Ginger Baker tributes fill social media
Ginger Baker was a volatile personality - and one of the greatest rock drummers in history.
The British skinsman for Cream, who also pursued a love of African music with Fela Kuti and joined Eric Clapton again in the short-lived supergroup Blind Faith, died on Sunday at age 80.
A couple of weeks ago, Baker’s family announced that the musician was critically ill. They confirmed his passing, but offered no other information about his death.
Baker was revered as the first “superstar” drummer in rock music thanks to his aggressive and flamboyant style of playing. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Cream in 1993 and is regarded as one of the most influential drummers of all time.
News of his passing prompted musicians including Mick Jagger, Questlove and Paul McCartney to share their memories and condolences.
God bless Ginger Baker incredible musician wild And inventive. drummer Peace and love to his family 😎✌️🌟❤️🎵🥦🎶☮️ pic.twitter.com/jzAynDMEKy
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) 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
So much freedom in his playing. What a wildman. Rhythms we’ve hear all our lives he plucked them out of the sky. Rest In Peace Ginger Baker. https://t.co/e3L4IHodhT
— Flea (@flea333) October 6, 2019
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
1/2 As a young musician few drummers stood taller or were a bigger musical influence than Ginger Baker...I will never forget the awesomeness of seeing him perform with Cream at Massey Hall on June 5 1968 along side the late great Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton. pic.twitter.com/U033iRN1ke
— Rush (@rushtheband) October 6, 2019
2/2 He was one of Rock’s first virtuoso drummers and his incredible legacy lives on. Sincere condolences to Ginger’s family, friends and fans. - Geddy Lee
— Rush (@rushtheband) October 6, 2019
#RIPGingerBaker pic.twitter.com/UF63n9YAwp
RIP Ginger Baker. One of the greatest drummers of all time. Begin with Cream’s Disraeli Gears. https://t.co/dObwjvWrva
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) 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
About the Author
Melissa Ruggieri has covered music and entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 2010 and created the Atlanta Music Scene blog. She's kept vampire hours for more than two decades and remembers when MTV was awesome.
