Bruce Foxton, bassist with the Jam, reveals Parkinson’s disease | The Jam

Former Jam bassist Bruce Foxton has announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Acknowledging the latest speculation about his health, Foxton posted on Facebook, explaining that complications from previous cancer treatments “caused complications” for him, leading to his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s is a condition in which parts of the brain slowly deteriorate over many years. The main symptoms are involuntary body tremors, slowness of movement, and stiffness and flexibility of the muscles.

“Now I’m facing a future with Parkinson’s disease … and I’m determined to do this to the best of my ability,” he added. “It takes a long time to process this and to accept that my body and mind are dealing with something that is out of my control.”

Paul Weller, Rick Buckler and Foxton founded the Jam and performed with the group from 1977 until they broke up in 1982, covering themes of working class issues and contemporary politics. Some of Foxton’s best-known tracks include Down in the Tube Station at Midnight, Going Underground, and A Town Called Malice.

In 1984, two years after the end of The Jam, Foxton released his debut album, Touch Sensitive. He later joined Stiff Little Fingers before reuniting with Buckler by joining his band From the Jam (formerly known as Gift), who perform Jam material with Russell Hastings in Weller’s role.

Last week Foxton was due to perform with From the Jam – who will continue Buckler’s death in 2025 – but had to cancel due to a chest infection.

He wrote: “Severe fevers and chest infections plagued me for six years, and the doctor’s advice was to rest while taking the medicine.

After announcing his diagnosis, he said, “having the right medication to help manage the symptoms has given me another chance to continue doing what I love and what I do in a comfortable and supportive environment”.

He wrote: “I will continue to exercise forever.”