The Jam’s Bruce Foxton has made the heartbreaking announcement that he’s stepping back from music because of serious health issues.
The beloved bassist, aged 68, shared with his fans: “To all my lifelong wonderful fans, as a lot of you know my health has not been good for the past few years and the latest news is that I have had to go into hospital for an immediate procedure.”
He expressed deep regret as he said: “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. 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.”
Bruce announced his temporary departure with hopes of a return: “That time has now come so I wish the band (my dear friends) continued success until I return and with God’s will I will see you all in the not too distant future on the ‘Setting Sons’ 45th anniversary tour. Much love and respect, Bruce.”
Previously, the rock icon candidly discussed his personal struggles when he revealed living with tinnitus for an extended period, reports the Mirror.
Hit with hearing difficulties over the years, he was compelled to use a hearing aid due to the lasting impacts the condition had on his hearing.
Details about his enduring battle with tinnitus, which causes a persistent ringing noise in the ears potentially leading to permanent hearing damage, first came to public attention in 2019 when Bruce spoke openly about his affliction.
The musician candidly shared: “I’ve had tinnitus for years now and I have actually succumbed to wearing a hearing aid occasionally. Back in the days of The Jam, we were a three-piece and we needed to play at full volume to sound as loud as we could.”
“But do that for 40 years and your hearing is bound to deteriorate. I am not completely deaf but I do suffer from high-frequency hearing loss.”
Bruce also opened up about the social challenges his hearing loss presents, particularly in noisy environments like pubs or restaurants where without his hearing aid, conversations turn into an indistinct din. “If I go to a pub or restaurant and I don’t have it in everything becomes a mush,” he lamented.
The star admitted he became embarrassed asking people to repeat what they said multiple times, adding that it made him become “a bit of an introvert”.
“I guess it’s just unfortunate and it’s what happens to musicians like me that play in loud bands for 40 years,” he admitted.
Other famous musicians who suffer from tinnitus include Noel Gallagher, Pete Townshend, Chris Martin and Will.i.am. It is estimated to affect one in ten Britons.