Bruce Foxton interview: 'It's good to keep that Jam memory in people's hearts'

Bruce was the original bassist for the mod revival trio, featuring 'Modfather' Paul Weller, who exploded onto the punk scene in 1977.

But after notching up 18 top 40 singles, including four number ones, the band disappeared in 1982.

Many fans thought they would never hear the likes Eton Rifles, Going Underground and Town Called Malice live in concert again.

But 25 years later Bruce set up From The Jam with drummer Rick Buckler and it was like going back in time to the late 70s and early 80s.

"I think we do a good job of playing those songs with as much passion and energy as we can," said Bruce.

"When I got together with Rick in 2007 we both agreed we’d give it a go and kick it around in rehearsal and if doesn’t sound like we’re doing these songs justice and it sounds like a cabaret band we won’t take it out on the road.

"We gave it a lot of thought because we know fans hold those songs close to their heart – and so do I. It’s not The Jam but we’re still doing a good job.

"The audiences are getting bigger again and I think that must be down to the fact they want to hear those great songs played but also they recognise everything we put into it to make the songs sound as authentic as they did all those years ago

"It’s amazing. It just shows you how good the songwriting was in those days and also our musicianship."

Bruce told Weekend it still surprises him how well loved and iconic The Jam's songs have become. It is also a constant reminder of how fast time flies.

The 59-year-old added: "It’s funny that you mention it because it was pointed out to me in the studio that it was 38 years ago that In The City was released.

"It’s scary. I remember my mum and dad saying things like: ‘Where does the time go?’

"But when you’re young you don’t really think about it. It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride from then until now as I’m sure it’s been for a lot of people. I’ve had a lot of good times."

That 'rollercoaster ride' included travelling the world and being at his creative peak when punk rock changed everything.

Bruce said: "It was just a very exciting time to see the Pistols and The Clash and realise they had a similar direction and sentiment to us.

"The only difference is we didn’t wear the ripped T-shirts and the safety pins and stuff but we had a lot of common with those bands.

"It was incredibly exciting kicking the music business up the backside. It was refreshing."

From The Jam may be a nod to the past but Bruce was in the studio in 2012 to record new songs for Back In The Room, his first album in 30 years.

Bruce, who wrote The Jam's hit News of the World, added: "We’ve got new tracks that we’ve slotted in to the live shows here and there.

"They’ve been well received by the audience. Some people who have come along have said they’re how they imagined The Jam might sound if we had continued which is really big compliment."

Now Bruce and his bandmate Russell Hastings are about half way through writing and recording the follow-up record, Smash The Clock, which is being directly funded by fans via PledgeMusic.

The Jam's original drummer Rick Buckler left Bruce's band in 2009 but in a strange twist of fate Bruce and Paul Weller recently put the past behind them and rekindled their friendship.

Their reconciliation took more than 25 years but now Bruce is recording his album at Paul's Black Barn studios and the pair even collaborated on his 2012 record, Back In The Room.

"I was very saddened when we did have a bit of a rift," said Bruce, who was also a member of Stiff Little Fingers for 15 years.

"These things do happen unfortunately and when you’ve done and achieved so much together as mates it was a very sad period that we didn’t speak to each other.

"It took some serious events like the death of my first wife Pat and death of Paul’s dad not long after.

"It took that to realise how short life is for a start but also how trivial our disagreement was and it kind of banged our heads together I suppose."

That culminated with the pair reuniting on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in 2010.

"That was on his birthday as well which was really special," added Bruce.

"That was an amazing night. It came out of the blue. Paul just phoned up and said: ‘Would you fancy playing on a few songs’

"I was very nervous. It was brilliant to be on stage like it was with Rick in From The Jam to play with him again after so long. It was a real buzz.

"My wife Kate came along and 5,000 people got up out of their seats. It was a very emotional 10 minutes. I’ll never forget it."

So is a Jam reunion still definitely off the table?

"You should never say never but I can’t see it because we’ve all gone our own ways," Bruce said.

"I happily remarried a couple of years ago, my career is ticking along as I would like it, I’ve got an album on the go.

"I’m very happy with my lot and Paul, as far as I know, is very happy with what he’s up to and Rick has a book coming out. He seems pretty busy.

"We’ve all kind of moved on from it. I think it’s now best left that we did go out at the top.

"I might not have said that at the time. I felt totally different then.

"But I think it’s good to leave that Jam memory in people’s hearts. We went out on a high in 1982 and if people want to hear those songs again they can come and see me..."

- From The Jam hits Parr Hall on Friday, May 15.

DAVID MORGAN