Mod memories from former Jam bassist (From Sutton Guardian)

Mod memories from former Jam bass player Bruce Foxton

7:00am Saturday 18th August 2012 in Freetime By Tom Barnes

Bruce Foxton is a forgiving man.

In 1982 he was the bass player in the Jam, the biggest band in the country, riding high on the success of four number one singles, countless hits and sell out concerts at Wembley Arena, writes Tom Barnes.

That was until one day in December when at the height of the band’s fame Paul Weller, songwriter and musical driving force behind the trio from Woking, decided to break up the band.

The pair did not speak for 25 years, but, despite the acrimonious ending, he no longer bears Weller any malice, even playing bass on the modfather’s last album and performing with him at the Royal Albert Hall.

He now makes a living playing bass in a Jam covers band at venues up and down the UK performing songs he helped create.

From the Jam was started in 2007 by drummer Rick Buckler, alongside Foxton and singer Russell Hastings, but the stickman walked out in 2009 amid rumours of a fall-out.

The reformed duo bring the Sounds of the City to Kingston on September 1 with Big Country drummer Mark Brzezicki replacing Buckler.

There are no pretensions when you see a cover band and no tiresome new songs to sit through as the band plugs its latest offering, so expect all the favourites such as Going Underground, That’s Entertainment and Eton Rifles.

From the Jam, Kingsmeadow stadium, Kingston, September 1, 8pm to 1am, £20, email info@ kingsmeadowlive.com or call 020 8247 9918.