Cream Drummer Ginger Baker Is "Critically Ill" in Hospital

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Sep 25, 2019

The family of Ginger Baker have revealed that the Cream drummer is "critically ill" in hospital.

Baker's family made the announcement through his official Twitter account this afternoon. "The Baker family are sad to announce that Ginger is critically ill in hospital," they wrote. "Please keep him in your prayers tonight."

Baker, 80, underwent open heart surgery in 2016, which forced him to cancel a run of tour dates. During recovery, a fall also left him with swollen legs and feet.

In 2013, the drummer said he had been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in addition to chronic back pain from degenerative osteoarthritis.

Baker co-founded Cream alongside guitarist Eric Clapton and bassist Jack Bruce in 1966. Following the power trio's breakup, Baker co-founded Blind Faith alongside Clapton, Ric Grech and Steve Winwood in 1969.

Baker also led his own supergroup Ginger Baker's Air Force and has collaborated with Charlie Haden, Fela Kuti, Gary Moore, Public Image Ltd, Hawkwind and more.
 

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