Bruce Foxton, the legendary bassist with The Jam, has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, describing the news as a "huge shock" after speculation grew over his recent health problems.
The 69-year-old musician shared the diagnosis in a heartfelt message to fans on Facebook, just days after cancelling a number of live performances due to illness.
Foxton had been due to perform in Kidderminster before postponing another show in Lincoln, after high temperatures worsened an underlying chest infection. He explained that the combination of the extreme heat and illness left him unable to take to the stage.
“Firstly, I just wanted to thank everyone for the messages wishing me well. Your love, support, and understanding means a lot.”
“It was a difficult decision to cancel the shows last weekend (especially as my bag was packed!), but 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.”
Foxton also addressed rumours that he had been admitted to hospital, reassuring fans that he had instead been recovering at home.
“I’m not sure where the rumour about being in hospital started, but luckily that wasn’t necessary. And I was able to rest up at home and I’m pleased to say that I’m feeling a lot better than I was.”
The musician explained that the latest setback had prompted speculation about his overall health, particularly following his previous battle with cancer. While he continues to undergo regular scans, he revealed that investigations into complications arising from his cancer treatment led doctors to diagnose Parkinson's disease.
“This latest knock back has brought about more speculation about my health, and that’s totally understandable. 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.”
“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.”
Foxton admitted the diagnosis had come as a "huge shock" and said he is still coming to terms with the news. Despite the challenges ahead, he struck a determined tone, thanking fans for their continued support as he prepares to live with the condition.
Foxton rose to fame as the bassist for The Jam, one of the most influential British bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s, alongside Paul Weller and Rick Buckler. The group achieved a string of UK chart-topping hits before splitting in 1982, with Foxton continuing to perform and record throughout the decades that followed.
