I hope the grumpy old bastard gets better.

https://www.nme.com/news/music/cream-ginger-baker-critically-ill-hospital-family-2551376

[Edited on 9/25/2019 by LeglizHemp]

Says he is 80. And has been addicted to heroin for decades. Baker himself said he tried to break the habit. Lots of rehabs. Said he got off smack 29 times but just couldn't stay clean very long.

Sounds like Jerry Garcia who was 53 when he passed of a heart attack while in rehab for the umpteenth time. I remember reading the autopsy physician revealed the 53 year old Garcia internally looked like an 80 year old man. It's amazing Baker made it to 80. I hope he pulls through and keeps on living. Yes he could be a total grouch but I liked him.

Wonder if Cream could have lasted as long as Z Z Top if Baker was more easy going and Clapton of course never seemed to be able to stay in a band long. Just needed to move on to something new. Even his solo show has had a lot of people in and out were it's almost like he keeps putting a new band together.

Best wishes to Mr. Baker - NSU was a song that really hit me, mainly b/c of his drumming - have always wanted to see his DVD Beware Of Mr Baker

Was a Huge treat to see him sit in w/Jack Bruce’s band Dec 1989

Thanks Ginger - you, Bonzo, Keith Moon, MitchM, Carl Palmer - masters/monsters of melodic musical mayhem back there - we’re all peons bro, get well soon

[Edited on 9/26/2019 by Stephen]

hope he pulls through

All my best to Ginger, hoping that you come out of this.

One of the most magnificent things that ever happened in the history of rock and roll IMO was the 2005 Cream reunion which fortunately was captured on DVD in all it's glory. It would have to be my favorite music DVD of all-time. Fortunate for all of us that they made it happen while all three were still around and could still play. I was a youngster in the 60's and Cream captured my imagination more than any other band including The Beatles and the Stones.

Great post Rob, amazing & awesome to see them get back together when it seemed for so long like it’d never happen - the DVD is go-to for me too, few fake smiles etc, they’re working

3 years, 4 albums, Brilliance - they were trailblazers
Continued best wishes to Mr. Baker

[Edited on 9/26/2019 by Stephen]

The destruction that booze and drugs did to the 60's rockers was just brutal. Horrible addiction that Mr. Baker lived with. Like a horrible scratch that can't be itched.

My best to his family and hope for a miraculous recovery.

Healing Vibes towards mr. Baker.

I've been adding a lot of Clapton in my vinyl collection lately. Mainly boxsets. Among them the super deluxe Fresh Cream 6LP box set and the Cream singles collection (10 singles) and enjoying them a lot. Eric, Jack & Ginger made so much awesome music in such a short time frame. Always marvel at it.

Get Well Ginger!

Best wishes to Mr. Baker - NSU was a song that really hit me, mainly b/c of his drumming - have always wanted to see his DVD Beware Of Mr Baker

Was a Huge treat to see him sit in w/Jack Bruce’s band Dec 1989

Thanks Ginger - you, Bonzo, Keith Moon, MitchM, Carl Palmer - masters/monsters of melodic musical mayhem back there - we’re all peons bro, get well soon

[Edited on 9/26/2019 by Stephen]

For my money the drums on Tales of Brave Ulysses are the best I’ll ever hear.

Add to that Eric’s epic wah work, and you’ve got a CRIMINALLY underrated song.

[Edited on 9/27/2019 by cmgst34]

"UPDATE! Ginger is holding his own & thank you for all your good wishes. He is receiving visits from close family & very special friends.September 29, 2019"

Good news indeed!