Roctober – Ginger Baker RIP

Malcolm Gayfer

Oct 11, 2019 - 1 min read

Hi team.

Second week into Roctober and we mark the passing of one of the big names that sat behind a drum kit, Peter Edward “Ginger” Baker at 80 years of age.

From south London, Ginger came up through the ranks to co found the first of the super groups, Cream, along with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce.

Cream quickly became the biggest thing going at the time but a pressurized recording schedule followed by an extensive and exhaustive touring schedule meant the cream would soon go off, and it did. Cream lasted less than 3 years.

Ginger was known for years of alcohol and drug abuse and lets say, a volatile temper. Baker and Jack Bruce frequently clashed when they were in bands leading up to the formation of Cream.

But when Baker was on song behind the drums, few came close to match his ability and sound.

The years of indulgences lead to serious health issues in recent years.

Have a look and listen to Ginger at the Cream reunion concert at the Albert Hall and let Ginger’s the sticks do the business.

RIP Ginger Baker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Gze0PxDKgQ