The Jam star reveals he's been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
The Jam star Bruce Foxton has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, just days after cancelling two shows due to a chest infection.
The bassist, 70, shared a statement on Facebook where he told fans his diagnosis came to light after side effects from his cancer treatment were investigated.
Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.
He wrote on Tuesday: '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.
'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.
'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.
The Jam star Bruce Foxton, 70, has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, just days after cancelling two shows due to a chest infection
The bassist shared a statement on Facebook where he told fans his diagnosis came to light after side effects from his cancer treatment were investigated
'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.
'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 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.
'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. 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.'
His life-long fans shared their support in the comments, writing: 'Sorry to hear about all your health problems you need to do what is best for you and your family moving forwards',
The Jam's Paul Weller, Rick Buckler and Bruce Foxton pictured L-R in 2002
Bruce's diagnosis comes just 16 months after his bandmate Rick Buckler's death in February 2025 following a short illness (pictured in 2007)
'All the best Bruce, your health is far more important than anything else and I am so sorry that you are having more health struggles. Look after yourself and I hope you enjoy many more years of happiness.'
Bruce underwent immunotherapy after a cancerous lymph node was found in 2023. He eventually retired from The Jam last year after his health issues took a toll.
Now, Bruce performs with his All-Star band with a scaled down schedule.
Bruce's diagnosis comes just 16 months after his bandmate Rick Buckler's death in February 2025 following a short illness.
WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE?
Parkinson’s disease affects one in 500 people, and around 127,000 people in the UK live with the condition.
Figures also suggest one million Americans also suffer.
It causes muscle stiffness, slowness of movement, tremors, sleep disturbance, chronic fatigue, an impaired quality of life and can lead to severe disability.
It is a progressive neurological condition that destroys cells in the part of the brain that controls movement.
Sufferers are known to have diminished supplies of dopamine because nerve cells that make it have died.
There is currently no cure and no way of stopping the progression of the disease, but hundreds of scientific trials are underway to try and change that.
The disease claimed the life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali in 2016 and Ozzy Osbourne in 2025.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
