Cream - Toad (Royal Albert Hall) (18 of 22)

[@mancuniancandidatem]

At around 5.11 he sounds like a whole tribe of polyrhythmic percussionists. I just love the whole thing. Nothing but pure music.

[@wullyjo9931]

Respect to Eric and Jack for walking offstage in DUE RESPECT of one of the greatest drummers of all time.

[@richinoable]

They were keenly aware. Despite his difficulty with other human beings, he was the top of the heap. They all were, they all knew it. They way they follow one another so flawlessly... great individual musicians, producing musical synergy. That requires some mutual understanding

[@michaelgarcia2050]

Band members usually leave the stage during drum or guitar solos.

[@tomorrow21]

Respect, and at their age a welcome mid-concert break

[@darrellkelly1266]

Are you kidding me. Just because he was a leftover from the 60’s? I’ve heard street drummers just as good. Lol.

[@richinoable]

@@darrellkelly1266 No, you have not. 😆

[@neilphelan145]

In my opinion, 3 of the most talented and gifted musicians there ever was!

[@gregholman2431]

Absolutely.

[@gerioconnor3440]

Totally agree

[@allanaguilar8936]

Not an opinion, that’s a damn true fact my guy

[@razzle2112]

you haven’t heard rush then lol

[@neilphelan145]

@@razzle2112 I know who Rush is. Another trio of experts at their craft. I dont think that Cream is the best of the best. I nearly stated without comparison my opinion of the 3 persons that made up the band Cream. Rush is with out a doubt the very best in the world at what they do just as Cream is. I can't or wont say one is better than the other simply because it's two different genres. It's like saying that Ferrari is better than a Lamborghini. They are both automobiles but other than that they're not the same. Personal taste decides to an individual which is better for them.

[@marcushenryweber1290]

Ginger had late-stage osteoarthritis playing this. Still the greatest drummer in Rock history. A Jazz drummer of impeccable time and creativity. An incredible improviser. The outstanding drummer of his generation.

[@Lpmgato1]

Yeah verily. RIP, Ginger Baker. You'll be ever remembered as the greatest drummer in blues/rock history...…...and yes, I know...……..you are indeed a JAZZ drummer, all the way!

[@tarnopol]

Fully agreed.

[@NothingLikeVinyl]

I don't think his arthritis was that severe at that point. He made his illness public eight years later, when the chronic back pain caused by it couldn't be ignored anymore. Anyway, arthritis or not, he was a truly great drummer. May he rest in peace.

[@juliosanchez8263]

Oh I guess thats why this kind of sucks. What a good song to listen to that does it better this mediocre stuff

[@reebuck6169]

Agreed he was the best

[@ThefightingCelt]

Simply incredible . Given his age and that he was suffering from arthritis - and a heart condition , Ginger's concentration levels and timing are just out of this world . A one off . RIP Mr . Baker .

[@Jjonathanhart]

Some of his rolls sound like Buddy Rich.

[@MikeRapaich]

gift from god

[@bobcarroll1987]

Greatest drum solo in history.

[@andrewsandoz8005]

​@@bobcarroll1987 you must be joking?

[@johntechwriter]

@@andrewsandoz8005 Superlatives are the latest trend for those at a loss for words.

[@mystseer85]

RIP ginger. U and yer beats will be sorely missed 😭

[@mikekoenig6467]

What a legend....simple as that

[@mikki1904]

RIP

[@PETERODZZ]

That's why am here. I remember this show. RIP Mr Baker.

[@brandoncallaway5354]

He Found Jack.

[@rolandbegenat6164]

@@mikki1904 R.I.P. is the most boring farewell greeting you can think of. I don't think GB ever wanted to rest in peace.

[@Shepthebassman91]

This man is one of the greatest drummers of all time. His vocabulary and his style using jazz and African rhythms along with the fact that he was an orchestra and symphony on the drum kit is nothing short of amazing. I have always loved and respected Ginger's voice as a drummer and he was quoted saying "It's not how fast you play, it's what you say!" And he did just that in everything he played, this footage proves that in spades! Plus the guy revealed his younger self in this performance of "Toad" showing and giving a drum lesson and clinical study for ANY person who wants to play drums. Talk about inspirational and creative virtuosity! This wasn't just a drum solo! GINGER BAKER TOLD A STORY HERE! Rest In Peace Ginger, you will always be one of the best and most treasured drummers ever!

[@REDMAN298]

Very well said. Ginger is the most unappreciated drummer ever.

[@Shepthebassman91]

@@REDMAN298 if you get the chance, listen to this live version of “Toad” at Winterland in 1968! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mprWkJKcbZ51h6ssi=JO3lzl1mMct85eZ5 Ginger is on fire on this recording! This is a bootleg by the way!

[@dannewson8579]

I had Ginger on the Facebook page as a friend and he was referring to guitar players on their lead solos,etc..

[@andrewsandoz8005]

Greatest drummers, really?

[@Shepthebassman91]

@@andrewsandoz8005 Have you even heard him when he was in his prime? I think you might be surprised to hear some of his amazing lyrical and incredibly creative drumming during that time! Plus he had major arthritis issues when this performance was shot and his body was ravaged by drugs, heavy smoking and alcohol so the fact that he was able to even do this long a drum solo let alone do an entire set and tour like this is truly amazing!

[@jimatyeo]

Ginger is why I wanted to play drums. He and Mitch Mitchell were huge influences on me in my early days of drumming. Ginger was so musical in his drumming he always had something to say. It wasn't about speed ever, timing and musicality were his trademarks to me. On his solo's it looked to be partly planned and partly ad lib, but it was always right. He always looked like he could play for hours on his solo's if needed. RIP Ginger and Mitch.

[@nicksmith4361]

And Charlie Watts who regularly played at Ronnie Scott’s on the jazz evenings.

[@madhavachartakaramchand3461]

the moment when eric and jack took off their guitars and walked off the stage and let ginger have it to himself gave me shivers

[@martinjefferies666]

And that's why Clapton said "Ginger isn't a drummer, he's a musician". I smiled all the way through and nearly cried at the end. Same effect his playing had on me when I first heard Disreali Gears aged 11, 51 years ago and he never stopped getting better. A head case with immense dignity and pride, an absolute legend. Thanks Ginger.

[@nkley1]

I dropped everything I was doing and watched, hypnotized, as usual when watching him drums. Legend is right!

[@HarryBlu]

A G R E E - 100%

[@crotalusatrox7931]

From Yardbirds to Cream to Blind Faith and all other other configurations, these 3 gentlemen are the best.

[@analogman1909]

55 years......... sophomore Fullerton CA

[@RogerCray-p5i]

Mesmerizing performance. Simply amazing. Appreciating his legendary status much more now than I ever did.

[@FeathersT21]

I'm sure many are watching this, disappointed in not seeing a million mile per hour fills and insane blast beats and not fully getting why so many of us are loving this. Basically, this man was the pioneer of what we have today known as rock / fusion. When he hit the scene, there was nothing like this style of drumming around. His mix of jazz and rock opened the minds and imagination of an entire generation of drummers that led to greats like Steve Smith, Jeff Procaro and so on. R.I.P Mr Baker.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

My favourite guitarist, my favourite bass player and my favourite drummer. What a great band.

[@waynehackney5812]

Most drum solos today are about how fast or how loud you can be. Not this one, this one is music. If there are any young drummers out there who'll view this video, learn from this phenomenal example. Simply amazing!!!

[@joycekilmer9171]

absolutely!

[@nssteampunk4865]

Let's see if the marching band drum line can play Ginger's solo!!

[@lmm145]

stupendo assolo! dice e trasmette qualcosa, sempre quadrato semplice ma creativo e ordinato, oggigiorno ci sono tanti batteristi tecnici, ma non si distinguono. questo assolo rimane in mente eccome, grande maestro!

[@gretchenburrows8296]

Right on!!

[@Jackle61]

Wayne Hackney And he does it with a fairly basic kit. A good drummer doesn't need 25 drums to be good.

[@markwatson-vk2lh]

I miss Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker so much. When I was ten Ginger was my absolute idol. I'm sixty seven now. What a band!

[@lesliedixon9225]

me too

[@jhebbes4375]

Ginger’s gone....but his drumming lives on.

[@Logoned]

John Hebbes Exactly!

[@larrylinn8589]

Chick Webb, Gene Krupa and ginger Baker, then there is everyone else!

[@barnanaguhathakurta6998]

His drumming will be living forever

[@drumlover69]

@@larrylinn8589 How the hell do you leave Buddy Rich off this list, he's the greatest of them all.

[@MrJudge70]

Ginger WAS the 1st Rock Drummer, and will be sorely missed ! Rest in GREAT Peace my brother drummer !!!

[@timokk3]

One of the naughtiest boys to pick up drumsticks...Effing amazing that he was able to deliver one of the greatest rock drum solos of all time at the twilight of his career...Thank U Ginger!

[@waynelovell1958]

You’ll never hear a solo like this ever again. Ginger was unique not just a drummer a musician Flawless. I’ve listened to this countless times and smile to myself all the way through Genius sadly misses RIP

[@stephanieredden8861]

I've always loved the tone of Ginger's drums, in particular his toms.

[@ryankaser6726]

Absolutely^

[@2visiondigital]

Ginger Baker's drumming musicality goes over a lot of folks heads. Certainly one of the better story tellers behind a kit.

[@rostandbergerac6413]

In a complicated world you can always trust a Ginger Baker drum solo to blow your mind.

[@Kentokkil]

Nothing to add . . .

[@alwayshungry3511]

Harldy even made my musical muscles twitch ffs

[@drumlover69]

@@alwayshungry3511 Yes I don't get it, he's a fine drummer but the way people go on about him is nauseating, there are many drummers better than him, Mitch Mitchell to name just one.

[@laurendecesare5091]

@@drumlover69 you're miserable and have bad taste.

[@markcollins1497]

I thought it was damn tasty, frankly. Who gives a fuck whether he’s overlauded? That was a damn fun solo. Really nicely worked out, and I thought it was plenty musical. Great sound on those drums

[@sorenvelice5088]

In my opinion, Cream was the best thing any of them ever did; giant talents on their own, and still much more than the sum of its parts. These shows proved there was still plenty of lighting in that bottle. If I’d had the money to get to England or could have spared a kidney, I’d have been there.

[@blacksabbath4252]

190% agreed

[@vincentwong2801]

Love Cream always, fresh or stale...forever

[@vincentwong2801]

Somewhat like an extended version of Do What You Like!!

[@billcarp3523]

In 1968, my mom bought me two albums: Hendrix's Electric Ladyland, and Cream's Wheels of Fire. I was in music ecstasy. Both killer albums. I was 15.

[@robjontay5052]

Your mom is a RockNRoll Goddess!

[@rafaelcarmany463]

Yes!!! In 68 I was 14 and could not get "White Room", "Sittin' On Top of the World", and "Crossroads" out of my head!! I was completely overwhelmed by the Funk, Soul, and Fire of this Pale White Boy Brit Band. That intro on "White Room" is soooo classic. And then, instead of screaming Rock Vocals, you have the smooth beautiful crooning of Jack Bruce. You'd think it would be out of character, but it always worked. I admire these three very much after all of these years. I wish Bruce and Baker had been able to get along better.

[@billcarp3523]

@@rafaelcarmany463 Yeah. My friends and I waited all summer for WoF to be released.

[@JIMMYBUSHIDO]

Didn't realize how blessed we were in those days. 🥴

[@bonniemama8196]

@@JIMMYBUSHIDO The BEST rock generation! We were very fortunate, indeed.

[@RobertSchoolcraft-yu6km]

The greatest rock drummer. Nearly perfection. Clean and smooth riffs. RIP Ginger Baker.

[@willmason7812]

Apparently, it is said that the atomic clock at Greenwich is set by Ginger's hi-hat...

[@bamaltd]

Leonard Bernstein iconic conductor of NY Philharmonic said Ginger Baker kept time better than anyone he had ever heard.

[@jimvalko6044]

There's a lot to love about Ginger's playing. But one thing I really appreciate is he doesn't bring the cymbals into to later. There's no random, not stop crashing that most drums engage in. He turns a solo into a musical experience rather than just banging.

[@tRiLoGy184]

Jim Valko Exactly.

[@debonaire_nerd]

Apparently the first words that St. Peter said to Ginger, upon his arrival, were "look, I don't want any trouble".

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

possibly. also, maybe the answer can be found within the lyrics of the songs from albums "a hard daze nerd". and/or "apocalypse nerd"

[@dannybolman7739]

Beware of Mr. Baker

[@nkley1]

Danny Bolman .....in every way👍

[@robpelick7460]

Actually, I believe Ginger showed up and said: "Can I come in please? I've been kicked out downstairs..."

[@debonaire_nerd]

@@robpelick7460 Then St. Peter received a phone call from Satan, "I took Epstein. You owe me this one."

[@rtalbot87]

You have just witnessed one of the best, if not the best, drum solo of all time, by anyone, anywhere. Tuneful, relevant, poly and rhythm

[@rustyking8783]

That is absolute mastery of the drums.

[@JuanHerrera-re9go]

This made me cry, what a beautiful solo.

[@laurendecesare5091]

Same.

[@tombrody9208]

I saw Cream performing on two occasions, during my high school days (years, 1967 to 1969). I saw Cream performing at Fillmore Auditoreum in San Francisco, and also at Oakland Auditorium in Oakland, California. Both of these performances, in my opinion, are similar in greatness to the most majestic events that are recorded in The Bible, for example, the story of the creation of the world-as-we-know-it. What an amazing gift it was, to me, that my fate was to witness both of these concerts by Cream. I have also attended concerts led by other other greats in the field of jazz music, for example, performances with jazz artists, Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon, and with groups led by jazz drummers, "Max Roach," "Art Blakey," and "Albert Heath."

[@JuanHerrera-re9go]

@@tombrody9208 that's so great, thank you for sharing that Tom :)

[@garylea6274]

Glad all three of them survived long enough to hav the reunion. All gifted in their own right and pioneers! RIP Jack AND Ginger!!!!!! Hang in there Eric!!!1

[@MrDavesf]

Can we talk about how beautifully tuned that kit is? Sounds like a dream. And the little cymbal thing around 7:20...gorgeous.

[@michaelandcolinspop]

@Dave Scheff You got that right. Those DWs sound incredible. In fact, everything on that kit sounds amazing.

[@tobiaspellondou5907]

A huge percentage of ginger's sound is just how good he tuned his kit

[@andygray]

So sad to learn he is gone. What a brilliant musician.

[@teedub127]

The 1st time I heard Cream was in a music store in Pasadena Ca. in 1969 and I was instantly hooked. I credit Ginger Baker for my love of drums and Cream for my love of heavy rock. RIP Mr. Baker you will be truly missed.

[@deirdredoyle9410]

I am not a drum solo fan. I make an exception for this man. Just brilliant.

[@jamesbowen8960]

Ginger Baker was a musician,not just a drummer. Bonham was a drummer. Baker said Bonham couldn't swing a sack of shit.😂

[@dermotredmond2786]

Dont see anyone knocking this, claiming to be better than, because this is Genius from Ginger Baker, without doubt one of the greatest drummers ever.R.I.P Ginger..

[@camronbay1]

African Thunder.

[@nickgiordano878]

Couldn't agree more Ginger Baker set the standard for the drums.

[@heavenbound358]

Kudos to Ginger

[@warrenblum3104]

all 3 MASTERS

[@princevultan6589]

I’d like to add this. Young drummers out there take note, you don’t need speed. Anyone can play fast. Ginger Baker was a prime example of a drummer who used rudiments, accents and for the most part spontaneity to create his drum solos. They were all unique. I’ve seen him numerous times and he never failed to surprise me.

[@yaqubebased1961]

Just get a background in jazz

[@als1023]

Millions upon millions of young people heard those rhythms and beats, forever their lifetimes embedded with the driving time signature he crafted and propelled . So grateful to have been alive, a teenager, and able to hear and purchase the albums that are a foundation of rock and jazz music. His name will always be a part of the conversation.

[@EwaldEwald104]

Peter Edward "Ginger" Baker: thank you for your musical inspiration❤.

[@helmedon]

That time you found out that your grandpa is cooler than you'll ever be.

[@pamelamacneil1331]

It's true! LOL

[@drummist1000]

Sorry for your loss.

[@deuce3478]

Damn isnt that the truth.

[@Realbillball]

I'm gonna steal that.

[@01adhdave]

@@Realbillball Metoo

[@polkanet]

He simply was the greatest drummer ever lived. Godspeed Ginger Baker.

[@drumlover69]

Come on, really. Buddy Rich would wipe the floor with Ginger as would many other drummers.

[@navneetsinghr4290]

@@drumlover69 nah, Bonzo and rich were amazing in their own right, but they couldnt match baker

[@drumlover69]

@@navneetsinghr4290 Well for one I never said Bonzo and two, if you think that Buddy Rich can't match Baker then you have never listened and watched Buddy. I'm actually laughing over here on how ridiculous of a statement that is. There is nothing that Baker could do that Buddy probably could have done in his first few years of drumming, hell, Mitch Mitchell is a better drummer than Baker, Elvin Jones, Louis Bellson, Tony Williams and that's just off the top of my head. Do yourself a favor and go study and watch Buddy Rich videos all day long and see if you still feel the same.

[@navneetsinghr4290]

@@drumlover69 I will not, I will remain an ignorant fool and will tell everywhere that ginger baker is the best drummer ever. Also Mitchell couldnt match baker toes

[@drumlover69]

@@navneetsinghr4290 Well I have to give you credit for admitting that you will stay ignorant, stay you man, stay uneducated and what does "Mitchell couldn't match baker toes" mean? Is Ginger's feet nicer than Mitchells.

[@summergivens242]

One of the best original rock drummers in the business who got noticed. RIP....

[@janlancaster1345]

My abiding memory of Ginger’s incredible drumming was when, as a student in the late 60s, I stood entranced with everyone else while he did what only he could do, as part of a Cream gig. RIP Ginger.

[@skyemacallister1306]

Amen, sister!

[@julieclark9173]

I love a great drum solo! He is amazing!

[@sebastianfitzptraick7395]

Rest in Peace Ginger Baker, still one of the best drummers of all time.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

auch ey boyo

[@jimmypage1808]

R.I.P. epic performance at age 66...and one of the best drummer's ever! so many great percussionist's from Great Britain..:)

[@thomasarabia8895]

Ginger Baker - Quite possibly the GREATEST percussionist of ALL times!!!!!!

[@Davokane888]

RIP Ginger, you were one mad bastard at times, but sadly another one of the greats gone, his time on the drums was absolutely impeccable😮

[@angelinesuman5371]

hi

[@ottowes]

Standing ovation for Ginger. God bless him, can't believe that he is gone. RIP GB.

[@stevenboyd593]

Brought me to tears to see Eric and Jack put down there instruments leaving Mr Baker to take care of business, what a joy to hear him hammer away

[@HHCforlife]

Ginger will forever be one of my favorite players. Such a quality musician all throughout his life. This solo is absolutely amazing.

[@rangerrick816]

Incredibly difficult to make it look that easy. So much sound and texture out of one drum kit. Ginger Baker was the best and will be missed - Rest in Peace

[@vaughnmild4467]

His love of African percussion is such a stand out

[@jackbarnes9728]

Also his love of African snatch.

[@ambermoffat9700]

@@jackbarnes9728 the darker the berry, the sweeter the juice.

[@jackbarnes9728]

@@ambermoffat9700 If you think so

[@ambermoffat9700]

@@jackbarnes9728 I know so.

[@jackbarnes9728]

@@ambermoffat9700 That's what you call an opinion.

[@CR-qo7oz]

My heart goes out to the Ginger Baker Family. Ginger is my personal FAVORITE drummer. 🥁

[@carlosangel9404]

Ginger Baker is the only drummer I know that can make a rhythm sound like a melody.

[@sunflowerguy5314]

The only one? Pretty much any Jazz drummer does it

[@justgivemethetruth]

Carl Palmer

[@roberttreanor7252]

Need to listen to more jazz my guy

[@MD-us8np]

First time ever watching him play a solo. I thought Neal Pert was good. Holy cow! I get it!

[@erwildersr]

Neal Pert came from him!!!

[@neilphelan145]

Neil Pert was a great drummer no doubt but he knew he still had a long way to go to reach the level that Ginger played at.

[@MaelstromMephistoPEM]

Sorry to be that guy, but it's Neil Peart. I do see your point. Ginger's solos are far less of showing off. They also transition from section to section far more naturally.

[@ramiroalbertorojaspereira6944]

Es muy bueno.pero no habrá ningún baterista como Gabriel parra de los jaivas.investiguen y me encontrarán razón

[@ramiroalbertorojaspereira6944]

Incluso este mismo batero le hizo un reconocimiento

[@rober287zambrano4]

Extraordinario, simplemente extraordinario. La velocidad del solo permite apreciar la enorme técnica que tiene este baterista, con esa técnica podría estar haciendo un solo durante un mes sin derramar una gota de sudor. No hace falta mostrar la velocidad de la luz en un solo, sino la técnica, la creatividad, el sentimiento de una pieza, que en este caso llega a parecer una pieza melódica, una especie de canción. La velocidad no es la virtud mas grande de un músico o que lo diga David Gilmour en la guitarra. Es esto, la creatividad. Tuvo a todo ese público silencioso, escuchando, casi hipnotizado y reaccionando brevemente ante los momentos mas álgidos. Eso es ser un grande con su instrumento

[@omarv.maldonado5614]

Ginger Backer.. Sin duda uno de los grandes de la batería..

[@user-vc4vj4ql1i]

this man is in his 70's and still amazing!!!

[@dannymiller5157]

c 898643434311233yu7

[@dannymiller5157]

u

[@scor440]

c he was 65

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

Sad to hear his passing 😢 So fortunate to have seen him play in Walthamstow earlier in the year; despite clearly being in tremendous pain he said the show must go on! He played beautifully that night! When he said he felt ill & had to go back to hospital the audience all cried “we love you Ginger!”

[@buckbumble]

I was at this show. Turned me on to Ginger. Even though I’m not a drummer it made me want to listen to the people who inspired him and he was inspired by. Started a massive musical journey for me. RIP Ginger. No one can or will ever touch him with a pair of sticks.

[@smokinmoose2]

Buddy Rich, Joe Morello. Keith Moon just to name three.

[@andygray]

Ginger Baker was amazing back when he was in his late 20's and 30's for a 66 year old this is pretty bloody amazing.

[@geminiwednesday16]

+Elas Mobranch .....hey!....lots of 66 year olds can be amazing,lol! Ok,I'm no drum player or a perfect-looking 20 year old but this is a generation of wonderful acceptances in every respect be it age or absolutely anything ! K xx

[@wsalviso]

+geminiwednesday16 yup

[@lpc90]

+Elas Mobranch His technique & timing seem to way better here than in the 1960's and 1970's. He peaked as a drummer in the 90's as he had experience, timing, technique, rhythm & stamina during the mid 90's he was regarded as one of the best jazz drummers.

[@TheDrunkSpartan1337]

Gotta say I actually think this is the best Toad solo I have ever seen, the man fucking killed it, and even though I play drums, I usually hate solos. Sure it helps he was using top of the line DW's instead of the shitty Ludwigs he used to use, but that doesn't matter in the end.

[@michaeldonovan4793]

and without the methedrine...

[@vincentsigismondi5303]

Good evening , These 3 magical musicians complemented each as one another in a supremely balanced spherical band of great ! music. , I'm 63+ and I've loved cream's music for 50 years..... I'm so glad ....also

[@andthensome512]

This solo is mesmerizing. Best I've ever heard him play.

[@longrat6767]

Beautiful drum solo; very authentic and unforgettable...truly stands out. Also, his kit sounds fucking amazing. Its so refreshing to hear a drum solo that is actually somewhat musical and consistent and doesn't just rely on speed and technicality.

[@blake7067]

Long Rat have you heard his solo from 1965 with graham bond..’live at Klooks Klerk’ early in the morning, check it out

[@alfching2499]

Long Rat If you want to listen to a Marvellous example of a Great musical Drummer, Listen to the Original Shadows Drummer the Great Tony Meehan on there first LP from 1961.This is good and Ginger does Like them Afro Patterns.

[@shiva1742]

Well said!!

[@cathystruska1558]

He was 66 when he played this. I dare a drummer half his age to keep up to Ginger Baker....1939-2019....TJ STRUSKA

[@timwaterson]

cathy struska Love Ginger RIP Tommy Aldridge is also 66 and still Kicking Ass

[@johannvanaardt7221]

Danny Carey is also nearing 60 and going strong.

[@alwayshungry3511]

Daney carey is 58 and absolutely obliterates Mr Baker lol vinnie Colaiuta 64 well he needs no introduction

[@michaelschneider9141]

Alex Bent from Trivium

[@tomwebb2397]

Always Hungry ginger and Danny are very different drummers, not about who would obliterate who 😂

[@jimfritz9503]

I was fortunate to have seen him 3 times. With Cream in 68 ( I have a drumstick from that show/ the Cellar in Arlington Hgts Illinois) 70 or 71 with Airforce + 73 with Baker Gurvitz Army. All 3 shows featuring his solo. One of a kind.

[@mountzod]

His solos really were about establishing rhythm rather than straight randomness. RIP Ginger, we are indebted to you ✝️❤

[@alwayshungry3511]

Establishing rhythm??? Jesus wept!!! He was barely in time lol extremely sloppy playing the whole way through. E.C has played with some of the best, Steve Gadd etc, it mustve been hard listening to 8mins of randomness

[@prathameshbhambure]

@@alwayshungry3511 Always hungry to say something nonsensical.

[@JohnDoe-me9jh]

@@alwayshungry3511 Poor bait

[@DennisBrown1]

Saw him with my son at the Jazz Cafe, London a couple of years back and poor sod, he looked almost dead then, but his playing was still bloody awesome! Not sure they make them like that anymore.

[@angelinesuman5371]

HI

[@simo2805]

From time to time I come back here to appreciate this AMAZING performance. Usually I'm not a person who likes long drum solo, but my god...this one is astonishing, and it was f---ing 66 at the time. Really mezmerising! RIP Ginger, you will never be missed.

[@photographerjonathan]

What a lucky audience to see this reunion. and the Royal Albert Hall was the perfect place for it. I just had to watch this again to say goodbye to Ginger Baker.

[@Athena25252]

When I was a teenaged drummer I listened to Krupa and I got pretty good. Then I went into the Army for four years and when I got out, music had changed and there was Bonham and Baker. I never would get that good and quit playing. Well there's finally someone for John Bonham to talk to in heaven.

[@StevenCarinci]

Bonham was a devotee of Krupa, even tuned his drums like him. I would say that more so than Baker, Bonham was actually playing jazz to heavy metal.

[@rcpsammy7186]

Rest in peace, Ginger... My God, what a performance here.

[@twospiders1]

Love you Ginger best drummer in the world......wish i could fine a t-shirt like that

[@charlescrisp2814]

What an amazing drum solo by Ginger Baker this old timer rocks

[@larryklawiter9168]

Even at this age it seemed fluid and effortless-just amazing. R.I.P. Ginger

[@johntechwriter]

Now that I've discovered how to go back to comments I wrote years ago and can see the responses, I came to this performance first because I remember that documentary about Ginger Baker so well. I'm about five years younger than these guys and worked as a musician from age 18-27. My axe was B3, and keyboards went through a dry spell for a few years as the screamers on the guitars went nuts. Watching this years later I can only say that Ginger acquits himself very, very well here. He is a percussionist's percussionist. Very technical -- he's got his rudiments down cold. And that is so important. For a couple of years in high school I tried to learn the snare drum to play in a highland bagpipe band. Okay, it was a phase. Every Wednesday night this grizzled old highlander who'd been playing the snare drum all his life I guess, would drop by the armory and give me and my three friends a snare drum lesson. I was very fortunate to have had that instructor at a formative stage of my life because his musicianship was so far beyond my comprehension, and that of my friends, that we' lost all interest in playing and turn the lesson into a mini-concert. Rather than get depressed by watching us fumble with our sticks, our instructor would take us through the rudiments -- which are the basics of playing Western-style drums of all kinds. The snare drum has made its way into nearly all Western percussion, from highland bagpipe bands to Ginger Baker, here. And pop, country, jazz, classical, you name it. Jazz percussionists from the Swing era in the '30s and '40s were the equivalent of drummers in the metal bands of the 70s. Because the percussion of the Swing era drove the music forward with its intensity, the drummers finally got some attention from the fans. The wild man of Swing percussion, Gene Krupa, had his 70s counterpart in Clive Bunker. When he played in Ian Anderson's band JT were at their peak, with an energy The Who on their best day couldn't dream of capturing. And driving Anderson's relentless intensity was Bunker. Anderson really needed a percussionist who just went for it, and that was Bunker. But as luck would have it he was a family man at heart and as he warned Anderson would happen, he met the right girl and left JT right on the brink of super-stardom and he never looked back. And then you've got Mr. Baker. What struck me right away as he began his solo was his composure. Sitting upright, all his kit at hand, he provided us all with a very nice lesson in the rudiments of percussion. You know, like singles. That's where you hit the drum with one stick and then the other. Pretty basic. But that highland snare drummer showed us teenagers how to take ordinary ol' singles into another dimension. He started at a slow tempo: tap, tap, tap. Gradually his tempo increased in speed: tap-tap-tap-tap. The acceleration of the tempo was almost imperceptible. After a while his sticks were striking the snare so rapidly we lost the beat. But he went faster still, until we couldn't see his sticks at all, they were moving so fast. Somewhere along the way this old guy transformed his one-stick-then-the-other singles into a roll, where each stick hits the drum and bounces very fast and hits it again. A skillet percussionist could get both sticks playing a roll so smooth, it was like a steady sound and not percussion at all. Think about it. From tap, tap, tap, to the sound of falling water. The subtlety of Ginger's playing, subtle as it was, was very exciting to watch. While Bunker was a wild man, Baker was a control freak. He brings to mind, with his discipline and precision, the ultimate control freak percussionist Buddy Rich. He and Bunker are SO alike in one fundamental aspect of their playing: Its subtlety and intricacy casts of kind of spell on the listener and before you knew it you were on a little musical journey with either of those guys. And like a good chauffeur they'd bring you back at the end of the solo to where they were when they set out. Some people find that style boring and uptight compared with the endless smashing of the cymbals and rolls on the double-bass drums by someone like Keith Moon. His playing was impressive in a noisy kind of way but for me that drumming style never took me anywhere. It was like Townsend endlessly flailing his arm around and play a chord with each rotation -- for me it got old very fast. With Buddy and Ginger you knew you were going for a ride. And they played with such grace and tonality it was as if I was hearing the individual drums for the first time. And that's when an old saying came to mind: when a musician or painter or writer, whatever, gathers you up and takes you somewhere you've never been without seeming even to try. That, ladies and gentlemen, is art. And among the best of the best you found yourself moved emotionally by their playing while up there on stage they pretty much just did their job. A less sensitive listener might have thought not much was going on, but they were wrong of course. When an artist masters his technique and THEN turns it into music, you can only experience awe. From the subtlety of ginger and Budd we come to understand what the philosopher meant when he said, "The art lies in CONCEALING the art." Hope that made sense.

[@Richard-om7vd]

Ginger is the best. I have been a Cream fan since my older brother bought Disraeli Gears album i'm 1967. Wheels of Fire has the best Toad version of that song. I'm almost 68, still listening to rock & roll.

[@quike38]

One of the greatest if not the greatest drummer in Rock history. Watch the documentary "Beware of Mr. Baker"

[@jedcurry8560]

So sad to hear the passing of this great man. May he rest in peace up in that 'White Room'.

[@epicDrummer1707]

This is how drum solos should be played: brilliantly crafted polyrhythms and beats from Africa and not showing off how fast you can play and being in love with a double bass pedal like too many drummers these days do

[@VegetabIeMan]

Callum Dineeno I could never understand that. The constant triplets with every drum and overuse of the hi hat. It's great but everyone does now. I wonder where it stems from.

[@VegetabIeMan]

Alex Slaven I'm not talking about Baker, he's my hero lol. I'm talking about today with all the church drummers and stuff.

[@Alex-ln9dn]

PanchoPlant oh no dude, I got that I’m just saying where that stuff came from, sorry for the mix up

[@VegetabIeMan]

Alex Slaven oh yeah for sure. I've seen Art Blakey some similar in his 1959 drum solo but the constant triplets into the mix was all Baker. But apparently made famous by Bonham. From then on drumming became a "competition on who is better". What a joke

[@Alex-ln9dn]

PanchoPlant yeah, I think it’s good to have healthy competition but now, it’s always ‘‘ my fav drummer is so and so” its disappointing

[@paulwatson9461]

Rest in peace ginger. Thanks for all the years of your fantastic drumming abilities you are out of this world literally . i will never forget you.

[@driskeldicus3497]

What’s sad is Many musicians can’t pick up the theme or melody line in the drum solo. The best solo I’ve heard.

[@AnteroSports]

Greatest trio in the history of music!

[@normatible9795]

Chris Visser okay if you say so..Crosby,stills and Nash second...the police third

[@Augfordpdoggie]

you mean Rush

[@alanbivort4024]

Hey, there's Rush. but 2nd its ok too!

[@rax816]

George, Bungle and Zippy for me..

[@SuperBrictson]

Hey, respect his choice. I'm not sure if Cream was the greatest trio, I'm myself a Rush fan but surely Cream set the bar real high to other trios!!!

[@bouhafaramehdi2387]

I remember watching a documentary about him and Ginger Baker said : " I told my wife before marrying her , if I ever had to choose between the drums and you , I'll choose the drums" . RIP Mr Baker , the drums will miss you !

[@SHERGENIUS8]

Whoa

[@okantichrist]

😂

[@drumlover69]

She should have made him choose so she could have got away from that miserable prick.

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

That documentary is beware of Mr baker!

[@Jackle61]

My arms would have fallen off half way through and here Ginger Baker is at 75 laying it down as good as ever.

[@dasOiOsad]

Jackle61 Toad is the song man! All hail Ginger Baker

[@Jackle61]

EMBERWolf Good catch. That's what I get for multi-tasking while under the influence. {8-)

Jackle61 He was "only" 65 here. ;-) EDIT: Got the year wrong.

[@Jackle61]

My bad. I'll just shut up now.

[@kurtisdaroule8245]

Jackle61 As a drummer, it wouldn't be that bad to sit through it. I mean, you get lost in the music. So he feels like he's only been there for like 3 or 4 minutes. Least, that's how I picture it when I am on Free Bird.

[@rufusray]

When I was a wee lad some of my earliest memories are of my father declaring ginger baker the best drummer to ever play the drums

[@МурчелДжуль]

Отец прав.

[@kmlgraph]

Ginger's mix of African and jazz drumming is out of this world.

[@thomasmoje5926]

Ginger never strays from the pulse throughout his solo..keeps the high-hat going at a steady pulse throughout then that smooth transition to the 'jazz' feel..amazing. Then of course bringing in the double-bass fills (wouldn't be Ginger without the double-bass licks)

[@tdubveedub]

Frickin' AMAZING!!! Ginger Baker has been my hero since I was 15yo. I can't believe what I just saw.

[@AshevilleCarl]

Been a huge CREAM fan since '68 when the boys were making records. Wish I had a chance to see them play then. Ginger is just so smooth and flowing on the drum kit, and has such incredible force. CREAM remains a powerhouse trio. Despite being apart from each other for so many years they still put together a legendary show.

[@evafohlin4857]

Wow ...this is amazing. Like listen to this as I like listen to Neil Peart drumsolo in Rush live in Frankfurt

[@tamarabradshaw4799]

The solo, masterpiece, but the fact that these guys still love each other after all these years is everything. RIP Ginger.

[@robst247]

Such a musical drum solo! The toms and double bass drums are perfectly tuned, and he takes you on an amazing and exciting journey. So sad that he's no longer with us. He inspired so many people.

[@philhorne811]

Jacks fretless bass, wow. Ginger at his best, perfect 🙏

[@mrmott44]

Clapton nailing the Gibson feedback 40 years later on a Fender.

[@willisingram4537]

Simply amazing...has not slowed down from the days back in the 60's...I was in awe back then...and now can really appreciate how great he is.

[@malcevans5762]

RIP Ginger. A true Genius of his chosen instrument.

[@ash029]

I know everyone talks about Ginger's solo and rightly so but the riff is so underrated, would definitely be in my top 5 of all time

[@destroydate7887]

Toad is a composition, not a competition. Really listen to the heartbeat of Cream, it's in Toad.

[@herbertp5647]

absolutly the high end of masterclass drums ginger is a genius

[@thevoid99]

what i like about the solo is just how steady he is. he isn't trying to be flashy at all as he just knows what part of his body to use just to play that solo.

[@romulocarbungco169]

He is Amazing ,,,God Bless your Soul ‘Sir Ginger’,,,my mentor ……..

[@paulpower7018]

He truly was a JAZZ DRUMMER and would Want to be remembered as such! He even said Cream was really Jazz.

[@kensalazar5066]

But it wasn't! Clearly more blues then jazz

[@rodhubbard6320]

He was a jazz drummer in a rock band.

[@paulpower7018]

@@rodhubbard6320 I agree. I think him thinking cream was a jazz band was a bit of a romanticism "if you will"..

[@paulpower7018]

@Degree7 why? boring song, boring song for a drummer. Didn't Baker say he hated this song?

[@DrSoWhat]

one of the best live drum sounds I've ever heard... with no triggers... wow...