Paul McCartney, Flea, Mick Jagger And More Pay Tribute To Ginger Baker
By Katrina Nattress
October 6, 2019
The rock community lost another legend on Sunday (October 6) with the passing of Cream drummer Ginger Baker. His family announced the sad news in a brief Twitter statement that reads "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." Baker was 80 years old.
Upon news of his death, tributes began streaming in. "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," Paul McCartney tweeted.
"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," Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea captioned a photo on Instagram.
"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," wrote Mick Jagger.
The family of Baker's late bandmate Jack Bruce also extended its condolences. "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," the statement reads. "RIP Ginger, one of the greatest drummers of all time"
See more tributes to Baker and his legacy below.
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
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
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
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
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
#RIPGingerBaker pic.twitter.com/GbPJcbaaNq
— Rush (@rushtheband) October 6, 2019
Rest well Ginger. Thank you for all that you gave us. ❤️https://t.co/EflIPdg320
— Stone Temple Pilots (@STPBand) October 6, 2019
Photo: Getty Images