News : The Jam Bassist Bruce Foxton Opens Up About Parkinson's Diagnosis

Bruce Foxton, bassist and co founder of The Jam, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The 70 year old musician shared the health update on social media after postponing two performances in Kidderminster and Lincoln last weekend because of illness. While some fans speculated that he had been admitted to hospital, Foxton clarified that those reports were untrue.

Instead, he spoke candidly about the “huge shock” of learning that 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 wrote.

“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.”

Addressing the rumors that had circulated online, Foxton said he was “not sure” how the story about him being hospitalized had started. He confirmed that he had been able to recover at home and was already feeling much better.

The bassist then responded to ongoing speculation surrounding his health, explaining: “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.”

He also reflected on his decision to reduce his touring commitments with From The Jam, formerly known as The Gift, where Russell Hastings serves as frontman performing songs from The Jam’s catalog.

“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 reassured fans that he has no plans to step away from performing anytime soon. “I’m going to keep going and playing live for as long as I’m able to do it,” he said. “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 perform a series of UK dates in late 2026 and early 2027, including stops in Edinburgh, Nottingham and Glasgow. He is also expected to appear at London’s 100 Club on July 12.

According to the NHS, Parkinson’s is “a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.” Common symptoms include tremors, slowed movement, and muscle stiffness.

The NHS also notes that people living with Parkinson’s may experience a range of additional physical and psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, balance difficulties and memory problems.

In 2024, Foxton revealed that he would be taking a break from touring after undergoing an “immediate procedure” that required hospitalization.

“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 at the time. “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.”

Foxton has also previously spoken publicly about living with tinnitus.