BOOK REVIEW: Rick Buckler – The Jam 1982

The Jam. The energetic, powerpacked mod, guitar, soul 3 piece that conquered the British shores through the late 70’s and early 80’s with Eton Rifles, Going Underground, StArt!, A Town Called Malice and Beat Surrender have continually captured the imagination of their fans, many of whom hold them up as the greatest band ever.

Rick Buckler was the bands drummer, having been on stage, backstage and in coveted places fans only dream of being in, he is the perfect candidate to help produce this new book simply entitled The Jam -1982. Featuring mouth watering new photos, archive photos and written additions from; Eddie Piller, Pennie Smith, Mick Talbot, Gary Crowley, Simon Wells, Mat Osman, Steve Nichol and others, plus Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton, this must surely be the final word of the final year on the magic band.

The books content takes in plenty of places of interest: recording tracks in the studio, working out patterns of the songs, how Precious helped clear a dancefloor, Top Of The Pops appearances, on tour escapades, plus the meeting when Paul announced to Bruce and Rick that he wanted to split up the band. There are additional tales that are heartwarming and eye opening, being a fan of the band since the early 80’s there appears to be plenty of new content not previously seen, especially when it comes to the breakup of the band.

Final gig in Brighton also brings in some shocking details of what the a young crowd were made to endure, i.e. burly skinheads. Back in the early 80’s trouble at gigs was seen as part and parcel of the experience, but with dour mood of the final gig, met with a group of the aforementioned crewcut crew forming a dangerous circle around the bands eager fans, this last public outing of the band might be seen as abit of a let down. Its also interesting to read of Bucklers experience what with one day waking up in the most successful band the UK had seen since The Beatles, to the next day waking up on the dole.

Buckler isn’t here to cry wolf, he tells his side of the story without malice, he’s full of intrigue, as are all the additions to the book, making this a must read for all fans and new fans alike. The Jam hold a place in music fans hearts as one of the all-time greats, this book only adds fact to the rumour mill, a delicately balanced and well informative source of truth. This Is the Modern World.

Rick Buckler – The Jam 1982 can be purchased via the following link