Bruce Foxton, one of the founding members of The Jam, has revealed that he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. The iconic bassist, 70, took to social media to share the news with fans just days after he cancelled two shows at short notice due to illness.
Diagnosis uncovered during cancer treatment follow-up
In a statement, the English musician said that the diagnosis came to light after side effects from his cancer treatment were investigated. ‘It’s no secret that I’ve undergone treatment for cancer and am still having scans on a regular basis to keep an eye on that,’ he told fans on Facebook. ‘However, what you don’t know is that the cancer treatment in itself caused some significant issues for me and investigations into all of that uncovered the fact that I’m now facing a future living with Parkinson’s Disease… and I’m determined to do that as well as I possibly can.’
‘As anyone coping with this diagnosis will know it’s a huge shock, and it’s taking a long time to let that sink in and for me to accept that my body and mind are dealing with something completely out of my control. I have to manage the challenges I now face physically and mentally on a daily basis, and some days are better than others.’
Recent gig cancellations and health speculation
Foxton cancelled his show in Kidderminster on Friday and postponed the following night’s performance in Lincoln after high temperatures aggravated a chest infection. This led to speculation over whether he had been hospitalised. Addressing the recent rumours, he explained: ‘This latest knock back has brought about more speculation about my health, and that’s totally understandable.’
Foxton, who stopped playing in From The Jam – which he formed in 2007 with The Jam drummer Rick Buckler and new frontman Russell Hastings – said he is going to ‘keep playing live for as long as I’m able to do it’. ‘It’s good for me, my future health and hopefully good for all of you who still enjoy coming along to join with me, Mark, Craig, and Andy to enjoy those great songs,’ he added. ‘I will be working hard every day to give the best performance possible.’
Upcoming concerts and legacy
The former Stiff Little Fingers musician has a series of concerts planned in the UK for later this year, including an appearance at the 100 Club in London next month. Last year, his fellow The Jam member Rick Buckler died aged 69 following a short illness. Speaking about his passing, Paul Weller – who was initially critical of From The Jam – opened up about his ‘regret’ at not speaking to him before he died. ‘Rick’s passing was a real shock; it was a real… perspective-changing moment,’ he told Far Out. ‘Because even though we weren’t close and we hadn’t spoken for decades, nevertheless, we were intrinsically joined together and always will be, really, the three of us.’
The trio thrilled young mod fans with iconic hits such as The Eton Rifles and Going Underground.
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition where parts of the brain become damaged over many years. It is primarily caused by a loss of nerve cells that produce dopamine, which is a chemical messenger responsible for coordinating smooth, purposeful body movements.
