Best known as the bass player in the legendary bands The Jam and Stiff Little Fingers, Bruce Foxton is enjoying success in his own right and is now on the road with Russell Hastings as From The Jam in their The Public Gets What The Public Wants tour. He sits down with the Watford Observer and talks about life on the road, his reconciliation with Paul Weller, and his new album.

You have a huge legacy – The Jam, Stiff Little Fingers, solo work and now From the Jam. What keeps you going?

It’s in my blood and it’s all I’ve ever done! I love being on the road and playing these great songs, I guess it keeps me young!

You have a host of old Jam Army fans, but also new fans and bands claiming The Jam as one of their key influences. How does it feel to inspire so many?

I’m flattered that they feel that way, of course, and extremely proud to have been part of a band that means so much to people.

You recorded some of your new album Back in the Room with Paul Weller, did the process feel like old times?

It was lovely being back in the studio with Paul. As has been reported we’ve put any differences aside that we may have had. Life’s too short.

You have been playing music for more than 40 years, have there been any stand out highlights over the years?

God when you say it like that! Going Underground going straight to number one and flying back on Concorde, being on Top of The Pops numerous times etc. Luckily for me it’s mostly been all good and to still be doing it this many years down the line makes me very lucky!

Do you have any favourite fan stories?

Not that I can talk about here!

How are you finding performing with the new From the Jam line-up?

Loving it or I’d not do it. As I’ve said we all get on really well and share the on the road experience. I’m looking forward to going back in the studio again early next year as we’ve got loads of new ideas we want to put down for the new album.

Are there any new artists who you like the sound of?

The Stripes and The 45s seem pretty interesting. I’ve always been a fan of that R&B style and it’s not often these days you get a good guitar influenced band coming through.

What can audiences expect from a Bruce Foxton and From The Jam concert?

A great energetic night of songs old and new. From where I stand on stage the place is bouncing wall to wall and the report back is that they have a great time!