• 1973-1982

  Paul WellerVocals, guitar

  Bruce FoxtonBass, vocals

  Rick BucklerDrums
• The Jam formed in Surrey England. They were one of Punk and New Wave's best-loved groups. They hold the record for the most simultaneous UK Top 75 singles ever, with 13. They all entered the chart in January 1983, following the band's dissolution in December 1982.
• Their career got off to a good start. After being spotted playing at a street market in London's Soho, they were asked to open for the Sex Pistols. The Jam signed to Polydor records in 1977.
• Following the split of The Jam, Bruce Foxton spent a lot of time producing Stiff Little Fingers, eventually becoming their bassist. Rick Buckler, the drummer, opened an antiques shop. >>

  Suggestion credit:
  Chris - London, England
• The band's debut chart hit "In The City" is pure Punk Rock, and spent 14 weeks in the listings, but never rose higher than #40.
• Bassist Bruce Foxton had three minor single chart entries on Arista Records after going solo. The top achiever of the trio was entitled "Freak" (1983). >>

  Suggestion credit:
  Derek - Hull, England, for above 2

Comments: 2

• Andrew from Ashford, EnglandThe Jam, and Paul Weller in particular is a musical legend. Other than Mcartney,Lennon and perhaps Dylan, he is the best. Songs ranging from In The City, to Thats Entertainment are testament to the quality of this band.
• Martin from Sydney, AustraliaGary Numan (see "Cars" and "Are 'Friends' Electric") says he had an audition to be in The Jam, but he failed it when they wouldn't let him use his distortion pedal. He later formed his own band and had multiple UK No.1 hits, so he obviously didn't let the rejection get to him too much.

More Songfacts:

Dancing QueenABBA

ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson conceived "Dancing Queen" as a dance song with the working title "Boogaloo," drawing inspiration from the 1974 George McCrae disco hit "Rock Your Baby." Their manager Stig Anderson came up with the title "Dancing Queen."

Right RoundFlo Rida

An unknown Kesha (known then as Ke$ha) sang on Flo-Rida's #1 hit "Right Round," but refused to appear in the video because she wanted to make a name for herself.

Heat Of The NightBryan Adams

Bryan Adams' 1987 song "Heat Of The Night" has the distinction of being the first commercially released cassette single in the US.

Pretty VacantSex Pistols

The riff for The Sex Pistols' "Pretty Vacant" was pinched from a very unpunk song, the ABBA ballad "S.O.S."

Scooby SnacksFun Lovin' Criminals

The Scooby Snacks in the Fun Lovin' Criminals song aren't dog treats, they're Valium pills.

My GenerationThe Who

Roger Daltrey stutters the vocal on "My Generation" by The Who. The idea was to sound like a British kid on speed.

Editor's Picks

Daniel LanoisSongwriter Interviews

Daniel Lanois on his album Heavy Sun, and the inside stories of songs he produced for U2, Peter Gabriel, and Bob Dylan.

Chrissie Hynde of The PretendersSongwriter Interviews

The rock revolutionist on songwriting, quitting smoking, and what she thinks of Rush Limbaugh using her song.

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.