 AFTER their sold out tour earlier this year Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler are back on the road with their From The Jam project. As two thirds of one of Britain’s most successful groups, they’ve seen it all before; they’ve played to packed venues around the world, have topped the charts and influenced everyone from Noel Gallagher to a crop of more contemporary bands such as 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 From The Jam and do it all over again. "We were definitely apprehensive about doing it," confesses Bruce who plays with the band at Birmingham’s Carling Academy next Tuesday. "There were a few reasons; one, Paul [Weller] 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 Bruce speaks of made their opinions known by buying all the tickets for the 20 shows in a matter of days. As well as Rick and Bruce, 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 Rick, 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, something that initially stemmed from a hobby, but after seeing how much fun the musicians were having on stage at a Mod festival, he joined Russell’s 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 gravelvoiced Rick. "I played with them just because I wanted to get back into drumming. 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, seeing as we were all in the same room," he continues. "He did, and the reaction was great, which I think convinced him to get involved more permanently." The duo also talk of possible new material for the band, although, like the decision to get back together, it’s not something they’d do if it wasn’t up to scratch. Ticket info From the Jam Tuesday: Carling Academy, Dale End, Birmingham Tickets: 0844 477 2000.
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