beware of mr baker

This month saw the first screening of a new documentary on Ginger Baker. Screened at the BFI London Film Festival the bio-documentary of the curmudgeonly one set new levels of grumpiness even for Baker, who of course is renowned for the in-fighting in the old days with Jack Bruce.
For Jay Bulger the film director, his reward for getting close to Ginger over the filming was being on the receiving end of the drummers walking cane which broke his nose. Now that's dedication to his art, most would have walked out there and then but Bulger manfully soldiered on until finished and on the eventual showing of the film at the BFI finally witnessed Ginger having a night out -
*"He tried to set off the alarm in the Green Room... refused to stop smoking.. and then threatened to hit the head of the BFI over the head with a beer bottle".
*from Uncut magazine
"The reason I did this film was because I needed some money". Ginger said somewhat curmudgeonly.
Well you can certainly have our 10 quid Ginger.
'Beware Of Mr Baker' is released in the UK cinemas next month and will no doubt be on DVD in 2013.

And here is Ginger in one of the few spoken roles he ever had. His very own composition 'Pressed Rat and Warthog' originally on the Cream's 'Wheels Of Fire' album and performed probably for the last time in 2005 at the Albert Hall reunion gig in 2005.
Their really is no one quite like Ginger Baker. Legend.

ginger baker

August 19th. Ginger Baker's birthdate. Drummer. Born south east London 1939.
From the heady days of Graham Bond in 60's London, international success with Cream to short lived supergroup Blind Faith, and then Baker Gurvitz Army, Ginger Baker's Airforce with the odd side project on the way and now to his near retirement in Africa. Ginger has been controversial, difficult, outspoken and wild.  The arguments with Jack Bruce on stage with Cream are legendary. His drumming always uncompromising. His solo's extensive. A true character of rock.
Troubled by addiction in his life he eventually found his spiritual home in South Africa. He became friends with Fela Kuti (bandleader/composer to Africa 70) and recorded with him leading to Fela's recordings being heard by a far wider audience.
And for that above all else we say "happy birthday Ginger!".
Now turn this mother up and hear Fela Kuti and The Africa 70 with Ginger Baker - Live.