To celebrate the musical life of Ginger Baker, Eric Clapton is organizing tribute show to his long-time friend who passed away last month. The “one-time-only concert” will be held at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on February 17th, 2020. Tickets go on sale this Friday on November 29th at 10:00 a.m.
Ginger died at the age of 80 after being hospitalized as “critically ill.” The legend suffered a long-time pain from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and osteoarthritis. His family announced the death on October 6.
Clapton and Baker established their brotherly relationship while playing in the 1960s British rock band, Cream, and one of the earliest yet short-lived rock supergroups, Blind Faith. As the first and top power trio, including drummer Baker, guitarist/singer Clapton and lead singer/bassist Jack Bruce, Cream played a key role in merging blues-rock and hard rock of the 1960s and 1970s. The 1966-founded band created a handful of classics during their active three years, but the antagonism between Bruce and Baker ceased their music career as a band.
After the breakup of Cream in late 1968, Baker joined forces with Clapton and Steve Winwood in 1969; Blind Faith became a quartet with an addition of bassist Rick Grech. Their namesake album Blind Faith debuted in 1969 and introduced the world to the notion of a rock “supergroup.” The band immediately achieved popularity and became one of the most critically acclaimedbands at that time. As one of the most influential drummers, Baker left undoubted impacts on rock history.
The tribute to Baker is regarded as a gift from Clapton, who is suffering hearing issues but still insists to perform. A full artist lineup of the forthcoming concert will be announced, so stay tuned. Leonard Cheshire and a charity close to the Baker family confirmed their support for the event. Clapton also announced his European 2020 spring tour, check out the tickets HERE.
Half-speed master of Blind Faith album on vinyl was released this April. You can find it HERE.
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