Cream – The tumultuous relationship of Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, Cream has long been considered one of the greatest bands of all time. Their musical chemistry and intensity created some of the most enduring music of their day, and it remains relevant today. But why hasn’t Cream reunited more often? Let’s examine the tumultuous relationship between two of its members…

Cream: an overview

Cream, named for the musical ability of its members, is a three-piece power trio formed by drummer Ginger Baker in 1966. Over the years prior, Baker built his world-class reputation in the Graham Bond Organization, a highly regarded English band. respected. that mixed elements of jazz, pop and blues.

The bass player for the Graham Bond Organization, for a time, was Jack Bruce, a Scottish multi-instrumentalist and vocalist also known as the best of his craft. Both with strong and driven personalities, Baker and Bruce clashed on and off stage. The band’s founder, Graham Bond, wanted Bruce out of the band and asked Baker to take on the task. Baker broke the news to Bruce that his services were no longer required. Supposedly, to this day, Bruce believes it was Baker’s idea.

Despite their interpersonal conflicts, their musical chemistry was undeniable. Dubbed the most volatile rhythm section in rock, they were also arguably the best. When the Graham Bond Organization disintegrated in early 1966, Baker sought to form a new band of his own.

Enter Eric Clapton, the legendary guitarist, who was unhappy with his own musical direction at the time. Baker approached Clapton about starting a band, and Clapton quickly agreed. Clapton suggests Jack Bruce as bassist, knowing his reputation and musical ability. Baker relented despite personal doubts and Cream was born.

The breakup and subsequent pairings of Baker and Bruce

Cream broke up in late 1968. All three members agree that one of the main reasons was the difficult relationship between Baker and Bruce. Arguments over touring, stage volume and songwriting credits undermined the already tenuous relationship. For his part, Clapton was continually pushed into the role of peacemaker, something he quickly tired of.

For the most part, the members kept their distance for the next 20 years, until Jack Bruce asked Baker to be the drummer for his new touring band. Baker initially refused, but relented when forced by financial considerations. The duo toured the United States in 1989 and 1990.

After a brief Cream reunion at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in 1993, Baker and Bruce teamed up again as two-thirds of BBM, a power trio that also included guitarist Gary Moore. An album was released to positive reviews, but a subsequent tour fell apart almost before it began. Issues arose from all three members, with the thorny relationship between the two former Cream members as the focal point.

In a recent interview, Baker talks about BBM, commenting on how Bruce treated him like a subordinate, and more like a session drummer than an equal partner. He irritates Baker to this day.

Cream Reunion 2005

In late 2004, Clapton approached Baker and Bruce about reuniting Cream for a series of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. According to the accounts of the three men, the concerts went exceptionally well. Baker and Bruce commented that it was much like the early days of Cream, with all three members cooperating and getting along quite well.

Later that year, three concerts were performed in New York. Old animosities flared up between Baker and Bruce, with Baker accusing the bass player of turning the volume up so high that he nearly deafened him. For his part, Clapton professes his deep love and admiration for both men, but Cream has not met since.

Meanwhile, Baker and Bruce continue to volley through the press. Baker states that she no longer wishes to play as Cream due to Bruce’s behavior. Bruce, on the other hand, wants to play as Cream, but alternately praises and then modifies his old cohort in various interviews.

It seems that the same volatile chemistry that made Cream great, both musically and interpersonally, is holding the band back from reforming. And yet, rumors of regular reunions persist. Clapton says “never say never”, while Bruce has been outspoken about his desire to reform Cream, even temporarily. Over the years, Baker has been known to play the press almost as well as he plays the drums.

The bottom line? Stay tuned…