Cream Drummer Ginger Baker “Holding His Own,” Receiving Visitors in Hospital

The family of Cream drummer Ginger Baker announced via social media last Wednesday that the legendary drummer was “critically ill in hospital,” asking for fans to keep him in their prayers. Early Sunday, Baker’s family returned to Twitter to thank fans for their well-wishes and offer a welcome update: Baker is “holding his own,” and taking visits from family and friends.

UPDATE! Ginger is holding his own & thank you for all your good wishes. He is receiving visits from close family & very special friends.

— Ginger Baker (@GingerBDrums) September 29, 2019

The family have not shared any specific details of his illness. Baker, who turned 80 in August, has faced a number of health issues over the years, including the lung disease COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), degenerative osteoarthritis, and heart problems leading to open heart surgery in 2016.

Listen to a 1968 Cream performance from the Paste archives below, and stay tuned for any further updates on Baker’s condition.