The Jam

The Jam Artistfacts

  • 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.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.

Tom Waits Lyrics Quiz

Tom Waits Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Pool balls, magpies and thorns without roses - how well do you know your Tom Waits lyrics?

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions Answered

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions AnsweredSong Writing

10 Questions for the author of Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces

Cheerleaders In Music Videos

Cheerleaders In Music VideosSong Writing

It started with a bouncy MTV classic. Nirvana and MCR made them scary, then Gwen, Avril and Madonna put on the pom poms.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."