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An evening of classic hits

Jam tribute group with original bassist Bruce Foxton
Jam tribute group with original bassist Bruce Foxton

It has been 35 years since the release of All Mod Cons, the seminal album by punk rockers The Jam. And to mark the anniversary, From The Jam, featuring the band’s original bass player Bruce Foxton, is on the road performing the album in its entirety. Bruce chatted to What’s On about almost four decades in the music industry.

What made you decide it was time to celebrate All Mod Cons?

It being the 35th anniversary really. We’d also put a number of songs from that album in the set so thought it would be fun to tour the whole album back to back.

How was the development process and recording of All Mod Cons?

I have very fond memories of that period. It was recorded at RAK Studios in London which was owned by Mickey Most. It was a make or break album for us and fortunately it was the making of the band. It was definitely the album that made the music press sit up!

1978 was a tumultuous time; do you feel the songs hold as much relevance today as they did then?

Even the new and younger fans get the lyrics of Paul Weller (The Jam’s lead singer) from that period. You only have to travel across London late at night to realise the relevance of Tube Station for instance.

How does it feel to inspire so many fans?

I’m flattered that they feel that way of course and extremely proud to have been part of a band that means so much to people!

You have been playing music for over 40 years. What keeps you going?

It’s in my blood and it’s all I’ve ever done! I love being on the road and playing these great songs, I guess it keeps me young!

You recorded some of your new solo album Back in the Room with Paul Weller, did the process feel like old times?

It was lovely being back in the studio with Paul. As has been reported we’ve put any differences aside that we may have had. Life’s too short!

What can audiences expect from the From The Jam concert?

A great energetic night of songs old and new! From where I stand on stage the place is bouncing wall to wall and the report back is that they have a great time!

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Extra time: The Jam

- The Jam formed in Woking in the early 1970s, consisting of Paul Weller on guitar and lead vocals, Bruce Foxton on bass and Rick Buckler on drums.

Paul Weller, left, and Bruce Foxton. Image from a book by Ian Snowball
Paul Weller, left, and Bruce Foxton. Image from a book by Ian Snowball

- Signed by Polydor Records in 1977, Weller wrote most of the group's hits, including Going Underground, Town Called Malice, Start, Eton Rifles and Beat Surrender.

- After six studio albums and four No. 1 singles, Weller disbanded the group in December 1982, going on to form the Style Council and then pursue a successful solo career.

- In 2006, Buckler formed a band names the Gift playing material from the Jam with Russell Hastings.

- Foxton joined as bass guitarist and in 2007 the group was renamed From The Jam. The current line-up consists of Foxton, Hastings on lead vocal and guitar, and Mark Brzezicki of Big Country on drums.

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From The Jam will be at Folkestone's Quarterhouse at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 24. Tickets £20. Call 01303 858500.

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