Considered one of the best drummers of all time, Ginger Baker died on October 6 at 80 after being hospitalized. The musician changed rock history with Cream, Blind Faith and many other works during his career.
Many rockstars reacted to his death, among them, Jack Bruce’s family, Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney, Brian May and more:
The family of the late Jack Bruce commented about Ginger’s death, giving sincere condelences to his family:
“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”
Ringo Starr remembered that Ginger was “wild and inventive”
“God bless Ginger Baker incredible musician wild And inventive. drummer Peace and love to his family 😎✌️🌟❤️🎵🥦🎶☮️”
Mick Jagger lamented the loss and said that he remembers playing with Ginger:
“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.”
Emerson, Lake & Palmer’ drummer, Carl Palmer wrote:
“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!”
Brian May said:
““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 (1969, I think), 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.”
In a statement published in his website, Steve Winwood, Baker’s ex-bandmate in Blind Faith said:
“A very sad loss, and my condolences to his family and friends.
A loss also for his contribution to music. He was well-grounded in jazz from very early on, and later managed to combine this with African and rock music to create his own inimitable style of playing.
I was lucky to play with him in Ginger Baker’s Air Force, and to meet and work with such luminaries as Phil Seamen, Harold McNair and Graham Bond. And also in Blind Faith with Eric Clapton and Rick Grech. Although his appointment was very unorthodox (he showed up on the doorstep and said, ‘Here I am’) – he made a great contribution to the Blind Faith album which has withstood the test of time.
Beneath his somewhat abrasive exterior, there was a very sensitive human being with a heart of gold.
He’ll be missed.”
Mike Portnoy said on twitter:
“1/2 Very sad day in the Drum world as we say goodbye to one of rock’s greatest pioneers: Ginger Baker. In the 60’s, there were a few drummers that came onto the scene playing “lead drums”. Ginger Baker was one of them taking rock drumming to a whole new level of expression.”
“Now Ginger joins fellow 60’s pioneers Keith Moon, John Bonham & Mitch Mitchell in that great drum-off in the sky.. 😥 Thank you Ginger for what you brought to the instrument (& of course your legendary personality! Beware Of Mr Baker is a must see Rock Bio Pic)”
Paul McCartney also lamented the drummer’s death:
“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”
Former Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett also comented the death:
Beach Boys mastermind, Brian Wilson said:
“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”
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ bassist, Flea lamented the musicians death and praised his drum technique:
“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.”