Bruce Foxton Shares Parkinson’s Diagnosis: “I’m Determined” to Keep Playing
Bass legend Bruce Foxton has announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. The bassist, formerly of The Jam, shared the news on social media following the cancellation of several performances.
“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,” Foxton wrote. “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.”
Foxton joined The Jam in 1974 and helped define the band’s sound with his bass lines on songs like “Town Called Malice,” “Going Underground,” and “Down the Tube Station at Midnight.” After the band’s dissolution in 1982, he released a solo album and has more recently been performing with From The Jam with Russell Hastings and Mike Randon. He’s since had to stop touring with the group due to his health.
Although he admits the diagnosis is daunting, Foxton is determined to make the best of it.
“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,” he says. “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.”
We’re wishing the best to Bruce Foxton.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
