Rick Buckler, the drummer of the rock group The Jam, has died aged 69 after a short illness.

In a statement, his management company said Buckler “passed away peacefully on Monday evening in Woking after a short illness with family by his side”.

The statement described him as a “loving husband, father and grandfather” who was “devoted to many” and will be “greatly missed”.

Buckler was part of the band’s classic lineup alongside bass player Bruce Foxton and lead singer and guitarist Paul Weller in the punk and new wave era of the late 1970s.

The band, who achieved 18 consecutive UK top 40 singles, are best known for tracks such as Town Called Malice, Going Underground and Down in the Tube Station at Midnight.

In a post on his verified Instagram account, Weller said: “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.”

Buckler featured on The Jam’s six studio albums, including In the City (1977), All Mod Cons (1978) and Sound Affects (1980).

The Jam achieved four UK number one singles and one UK number one album.

The band split in 1982 and never fully reunited, but Foxton and Buckler subsequently played together on a number of occasions as From The Jam while Weller continued his career with the Style Council and as a solo artist.

Foxton wrote on social media: “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.”

Buckler was due to embark on a Q&A tour of the UK later this year entitled A Night of Memories and Music, which was recently postponed due to his health.

The drummer lived with his wife, with whom he had two children, Jason and Holly.

Following his time in The Jam, he wrote a number of books and went into the furniture design and restoration industry.

His books included a number on the history of The Jam and his autobiography, That’s Entertainment: My Life in The Jam, which was published in 2015.

• This article was amended on 19 February 2025 to correct a misspelling of Rick Buckler’s surname.