Legendary Rock Drummer Ginger Baker Expresses His Distaste for Heavy Metal
File this one under grumpy old men.
In the latest issue of Rolling Stone, Ex-Cream drummer Ginger Baker has this to say when Cream’s influence on hard rock/metal is brought up:
“People say Cream gave birth to heavy metal. If that’s so, we should have had an abortion.”
Strong words.
He also spews a lot of anger about the U.S., rock and roll, and, of course, Jack Bruce.
Not a happy camper at the end of his days.
But, boy, can he still play the drums (at least according to the interviewer). Makes me wish I chose to go see Cream for their reunion gig in 2005. I had the tickets. I sold them. Somehow. a friend talked me out of it… convinced me that Cream was broken-down. Ironically, out of all the dinosaurs, they probably would have held up the best.
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November 1, 2009 at 12:14 pm
It is only fitting the most ant-Heavy Metal publication in the world, (Rolling Stone), would illuminate the words of disgust Ginger Baker has for this genre. Rolling Stone magazine is a bigger dinosaur than Ginger Baker. Any “Rock” magazine that considers John Mayer a guitar god has “0″ credibility amongst real musicians. It is only a matter of time before Rolling Stone magazine becomes extinct from lack of readers… and it can take it’s political views with it.
July 23, 2010 at 10:57 am
Who are these idiots that told him he ‘gave birth to heavy metal’ ?? they are beyond wrong!? – His sad drugged up efforts weren’t involved- Sabbath & Priest gave birth to the amazing genre that is Heavy Metal- all respect I had for him has dissolved- what a sad old grumpy has been.
November 18, 2010 at 5:02 am
Sabbath have been quoted as saying that Cream was their biggest influence. I believe that’s what He’s referring to.
August 9, 2010 at 8:46 am
haha, Metal Hammer magazine gave him the C*** of the month award for that comment. Quoting that it was actually Black Sabbath that gave birth to Heavy Metal
March 21, 2011 at 10:09 am
All rubbish! Steppenwolf started heavy metal, and gave it its name.