THE spirit of iconic rock band The Jam is alive and well – and coming back to Huddersfield.

Now in his mid-50s, bass player Bruce Foxton brings his latest band, From The Jam, for a concert at Huddersfield Town Hall this month.

The Jam rode the wave of the punk rock generation in the late 70s and early 80s with classics such as ‘Going Underground’ and ‘Town Called Malice’.

The high-energy style of lead singer Paul Weller and co led to a succession of top 40 hits.

The band split in 1982 – and Foxton and Weller didn’t speak for 20 years – but now Foxton is back with the old spirit of The Jam and a forthcoming album of new material.

Foxton said: “The Jam was a great band in the 70s and early 80s and we had a wealth of hit songs. That gives us a lot of ammo for our upcoming gigs.

“The years may have gone by but we still have the passion and energy, and you may still see me leaping round like an idiot when the music takes me.”

The Jam performed at the old Huddersfield Polytechnic at the height of their powers but Foxton was probably having too much of a good time to remember.

Now 56, he has not stopped working since The Jam split in 1982.

Foxton went solo for a couple of years but it didn’t suit him to go-it-alone.

He was then part of the Leeds-based indie band The Rhythm Sisters before joining up with Stiff Little Fingers, where he stayed for 15 years.

Foxton has now teamed up with Mark Brzezicki, also the drummer with Big Country, and vocalist/guitarist Russell Hastings in From The Jam.

The band has been working on a new album – to be called Foxton – which was recorded at Weller’s studios. They are about to start mixing and plan a release in October.

Foxton said a couple of new songs would be planned in for Huddersfield, alongside classics from The Jam.

“We like to freshen up the set, not just for the audience but for ourselves,” said Foxton.

Foxton described the latest music as “melodic pop songs but still with high energy” and said he was “really pleased” with how it sounded.

The old-time fans approved too and Foxton said: “The hardcore fans think this is how The Jam would have progressed from 1982 and some very complimentary things have been said.

Foxton and Weller are now friends again, as time and personal tragedies have healed the rift.

Foxton lost his wife Pat to cancer in 2009 and Weller his dad John.

That made both rethink what was important in life and Foxton said: “It’s all cool between us now.

“With what happened we realised how short life was and how petty arguments can be forgotten.

“When my wife became ill Paul was fantastic in his support and we realised some things are more important.”

Foxton and Weller performed together at the Royal Albert Hall a couple of years ago and brought the house down.

Foxton said: “We’re friends again and can always pick up the phone.”

From The Jam play Huddersfield Town Hall on June 29.

Tickets are priced at £13-£20 and are available from Kirklees Booking Offices.

Book online at www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls or ring 01484 223200.