Ginger Baker dead – Legendary Cream drummer dies aged 80
ROCK and roll legend Ginger Baker, co-founder of Cream, has died aged 80.
A statement on his Twitter page announced the news today, weeks after the drummer was confirmed to be critically ill in hospital.
It said: "We are very sad to say that Ginger has passed away peacefully in hospital this morning.
"Thank you to everyone for your kind words over the past weeks."
His daughter, Nettie Baker, confirmed today the veteran rocker had died without pain.
The family had announced on September 25 that the London-born drummer was critically ill in hospital, adding that he was "holding his own".
The 80-year-old sticksman - real name Peter Edward Baker - underwent open heart surgery three years ago.
Baker founded rock and blues band Cream in 1966, recruiting Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce.
The band is regarded as the world's first supergroup and sold more than 15million records, despite only being active for three years in the late 60s.
ROCK LEGEND
Paul McCartney paid tribute to him, saying: "Ginger Baker, great drummer, wild and lovely guy.
"We worked together on the Band on the Run' album in his ARC Studio, Lagos, Nigeria.
"Sad to hear that he died but the memories never will."
And director Edgar Wright added: "RIP the music giant that was Ginger Baker. The beat behind too many favourite songs from Cream, The Graham Bong Organisation and Alexis Corner's Blues Incorporated."
Baker was thought of as one of the finest drummers the UK has ever produced, and had a fearsome reputation due to his no nonsense attitude and fiery temper.
He once said: "I was always banging on the desks at school. So all the kids kept saying, 'Go on, go and play the drums', and I just sat down and I could play.
"It's a gift from God. You've either got it or you haven't. And I've got it: time. Natural time."
Baker was dubbed "Ginger" due to his red hair and was born in Lewisham, south London.
His dad was killed in World War II in 1943 and the rock legend was brought up by his mum, stepdad and aunt.
He was married four times and is father to three children.
The musician was noted for his groundbreaking drumming technique, and his showmanship.
Pioneering rock music in the 1960s, he maintained a jazz style and sound, helping build the unique profile of his band Cream, founded with Clapton in 1966.
The group, which also included Jack Bruce, drove a change in rock music which would heavily influence the likes of Led Zeppelin and later artists.
Baker also experimented with percussion from across the globe, and held a long-time interest in African music.
An award-winning film Beware Of Mr Baker was released in 2012 and laid bare the musician's combative personality.
FIERY HAIR AND FIERY CHARACTER
In an interview aged 31 with Disc and Music Echo he said: "I used to be mean – I’d deliberately mess up recording sessions with my temper and go mad at the slightest thing.
"Then one day some friends took me to one side and pointed out that it might be wiser if I calmed down. I respected them enough to listen – and not throw anything."
After a few onstage bust-ups Cream eventually split after two years and four albums, with a farewell concert at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1968.
Baker then teamed up with Clapton and Steve Winwood and formed Blind Faith, before pulling together 10-piece Air Force. But after one concert and a studio album the band fell apart.
He left the UK to live in Nigeria and built a recording studio. Paul McCartney's Wings' album Band On The Run was recorded there.
The drummer developed a passion for African music and took up polo and rally driving.
In 1993 Cream were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, reuniting to play three songs before putting on a series of gigs in London and New York in 2005.
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