20/03/2026
Here at Jalapeno Drums we are saddened to hear the news that "Sir" Alan Buckley has passed away. The second ever drum show we displayed at was the Vintage and Custom Drum Show at The Red Barn, Nuneaton, back in 1999: organised by Alan Buckey.
Here's the words of one of Alan's long term friends, fellow jazz drummer, and Jalapeno Drums player, Graham Smith...
"I have just received news that Sir" Alan Buckley is a renowned British jazz drummer, collector, and festival organizer based in Walsall, England passed away yeaterday.
Best known for his immense collection of vintage drums—widely considered one of the best in the world—and for organizing numerous jazz festivals.
He began playing at age eight in 1944 and had a long career, playing with jazz bands and touring across Britain and Europe. He was often referred to as 'Sir' Alan by German colleagues in the 1980s, a nickname that stuck.
He accrued an extensive collection known as the "Classic Drum Museum." It consists of over 110 full drum kits and more than 300 snare drums, dating from the 1920s to the 1970s, featuring brands played by famous drummers like Gene Krupa. His collection has been exhibited across Britain, Europe, and America.
Festival Organizer: He has organized over 40 jazz festivals across England over three decades, including 28 events at Upton-upon-Severn in Worcestershire.
He is a recognized authority on vintage drums, contributing to Classic Drummer magazine and holding educational talks and demonstrations on maintaining and repairing vintage kits.
R.I.P. Alan. Condolences to his wife Kenya and family. 🥁"
From us here at Jalapeno: Rest in Peace Sir Alan, and thanks for the leg up all those years ago
