From the Jam
From the Jam is an English rock band formed in 2006 as a tribute act dedicated to performing the music of the influential punk and mod revival band The Jam, initially established by The Jam's original drummer Rick Buckler under the name The Gift, alongside vocalist and guitarist Russell Hastings and later incorporating The Jam's original bassist Bruce Foxton.[1] The band quickly gained popularity for its faithful renditions of The Jam's hits, such as "Going Underground", "A Town Called Malice", and "That's Entertainment", while also incorporating original material; their debut album Back in the Room (2012) featured guest appearances from The Jam's frontman Paul Weller and soul guitarist Steve Cropper, and Smash the Clock (2016) included contributions from Weller.[2][3] Over the years, From the Jam has toured internationally, celebrating key milestones like the 45th anniversary of The Jam's album Setting Sons in 2025, and has built a dedicated following among original fans and younger audiences drawn to the energetic live performances of The Jam's socially charged songs.[1] Lineup changes have marked the band's evolution: Buckler departed in 2010, replaced by drummer Mark Brzezicki (formerly of Big Country), and Foxton retired in August 2025 due to health concerns following an immediate medical procedure, with his final shows concluding the Setting Sons tour.[4] Now led primarily by Hastings, From the Jam announced a 2026 UK tour to mark 20 years since its formation, continuing to honor The Jam's legacy of blending punk attitude with mod style and sharp songwriting that influenced British music, fashion, and politics during the late 1970s and early 1980s.[1]Origins
Connection to The Jam
The Jam was an influential English rock band formed in 1972 in Woking, Surrey, initially consisting of Paul Weller on guitar and lead vocals, Rick Buckler on drums, and early member Steve Brookes on guitar, with Bruce Foxton joining as bassist in 1977 to solidify the core lineup.[5] The group pioneered a fusion of punk rock's raw energy and the mod revival's sharp, sartorial style, drawing heavily from 1960s British acts like The Who and The Small Faces to create concise, socially charged songs about working-class life and youth rebellion.[6] Their rapid ascent included a string of chart-topping singles, such as the politically incisive "Going Underground" in 1980 and the urgent "Town Called Malice" in 1982, both of which captured the frustrations of Thatcher-era Britain and propelled them to become one of the biggest acts in UK music history.[6] At the height of their popularity, The Jam disbanded in December 1982 after Weller, seeking artistic evolution beyond the trio's established sound, announced the split to pursue new projects, ultimately forming The Style Council with keyboardist Mick Talbot.[7] The band's legacy as leaders of the late-1970s mod revival endures, having revitalized interest in 1960s mod culture amid the punk explosion and influencing subsequent generations of British guitar bands, including Oasis and Blur, through their emphasis on melody, rhythm, and cultural commentary.[6] Their mod-infused aesthetic—marked by tailored suits, scooters, and a rejection of punk's nihilism in favor of aspirational energy—helped bridge 1960s R&B roots with 1980s pop sophistication, cementing their role in shaping post-punk British identity.[8] Following the dissolution, Foxton and Buckler maintained separate careers, with Buckler forming the short-lived new wave band Time UK in 1983 and later collaborating with Foxton in the one-album group Sharp in 1987, while both occasionally participated in Jam tribute events.[9] By the mid-2000s, amid persistent fan speculation about a full reunion—which Weller repeatedly dismissed, citing his aversion to nostalgia and reformations—the pair decided to revive Jam material without him, leading to the 2007 launch of From the Jam alongside guitarist Russell Hastings and others from Buckler's prior tribute project, The Gift.[10] The name "From the Jam" directly nods to their status as original members delivering faithful renditions of The Jam's catalog, while allowing space for original compositions that extend the band's spirit.[11]Formation as The Gift
In 2006, Rick Buckler, the drummer of the influential punk rock band The Jam, formed a new group called The Gift alongside guitarist and vocalist Russell Hastings and multi-instrumentalist David Moore, who handled keyboards and guitar. The trio assembled to revive and perform The Jam's catalog of songs live on stage, drawing on Buckler's deep connection to the material from his time in the original band. The name The Gift was directly inspired by The Jam's final studio album, released in 1982, symbolizing a nod to the group's enduring legacy. Buckler's motivation for launching The Gift stemmed from a desire to celebrate The Jam's lasting appeal and revisit their music after more than two decades since the band's 1982 dissolution, during which he had taken an extended break from professional performing. Having co-authored the 1993 autobiography The Jam: Our Story with bassist Bruce Foxton, Buckler sought to honor the band's history through live tributes, explicitly without involving frontman Paul Weller, focusing instead on faithful renditions that captured the energy of The Jam's era. The collaboration with Hastings, a dedicated fan familiar with both popular and obscure tracks, reignited Buckler's passion for the repertoire after he encountered him during informal music circles. The Gift made their initial live appearances in 2006, starting with smaller venues to build momentum, such as a performance at The Cheese and Grain in Frome on September 8. These early shows featured energetic sets of The Jam classics, attracting fans eager for a revival of the mod-punk sound. For select concerts that year, including dates in Chichester, Brighton, and Birmingham, The Jam's original bassist Bruce Foxton joined as a guest on bass, adding authenticity and sparking interest in potential further collaborations.History
Early tours and renaming (2007–2009)
In early 2007, Bruce Foxton permanently joined the lineup of Rick Buckler's band The Gift as bassist and vocalist, solidifying the core group alongside drummer Buckler, guitarist and vocalist Russell Hastings, and multi-instrumentalist David Moore on guitar and keyboards. This addition brought an original Jam member into the fold, enhancing the band's authenticity in performing The Jam's catalog, and prompted the group to rename itself From the Jam to reflect its evolution beyond a tribute act. The change marked the band's establishment as a professional touring entity focused on celebrating The Jam's legacy without positioning itself as a replacement.[12][13][14] From the Jam launched its first major UK tour in May 2007, which sold out rapidly and demonstrated strong fan interest, followed by a 21-date autumn run from November 24 to December 21 that culminated in a high-profile show at the Brighton Centre. This final performance commemorated the 25th anniversary of The Jam's disbandment at the same venue in 1982, drawing significant media coverage and large crowds that underscored the enduring appeal of the material. The tour's success highlighted Foxton's seamless integration, as his presence lent historical credibility to the performances, while rumors of a full Jam reunion involving Paul Weller were firmly dismissed by Weller himself, who stated he had no interest in revisiting the past.[15][16][17] Building on this momentum, From the Jam expanded internationally in 2008 with a North American tour in February, commencing January 24 in San Diego and including sold-out dates in cities like Los Angeles, Toronto, and New York, marking the first such outing for Foxton and Buckler since The Jam's era. In March, the band undertook its inaugural Australia and New Zealand tour, performing in venues such as Adelaide's Governor Hindmarsh Hotel on March 17 and generating excitement among fans in those markets. Later that year, in November, the band released a live DVD titled A First Class Return, capturing a complete concert from the London Astoria recorded in December 2007, which showcased the group's high-energy delivery and was distributed via the indie label Invisible Hands Music.[18][19][20][21][22] As the band toured extensively, Foxton's role fostered a sense of continuity with The Jam's sound, contributing to positive internal dynamics and audience reception, though underlying tensions emerged. Keyboardist and guitarist David Moore departed in early 2009, reducing the group to a three-piece format temporarily. Later that year, in September, drummer Rick Buckler left due to creative differences and a perceived loss of enjoyment in the touring routine after four years, prompting further evolution in the band's structure.[23][24][25]Lineup evolution and original material (2010–2024)
Following Rick Buckler's departure in 2009, From the Jam recruited Mark Brzezicki, the drummer from Big Country, to handle percussion duties from 2009 to 2013 and again starting in 2015. During the interim, Steve Barnard served as the band's drummer from 2013 to 2014. This period marked a transitional phase for the lineup, with Bruce Foxton on bass and vocals and Russell Hastings on guitar and lead vocals forming the stable core. The band's shift toward original compositions began with Foxton's solo album Back in the Room, released on October 1, 2012, under his name but featuring extensive collaboration with Hastings. Recorded at Paul Weller's Black Barn Studios, the album blended the energetic rock style reminiscent of The Jam with fresh songwriting, including the single "Number Six," which highlighted Weller's guest guitar contributions on three tracks. This release represented From the Jam's evolution from a tribute act to creators of new material, emphasizing Foxton and Hastings' partnership. Building on this momentum, the duo released Smash the Clock on May 20, 2016, again recorded at Black Barn Studios.[26] The album underscored the Foxton-Hastings songwriting dynamic, with critics praising its ageless energy and Foxton's prominent bass lines, positioning it as a confident follow-up that captured the band's live vitality. In October 2022, Foxton and Hastings issued The Butterfly Effect on October 28, their third joint studio album of original songs. Exploring mature themes with '60s psychedelic and soul elements—such as the Yardbirds-inspired "Electronic Lover" and the Small Faces-evoking "Lula"—it received acclaim for its polished production, cohesive energy, and standout tracks, earning a five-star review as their strongest effort to date. Throughout 2010–2024, From the Jam maintained a steady touring schedule, focusing on regular UK dates while undertaking occasional European outings, such as shows in Germany and the Netherlands, without pursuing major international campaigns beyond smaller ventures. This consistent output supported their transition from Jam covers to an original act, with Hastings established as the primary vocalist given Foxton's more limited singing role.Recent developments (2025)
In February 2025, the music community mourned the death of Rick Buckler, the original drummer of The Jam, who passed away on February 17 at age 69 following a brief illness in his hometown of Woking.[27][28] Paul Weller, The Jam's former frontman, described himself as "shocked and saddened" by the news, while Bruce Foxton, Buckler's longtime bandmate and From the Jam's bassist, issued a heartfelt tribute highlighting their shared history.[29] The event deeply impacted From the Jam's morale, with the group incorporating tributes into their live performances, such as displaying a large portrait of Buckler during shows to honor his legacy.[30] Early in 2025, Bruce Foxton announced his retirement from From the Jam due to ongoing health issues, marking the end of his 18-year tenure with the band after co-founding it in 2007.[31] His final appearances were part of the Setting Sons 45th Anniversary Tour, which began in late 2024 and extended into 2025, serving as a farewell run celebrating The Jam's 1979 album.[32] Following Foxton's departure, From the Jam shifted focus to legacy performances of The Jam's catalog, with no new albums announced as of November 2025. The band launched the Sound Affects 45th Anniversary Tour in late 2025, running through 2026 and featuring dates such as November 14 at The Drill in Lincoln.[33] Despite these transitions, the group confirmed its continuation under Russell Hastings' leadership, underscoring a commitment to resilience and preserving The Jam's influence.[4]Members
Current lineup
The current lineup of From the Jam as of November 2025 features Bruce Foxton on bass and vocals, Russell Hastings on guitar and vocals, Mike Randon on drums, and Gary Simons on percussion and bass.[34] Bruce Foxton, co-founder of The Jam, has been a core member since 2007, delivering the band's authentic bass lines drawn from his original Jam tenure and contributing occasional lead and backing vocals on select tracks during live performances.[34] Foxton remains active with the band as of November 2025, participating in the Sound Affects 45th anniversary tour.[34] Russell Hastings serves as the lead guitarist and primary vocalist since the band's formation in 2006, also taking on the role of chief songwriter for their original material while infusing performances with punk energy rooted in influences like The Clash.[34] His dynamic stage presence and vocal delivery have defined the band's sound, handling the majority of lead vocals on both Jam classics and new compositions.[31] Mike Randon has anchored the rhythm section on drums since 2015, providing a steady and precise backbone that supports the band's high-energy live sets following the departure of previous drummer Mark Brzezicki.[31] Known for his tight and reliable performances, Randon ensures the group's punk-mod precision remains intact during tours.[35] Gary Simons joined in 2024 as a multi-instrumentalist, primarily handling percussion and additional bass duties to enhance the arrangements, often supporting Foxton's lines during extended tours and allowing for fuller instrumentation in live renditions.[31] His versatility adds depth to the band's sound, particularly in bridging the core duo's performances with layered rhythmic elements.[36]Former members
Rick Buckler, co-founder and original drummer of The Jam, initiated From the Jam in 2007 after forming the precursor band The Gift in 2006 with Russell Hastings and David Moore to perform Jam material.[28] He served as the band's drummer from 2007 to 2009, but departed in September 2009 due to creative differences, specifically his dissatisfaction with the band's heavy reliance on The Jam's back catalogue and his desire to incorporate more original material, marking a pivotal shift in the group's direction toward new compositions.[37] Buckler did not return to the band after his exit and passed away on February 17, 2025, at the age of 69 following a short illness.[27] David Moore contributed keyboards and guitar to From the Jam from its formation in 2007 until early 2009, serving as an early collaborator in the band's initial lineup.[25] He departed for personal reasons shortly after the band's renaming and first tours.[38] Moore did not rejoin the group thereafter. Mark Brzezicki, known for his progressive rock style from his tenure with Big Country, joined From the Jam on drums in 2009 following Buckler's departure and remained until 2013, when he left abruptly due to scheduling conflicts that led to the cancellation of an Australian tour.[39] He briefly returned for a stint in 2015 but exited again owing to ongoing commitments with other projects.[40] Brzezicki brought a distinctive flair to the band's performances during his multiple periods with the group. Steve Barnard, a session drummer also known as "Smiley," filled in on drums for From the Jam from 2013 to 2014, providing stability during the transition after Brzezicki's initial exit.[41] His short tenure ended with the arrival of a permanent replacement, and he did not return to the band.Timeline
The timeline of From the Jam illustrates the band's evolution through key member changes, beginning with its formation as a tribute act rooted in The Jam's legacy.| Year | Event | Active Members (Core Lineup) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Formation as The Gift by drummer Rick Buckler, vocalist/guitarist Russell Hastings, and multi-instrumentalist David Moore. | Rick Buckler (drums), Russell Hastings (vocals/guitar), David Moore (keyboards/guitar). |
| 2007 | Bassist Bruce Foxton (original Jam member) joins permanently; band renamed From the Jam. Foxton initially performed as a guest in 2006. | Russell Hastings (vocals/guitar), Bruce Foxton (bass), Rick Buckler (drums), David Moore (keyboards/guitar). |
| 2009 | David Moore and Rick Buckler depart; drummer Mark Brzezicki (Big Country) joins. | Russell Hastings (vocals/guitar), Bruce Foxton (bass), Mark Brzezicki (drums). |
| 2013–2014 | Brzezicki temporarily leaves for Big Country commitments; Steve Barnard serves as interim drummer. | Russell Hastings (vocals/guitar), Bruce Foxton (bass), Steve Barnard (drums). |
| 2015 | Drummer Mike Randon joins permanently on drums. | Russell Hastings (vocals/guitar), Bruce Foxton (bass), Mike Randon (drums). |
| 2024 | Gary Simons added on percussion and bass. | Russell Hastings (vocals/guitar), Bruce Foxton (bass), Mike Randon (drums), Gary Simons (percussion/bass). |
| 2025–present | Core lineup continues with ongoing tours, including the Sound Affects 45th anniversary tour. | Russell Hastings (vocals/guitar), Bruce Foxton (bass), Mike Randon (drums), Gary Simons (percussion/bass). |