Tributes have been paid to famous rock drummer Ginger Baker, following his death at the age of 80.
His daughter Nettie confirmed the musician had died peacefully on Sunday, having being hospitalised for a critical illness last month.
Peter “Ginger” Baker was known for forming Cream with Eric Clapton in 1966, before going on to perform as part of Blind Faith and Ginger Baker’s Air Force. Following his death, many big names from the
music world paid tribute to his talent.
Rolling Stones singer Sir Mick Jagger acknowledged Ginger’s fiery nature and groundbreaking talent as he paid tribute on Twitter.
He tweeted: “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.”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, 2019Paul McCartney tweeted: “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.”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, 2019The Beatles drummer Sir Ringo Starr said: “God bless Ginger Baker incredible musician wild And inventive. drummer Peace and love to his family.”God bless Ginger Baker incredible musician wild And inventive. drummer Peace and love to his family 😎✌️🌟❤️🎵🥦🎶☮️ pic.twitter.com/jzAynDMEKy— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) October 6, 2019Queen guitarist Brian May said that his own band was complete thanks to an advert that sought someone who had the same drumming skill as Ginger.
He wrote on Instagram: “RIP Ginger Baker – who thrilled us all with his massively innovative drumming in CREAM.
“When I advertised on my (Imperial) College notice board for a drummer to form a group with, I put “’Wanted : a drummer who can play like Keith Moon, Mitch Mitchell and GINGER BAKER ….
“Guess who replied ?? A certain Mr Taylor. And he could ! So you could say Ginger Baker is inextricably woven into our history, as well conquering the world with CREAM, and his other projects. RIP” View this post on InstagramA post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Oct 6, 2019 at 10:40am PDTThe Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson also added his condolences, saying: “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.”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, 2019Ginger’s former Blind Faith bandmate released a statement on his death, saying: “Beneath his somewhat abrasive exterior, there was a very sensitive human being with a heart of gold. He’ll be missed.”