Jam tomorrow

WITH a sell-out tour behind them and another, larger, jaunt around the country this winter, it's almost as if Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler have never been away. As two-thirds of one of Britain's most influential bands, they've seen it all before; they've played to packed venues around the world, have topped the charts and inspired everyone from Noel Gallagher to a crop of more contemporary bands such as the Kaiser Chiefs, Hard-Fi and The Enemy. That doesn't mean the affable drummer and bass player weren't nervous before making the decision to form a new band, From The Jam, and do it all over again.

"We were definitely apprehensive about doing it, " confesses Foxton.

"There were a few reasons; one, Paul wasn't going to be in the band, and two, Jam music is very precious to the fans and we weren't sure what percentage would be for or against us getting back together.

"Should the songs be left in 1982, or is it cool to do it? After thinking about it, we felt we were entitled to play those songs, and it was so good in rehearsals we thought, 'Why not go out and do it?"' Any fears were soon allayed when the fans Foxton speaks of made their opinions known by buying all the tickets for the 20 shows in a matter of days. As well as Buckler and Foxton, From The Jam features Russell Hastings on guitar and lead vocals, and Dave Moore, who plays rhythm guitar and keyboards.

The reformation came about when Buckler, who had all-but retired from music, decided he wanted to get back into the swing of things. For the past 12 years, he'd been running a furniture restoration business, but after enjoying a Mod festival, he joined Hastings' Jam tribute band, The Gift.

"When I joined The Gift, Bruce was still involved with Stiff Little Fingers, and a side project called Casbah Club too, " says the gravel-voiced Buckler.

"We found ourselves on the same bill at a gig, so I asked Bruce if he fancied getting up and doing a couple of numbers with us. He did, and the reaction was great, which I think convinced him to get involved more permanently."

PRESS reviews were positive and From The Jam went about their business - small venues, low-key publicity - in the right manner.

"We weighed it up and took it very seriously. It wasn't a light-hearted decision, but we thought we could do the songs justice, " says Foxton.

Both Buckler and Foxton say they might write some more songs, but it's a big might. "At the minute, we're riding the crest of a wave, " admits Foxton.

"It's great to be back, we're sounding great and all the rest of it, but if we do release something new, the press are going to put it under a microscope and the scrutiny will really kick in. "We'll get people saying, 'Now we can see why Paul Weller isn't in the band', and all that, I can just see the headlines, " he laughs.

Weller famously broke up the group in 1982, going on to form The Style Council and later forged a highly successful solo career. For years, he didn't play any Jam or Style Council songs when performing live. He's since relented a little, adding classics A Town Called Malice and That's Entertainment, among others, to his live sets, but his attitude toward reforming the group hasn't softened one bit.

"Me and my children would have to be destitute and starving in the gutter before I'd even consider that, " spat Weller, when asked about getting the group back together.

Even though Buckler and Foxton were offered no explanation as to why The Jam broke up, and the former hasn't spoken to Weller since 1982, there's little animosity on their part.

"It's a shame he's not involved, " offers Buckler. "We always knew and have done for some time that he's not interested in reforming The Jam, but he should revel in the success of The Jam as much as anyone. None of us would be where we are without the band, so I am a bit bemused why he chooses to almost ignore what the band meant to his career."

Foxton adds: "It's a cliche, but music transcends everything. Paul's got a very successful solo career, though, so why would he do it? I just think it would be wonderful if he cared to join us, that's all I can say. I'd love him to do it."

From The Jam: Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler play Newcastle's Carling Academy, on December 14, check www. seetickets. com for more information.

The Jam Unseen, by Twink, is published by Cyan Books, priced £20.

The Unseen Jam Photographic Exhibition runs at The Movie Poster Gallery, London, October 6-20