Bruce Foxton, the former bassist of the iconic British punk band the Jam, has publicly announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The musician took to social media to address recent speculation about his health, revealing that complications from a prior cancer treatment led to significant health issues, ultimately resulting in the Parkinson's diagnosis.
Details of the Diagnosis
In a Facebook post, Foxton explained that the treatment for his previous cancer caused complications that triggered the onset of Parkinson's. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that damages parts of the brain over many years. Its primary symptoms include involuntary tremors, slowed movement, and muscle stiffness. Foxton stated, "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 added, "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."
Foxton's Musical Legacy
Foxton co-founded the Jam in 1977 alongside Paul Weller and Rick Buckler. The band became a defining force in the punk and mod revival scenes, known for their sharp social commentary on working-class life and politics. Foxton's distinctive basslines can be heard on classic tracks such as "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight," "Going Underground," and "A Town Called Malice." After the Jam disbanded in 1982, Foxton released his debut solo album, Touch Sensitive, in 1984. He later played with Stiff Little Fingers before reuniting with Buckler to form From the Jam (originally called the Gift), which continues to perform Jam material with vocalist Russell Hastings.
Impact on Performances
Foxton has stepped back from full-time membership with From the Jam. Recently, he was scheduled to perform with the band—who have continued after Buckler's death in 2025—but cancelled due to a chest infection. He wrote, "The brutal heat coupled with an underlying chest infection really knocked me for six, and the medical advice was to rest up while taking medication." Despite the diagnosis, Foxton remains determined to continue performing. He noted that with the right medication to manage symptoms, he has been given "another chance to carry on doing what I love and what I live for in a relaxed and supportive environment." He vowed, "I'm going to keep going and playing live for as long as I'm able to do it."
Correction
This article was amended on 1 July 2026 to clarify that Touch Sensitive is Foxton's debut solo album, not his only one, and that he has stepped back from full-time membership of From the Jam.
