CREAM drummer Ginger Baker is “critically ill” in hospital, his family has announced.
The 80-year-old sticksman – real name Peter Edward Baker – underwent open heart surgery three years ago, but it is not known why he has been hospitalised.
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A post on the drummer’s Twitter page tonight reads: “The Baker family are sad to announce that Ginger is critically ill in hospital. Please keep him in your prayers tonight.”
Baker founded rock and blues band Cream in 1966, recruiting Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce.
The band is regarded as the world’s first supergroup and sold more than 15million records, despite only being active for three years in the late 60s.
While he is regarded as one of the finest drummers the UK has ever produced, Baker also has a fearsome reputation due to his no nonsense attitude and fiery temper.
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It is something he acknowledged as a 31-year-old in an interview with Disc and Music Echo.
He said: “I used to be mean – I’d deliberately mess up recording sessions with my temper and go mad at the slightest thing. Then one day some friends took me to one side and pointed out that it might be wiser if I calmed down. I respected them enough to listen – and not throw anything.”
He went on: “I’m not a very sociable person any more. I was at one time – when I was a young and green lad. I always trusted and thought good of everyone. It took a few years and a few unhappy experiences to learn that really it’s better to only trust yourself and not other human beings.”
The award-winning film Beware Of Mr Baker was released in 2012 and laid bare the musician’s combative personality.
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On the promo trail for the film, journalist Michael Hann conducted a Q&A with Baker at the Curzon Soho and subsequently wrote an article titled “An Experience To Forget” about the uncomfortable evening.
Hailing from the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll, Baker had a long history of drug abuse and was hooked on heroin for more than 20 years before kicking the habit for good in 1981.
Years of smoking up to 50 cigarettes a day took their toll, and in 2013 he revealed he had been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
He has been married four times and is father to three children.
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