Bruce Foxton, bassist and co-founding member of The Jam, has confirmed that he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
The musician, 70, shared an update on his health via social media after postponing two live shows in Kidderminster and Lincoln last weekend “due to illness”. Fans had speculated that Foxton had been hospitalised, but he has denied this was the case.
However, he did open up about the “huge shock” of finding out he is living with Parkinson’s.
“Firstly, I just wanted to thank everyone for the messages wishing me well. Your love, support, and understanding means a lot,” Foxton began.
“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”
He went to address the “rumour about being in hospital”, saying he was “not sure” where this had come from. Foxton explained that he was “able to rest up at home and I’m pleased to say that I’m feeling a lot better than I was”.
Acknowledging the “speculation about my health”, the bassist wrote: “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 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.”
Foxton then discussed his decision to step back from his touring commitments with From The Jam (formerly known as the Gift), who perform Jam music live with Russell Hastings as frontman.
“Back in May 2025, it was hard to accept that touring with FTJ was no longer an option for me, 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,” he shared.
“The response and love we’ve felt at our gigs has been second to none and I can’t thank you enough.”
Foxton assured fans that he was “going to keep going and playing live for as long as I’m able to do it”, adding: “It’s good for me, my future health and hopefully good for all of you who still enjoy coming along to join with me, Mark, Craig, and Andy to enjoy those great songs. I will be working hard every day to give the best performance possible.”
The musician is currently scheduled to play a run of live shows across the UK in late 2026/early 2027, including performances in Edinburgh, Nottingham and Glasgow. He is also set to play at London’s 100 Club next Sunday (July 12).
Per the NHS, Parkinson’s is “a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years”. The main symptoms include involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body (tremor), slow movement, and stiff and inflexible muscles.
“A person with Parkinson’s disease can also experience a wide range of other physical and psychological symptoms,” it adds, citing depression and anxiety, balance problems and memory issues.
In 2024, Foxton spoke about taking a break from touring after being hospitalised for an “immediate procedure”.
“It is with much regret and sadness that I will not be able to perform again with From the Jam until I have made a full recovery,” he said. “The band has done everything to help me for the past couple of years and have even suggested several times that I take time off to look after my health and recuperate.”
He had previously opened up about his struggle with tinnitus.
