Ginger Baker Cancels Tour Due to ‘Serious Heart Problems’
Cream drummer Ginger Baker has cancelled all of his upcoming tour dates after being diagnosed with “serious heart problems.” Baker first shared the news on his official blog, writing to fans, “Just seen doctor… big shock… no more gigs for this old drummer… everything is off… of all things I never thought it would be my heart…”
Baker’s verified Facebook fan page, which has served as a mouthpiece for the drummer, confirmed the news. “To all fans; it is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of all shows,” Baker’s management wrote. “Ginger’s doctor’s have insisted that he have complete rest due to diagnosis of serious heart problems. We hope you will all join with his family in wishing him well. God bless Ginger Baker.” The message was also posted on the touring section of Baker’s official site.
In October, Baker appeared at a London tribute concert to late Cream bassist Jack Bruce. Baker continued to perform as recently as January, including a January 26th concert at London’s Borderline venue. Ginger Baker’s Air Force had four U.K. dates scheduled for April before the drummer’s group embarked on a brief U.S. tour in May.
In a 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, Baker admitted that his health at the time was “not good.” “It’s troubling. At the end of the gig I’m absolutely exhausted,” Baker said. “I’ve got degenerative osteoarthritis, which is extremely painful and I’m on a regiment with a health service pain management control. Apart from that I’ve got COPD from smoking.”
However, Baker’s official Facebook told concerned fans Saturday that the drummer had “given up smoking months ago.”