Bruce Foxton, the bassist and founding member of The Jam, has confirmed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The announcement comes after the 70-year-old rocker, who performed with the Paul Weller-fronted band since 1974 and sang lead vocals on hits such as “News of the World”, last week rescheduled solo shows in Kidderminster and Lincoln, citing illness at the time.
On Tuesday (30 June), Foxton shared an update thanking fans for their support and explaining that “the brutal heat coupled with an underlying chest infection really knocked me for six” but that he’d simply been advised to rest rather than going to hospital as many had speculated.
Foxton explained that while he was feeling “a lot better” now, this “latest knock back” had “understandably” prompted further speculation about his health, having previously been treated for cancer.
“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,” he said.
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease in which the brain becomes progressively damaged over the years. Physical symptoms can include involuntary shaking of body parts in a tremor, as well as slowed movement and other mobility issues.
Foxton continued: “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.”
“Back in May 2025 it was hard to accept that touring with [new band From the Jam] was no longer an option for me,” he explained of the group he has performer with alongside the late Jam drummer Rick Buckler since 2006.
“But being officially diagnosed and having the right meds to help deal with symptoms has given me another chance to carry on doing what I love and what I live for in a relaxed and supportive environment.
“The response and love we’ve felt at our gigs has been second to none and I can’t thank you enough. With your help I’m going to keep going and playing live for as long as I’m able to do it.”
Read MoreDonald Trump pays tribute to YMCA star who ‘loved’ song being played at rallies
Taylor Swift loves Easter eggs. Her fans think these five are about her wedding
Village People star dies aged 75 after ‘short but aggressive’ illness
