Screengrab: Instagram/vurnt22
The rock world was saddened to learn of Ginger Baker’s passing on Sunday at the age of 80.
Following the news, several rockers took to social media to pay tribute to the Cream legend.
Reminiscing about their time recording together, Paul McCartney tweeted, “Ginger Baker, great drummer, wild and lovely guy.”
Mick Jagger also recalled, “I remember playing with him very early on in Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated. He was a fiery but extremely talented and innovative drummer.”
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea wrote on Instagram, “So much freedom in his playing. What a wildman. Rhythms we’ve heard all our lives he plucked them out of the sky.”
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.
— Ginger Baker (@GingerBDrums) 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
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
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) #ripgingerbaker 🥁
— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) October 6, 2019
Ginger Baker was a great and unique musician and an innovator as well – he will be sorely missed – I met him many years ago in the old days and saw him a couple years ago in New York and he still sounded great – 1/2
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) October 6, 2019
– he always had nice things to say about the Kinks – i feel bad but he had a good run – love and blessings Dave Davies nice drumming in this song @GingerBDrums https://t.co/sTZJHvp1FC #RIPGingerBaker 2/2
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) October 6, 2019
Ginger Baker…R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/PPeN8EhW0s
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) October 6, 2019
Mr Baker & me.
I managed to somehow get this shot, & not get my nose broken.
Roundhouse, London, Jack Bruce Sunshine Of Your Love (which Ginger started but did not finish- check the rollingstone video of the song)… https://t.co/qbz7JWWtuP— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) 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
Ginger Baker, the creative drummer who played with Cream has passed away.
Rest in peace Sir, I doubt we’ll see your likes again.— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) 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
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
#RIPGingerBaker pic.twitter.com/GbPJcbaaNq
— Rush (@rushtheband) 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
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… https://t.co/FnDtbN91Sr
— Dr. Brian May (@DrBrianMay) October 6, 2019
A drumming force of nature, Ginger Baker has broke on through. Emblematic of his influence, I put 2 bars of his reverse-beat in \”Hello, I Love You.\” -john densmore
— John Densmore (@JohnDensmore) October 7, 2019
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
Thank you Ginger Baker.
— Jay Weinberg (@jayweinbergdrum) October 6, 2019