The pioneering Cream drummer Ginger Baker died Sunday at the age of 80. As news of his passing makes the rounds, tributes have begun to pour in.
The family of Baker’s former Cream bandmate, Jack Bruce, extended “their sincere condolences to Ginger Baker’s family, friends and fans” Their statement continued, “Surviving a love hate relationship, Ginger was like an older brother to Jack, their chemistry was truly spectacular. RIP Ginger, one of the greatest drummers of all time.”
Steve Winwood, who played with Baker in Blind Faith, credited the drummer for creating his “own inimitable style of playing.” Winwood also added that “Beneath his somewhat abrasive exterior, there was a very sensitive human being with a heart of gold.”
The likes of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Mick Jagger, Brian Wlison, Flea, and Questlove also took a moment to recognize Baker’s greatness. Read their tributes and more below.
The Bruce family would like to extend their sincere condolences to Ginger Baker’s family, friends and fans. Surviving a love hate relationship, Ginger was like an older brother to Jack, their chemistry was truly spectacular. RIP Ginger, one of the greatest drummers of all time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/G9Pl4Qecdp
— Jack Bruce (@jackbrucemusic) October 6, 2019
Statement on the passing of Ginger Baker: https://t.co/ScvekUVqKe pic.twitter.com/nZwCoG1rUX
— Steve Winwood (@SteveWinwood) October 6, 2019
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. X Paul pic.twitter.com/Rne4tn6A2i
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) October 6, 2019
God bless Ginger Baker incredible musician wild And inventive. drummer Peace and love to his family 😎✌️🌟❤️🎵🥦🎶☮️ pic.twitter.com/jzAynDMEKy
Advertisement— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) October 6, 2019
Sad news hearing that Ginger Baker has died, I remember playing with him very early on in Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated. He was a fiery but extremely talented and innovative drummer. pic.twitter.com/tZg3IGwP4Z
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) October 6, 2019
I’m sorry to hear that Ginger Baker passed. He was a great drummer and we all were fans of Cream back then. “Sunshine Of Your Love” was a great one. Love & Mercy, Brian
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) October 6, 2019
I was once a drum tech for Ginger Baker @ a show. Part of my job was to give him milk during the show to calm a stomach ulcer. He tossed the empty cartons & they’d land all over me. By the end of the gig my hair and clothes were drenched with milk. Wild man but great talent.
Advertisement— Christopher Cross (@itsMrCross) October 6, 2019
Ginger Baker was a big influence when I was in my teens. The Cream were one of my favourite all-time bands. I went to see them 8 times. Ginger was always on fire!
~Carl pic.twitter.com/3c1xc96JMy
— Carl Palmer (@ELP_carl) October 6, 2019
