BBC Breakfast's Jon Kay interrupts show to shares 'sad news'
On Wednesday's show (February 19), the mood turned sombre as Jon and his co-presenter Sarah Campbell shared details about drummer Rick, who gained fame as a member of the English rock band The Jam.
Relaying the news, Jon stated, "It's quarter past seven, and some sad news. Rick Buckler, a drummer with The Jam, has died at the age of 69."
As the BBC programme showcased a clip of Rick playing with The Jam in his younger days, Sarah added: "He was part of the band's classic line-up alongside bass player Bruce Foxton and lead singer and guitarist Paul Weller, who said he was 'shocked and saddened.'"
READ MORE: BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood apologises to co-star after awkward blunder on air
READ MORE: Inside BBC Breakfast star Jon Kay's marriage and wife's totally different career
After the brief footage of Rick in his prime, Jon remarked: "Rick Buckler there," as he gently steered the show forward.
Reports indicate that Rick died after a short illness. He was a band member from its inception in 1972 until it disbanded a decade later.
Although The Jam never fully reunited, Buckler and bassist Bruce frequently performed together. During their peak, The Jam released six studio albums featuring Rick on drums.
His contributions included the highly acclaimed All Mod Cons (1978) and Sound Affects (1980).
The Jam, renowned for timeless tunes like Town Called Malice, Going Underground, and Down In The Tube Station At Midnight, has left an indelible mark on the British music scene with 18 consecutive UK Top 40 hits, including four number ones. They capped it all off with the chart-topping album "The Gift."
Mourning Rick's loss, Paul went to Facebook to express his emotions: "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 - P.W x" Rick resided in Woking with his beloved wife, fathering two children, Jason and Holly.
Tune into BBC Breakfast every day from 6am on BBC One.
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