THIRTY years ago The Jam scored their first top 10 single with The Eton Rifles, and that was the start of a music legend.

Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler followed that hit with a brace of chart toppers with Going Underground and Start, and continued in a similar vein for the next three years.

Another pair of number ones with A Town Called Malice and Beat Surrender were interspersed with other hits — mainly from the pen of Paul Weller, but also including the old Kinks’ number David Watts.

It was perhaps apt that the trio should have had a hit with one of Ray Davies’ songs as The Kinks in their early days were a ‘mod’ band and The Jam were at the forefront of the ‘mod’ revival of the late seventies.

In 1982, as the band were celebrating their only chart-topping album The Gift, they announced that they were splitting.

Paul Weller (The ‘Mod’father) had plenty more success, first as a member of The Style Council and then as a respected solo artist.

Fast forward to 2006 and there are two “Jam” bands doing the circuit; firstly The Casbah Club, which featured Bruce along with Simon Townshend (whose brother just happens to be Pete Townshend of The Who — another ‘mod’ connection) and Mark Brzezicki, a drummer formerly of Big Country, Ultravox, The Cult and Procul Harum.

The second band was The Gift, named after The Jam’s chart topping album. This band featured Rick Buckler.

Bruce Foxton, relaxing at his home after rehearsals, takes up the story.

“We, as The Casbah Club, were on the same bill as Rick’s band The Gift in 2006, and I got on stage during their set and did a few numbers.

“The reaction was so good that I did some more guest slots and it was great fun; so in the end Rick and I got together with guitarist Russell Hastings to form From The Jam.”

People might think that there is some legal reason why they have called themselves From The Jam.

“We could have called ourselves The Jam,” explained Bruce, “But we are not The Jam ‘cos Paul isn’t in it.”

He continued: “The name came about because I was always being introduced as Bruce Foxton From the Jam.”

From The Jam are about to play a 12-date tour of the UK starting on December 1 and ending on the 16th, taking in The Manchester Academy on Saturday the 12th.

“This is our first tour this year,” said Bruce. “It’s been a tough year as sadly my wife passed away earlier this year and I had six months away looking after her.”

But then there was another setback as Rick Buckler decided to quit.

“Yeah, he sent an email saying he’d decided he didn’t want to do it anymore. It’s unfortunate, but completely amicable.”

Rick’s place has been taken by Bruce’s old friend Mark Brzezicki.

Bruce is clear about why The Jam — and From The Jam — are so popular.

“It’s the music first and foremost. It’s still relevant and they’re now classic songs.

“People want to hear the music still and their quality stands the test of time; after all, they’re being used in TV and films.”

It’s a big responsibility to bring these well-loved songs to life again, and the band is up to the task.

“I think we do a great version of the songs and we always wanted to do them justice. We were adamant about that from day one and we feel comfortable doing them.”

And what of Paul?

“I don’t think he’s ever seen us, but I’m still good friends with him and I’ve even played on a couple of tracks for his new album which is out next year.

“I saw him a few weeks ago and he said ‘Good luck with the tour’.”

There is a great history in the band, with many highlights, and Bruce struggled to pick one out.

“There are too many highlights to mention,” he eventually said.

“One thing that does stick in the mind was when Going Underground went straight in the charts at number one. It really meant something then.

“At the time, we were in America and when we heard we came straight back home.”

Presumably, the live set will consist of Jam hits?

“Oh yes, they’ll be there. They’re the backbone of our set; but we put some album tracks in as well and maybe a couple of new songs.”

The power and energy of From The Jam has endeared them to a legion of new fans and their influence can be heard in the likes of Arctic Monkeys and The Rifles.

But there’s more to come.

“As I said before, it’s been a tough year,” Bruce concluded. “But next year we’re gonna knuckle down and work on some new material.”

From The Jam will be appearing at The Manchester Academy on Saturday, December 12. Tickets are priced at £20 (plus Booking Fee) on 0871 297 0749 or online at www.seetickets.co.uk.