Jack Bruce, the bassist for '60s English power trio Cream, passed away earlier today (October 25) at his Suffolk, England home after battling liver disease. He was 71 years old.
Bruce's death was confirmed by his family, who uploaded the following message to the musician's website:
It is with great sadness that we, Jack's family, announce the passing of our beloved Jack: husband, father, granddad, and all round legend. The world of music will be a poorer place without him but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts.
Bruce founded Cream with guitarist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker in 1966, with the group's melding of psychedelic rock, jazz and blues propelling them to fame and acclaim during their quick run. Bruce sang lead on classic tracks including "White Room," "I Feel Free" and "Sunshine of Your Love."
Before breaking up in 1968, the band had issued three full-length albums, with swan song Goodbye arriving a few months after disbandment. The band's 1968 effort Wheels of Fire would be the first double album to be certified platinum.
While Cream reunited briefly for performances in 1993 and 2005, Bruce maintained a solo career outside of the band, issuing albums on his own since 1969's Songs for a Tailor. Last spring, he issued Silver Rails, his first studio album in over a decade.
Prior to Cream, Bruce had played bass with London-based outfit Alexis Korner's Blues Inc, which also featured future Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.
Down below, you'll find a few words of condolence delivered online regarding the passing of the great Jack Bruce.
Bruce's death was confirmed by his family, who uploaded the following message to the musician's website:
It is with great sadness that we, Jack's family, announce the passing of our beloved Jack: husband, father, granddad, and all round legend. The world of music will be a poorer place without him but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts.
Bruce founded Cream with guitarist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker in 1966, with the group's melding of psychedelic rock, jazz and blues propelling them to fame and acclaim during their quick run. Bruce sang lead on classic tracks including "White Room," "I Feel Free" and "Sunshine of Your Love."
Before breaking up in 1968, the band had issued three full-length albums, with swan song Goodbye arriving a few months after disbandment. The band's 1968 effort Wheels of Fire would be the first double album to be certified platinum.
While Cream reunited briefly for performances in 1993 and 2005, Bruce maintained a solo career outside of the band, issuing albums on his own since 1969's Songs for a Tailor. Last spring, he issued Silver Rails, his first studio album in over a decade.
Prior to Cream, Bruce had played bass with London-based outfit Alexis Korner's Blues Inc, which also featured future Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.
Down below, you'll find a few words of condolence delivered online regarding the passing of the great Jack Bruce.
So sad to hear of Jack Bruce passing. My biggest influence and favourite bass player. Thank you, Jack. RIP.
— Geezer Butler (@GZRMusic) October 25, 2014
RIP Jack Bruce. So sad to hear this great pioneering rock musician is gone. Inspiring to us all. I'll be listening to BADGE tonight. Bri
— Dr. Brian May (@DrBrianMay) October 25, 2014
We lost Jack Bruce today an incredible musician writer and a good friend peace and love to all his family Ringo and Barbara
— Ringo Starr (@ringostarrmusic) October 25, 2014
RIP to Cream's Jack Bruce. Many aren't aware his Things We Like gave many a hip hop head gem after sample gem for early 90s #BornToBeBlue
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) October 25, 2014
Very sad to hear of the passing of Jack Bruce, a major influence in music and an amazing bass player and singer. He was a hero to so many.
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) October 25, 2014
