Cream's Ginger Baker is 'holding his own' in hospital
The family of legendary Cream drummer Ginger Baker have given a brief update on his condition.
Last Wednesday evening (25th September), Ginger’s family broke the sad news that he was “critically ill in hospital” and called on fans to “keep him in your prayers tonight.”
On Sunday lunchtime (29th September), the 80-year-old’s family took to social media to confirm that Ginger is “holding his own.”
They wrote: “UPDATE! Ginger is holding his own & thank you for all your good wishes. He is receiving visits from close family & very special 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
Unfortunately, Ginger has suffered a number of health setbacks in recent years.
In the summer of 2016, Ginger’s daughter Leda revealed he had a “bad fall” and also underwent open heart surgery.
She told the Daily Mirror at the time that the fall resulted in “swollen legs and feet” but despite his grim predicament he was “miraculously” recovering well.
In February of that year, Ginger axed all upcoming dates with his titular band, Ginger Baker’s Airforce 3, after being diagnosed with “serious heart problems.”
Ginger wrote on his official blog in February 2016: “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.”
Speaking to Rolling Stone in 2013 about his health, Ginger said it was “not good.”
Commenting on performing live, Ginger said: “It’s troubling. At the end of the gig I’m absolutely exhausted. 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 (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) from smoking.”
Everyone at Planet Rock's thoughts are with Ginger and his family.