Legendary British musician Ginger Baker, a founding member of psychedelic band Cream and considered one of the most innovative and influential drummers of his generation, died on Sunday aged 80. Baker co-founded Cream - widely seen as the world's first supergroup - in 1966 alongside guitarist Eric Clapton and bassist Jack Bruce, before embarking on a host of other musical exploits during a colourful and eclectic career.
He had a volatile personal life, with four marriages, three children, struggles with drug and alcohol issues and stormy relationships with bandmates over the decades. His death was announced on his Twitter account and confirmed by one of his daughters.
"We are very sad to say that Ginger has passed away peacefully in hospital this morning," the message stated. "Thank you to everyone for your kind words over the past weeks." Baker had previously suffered from heart problems and was admitted to hospital several weeks ago after becoming "critically ill", according to his social media page.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2019
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