and see the show, you will see that he is his own man, but with a similar-sounding voice. The important thing, though, is the passion.
Finally, what’s only kinky the first time?
Is this a rhetorical question or the first line of a joke?

Following a sell-out UK tour in May, From The Jam embark on a 22-date series of British shows in November and December. The Jam Unseen Photographic Exhibition takes place from the 6th to 20th October at The Movie Poster Gallery, 1 Colville Place, London W1T 2BG.