Cream, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, have long been considered one of the greatest bands of all time. Their musical chemistry and intensity created some of the most enduring music of their day, and it’s still relevant today. But why hasn’t Cream met more often? Let’s examine the tumultuous relationship between two of its members…
Cream: an overview
Cream, named for the musical ability of its members, is a three-piece power trio formed by drummer Ginger Baker in 1966. During the preceding years, Baker built his world-class reputation in the Graham Bond Organization, a very popular English band. respected. that mixed elements of jazz, pop and blues.
The bassist for the Graham Bond Organization, for a time, was Jack Bruce, a Scottish vocalist and multi-instrumentalist also known as the best of his trade. Both strong and driven personalities, Baker and Bruce clashed on and off stage. The band’s founder, Graham Bond, wanted Bruce out of the band and asked Baker to do the job. Baker broke the news to Bruce that his services were no longer needed. Supposedly, to this day, Bruce believes it was Baker’s idea.
Despite their interpersonal conflicts, their musical chemistry was undeniable. Dubbed the most volatile rhythm section in rock, they were also arguably the best. When the Graham Bond Organization disintegrated in early 1966, Baker sought to form a new band of his own.
Enter Eric Clapton, the legendary guitarist, who was unhappy with his own musical direction at the time. Baker approached Clapton about starting a band, and Clapton quickly agreed. Clapton suggests Jack Bruce as bass player, knowing his reputation and musical ability. Baker relented despite personal misgivings and Cream was born.
The breakup and subsequent pairings of Baker and Bruce
Cream broke up at the end of 1968. All three members agree that one of the main reasons was the difficult relationship between Baker and Bruce. Arguments over touring, stage volume, and songwriting credits undermined the already tenuous relationship. For his part, Clapton was continually pushed into the role of peacemaker, something he quickly grew tired of.
For the most part, the members kept their distance for the next 20 years, until Jack Bruce asked Baker to be the drummer for his new touring band. Baker initially refused, but relented when financial considerations forced him. The duo toured the United States in 1989 and 1990.
After a brief reunion of Cream at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in 1993, Baker and Bruce re-united as two-thirds of BBM, a power trio that also included guitarist Gary Moore. An album was released to positive reviews, but a subsequent tour disintegrated almost before it began. Issues of all three members arose, with the thorny relationship between the two former Cream members being the focal point.
In a recent interview, Baker talks about BBM and comments on how Bruce treated him like an underling, and more like a session drummer than an equal partner. He irritates Baker to this day.
Reunion Cream 2005
In late 2004, Clapton approached Baker and Bruce about reuniting Cream for a series of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. According to the accounts of the three men, the concerts went exceptionally well. Baker and Bruce commented that it was much like the early days of Cream, with all three members cooperating and getting along quite well.
Later that year, three concerts were held in New York. Old animosities between Baker and Bruce surfaced, with Baker accusing the bassist of turning up the volume so much that he almost deafened him. For his part, Clapton professes his deep love and admiration for both men, but Cream has not been reunited since.
Meanwhile, Baker and Bruce continue to volley through the press. Baker states that she no longer wishes to play as Cream due to Bruce’s behavior. Bruce, on the other hand, wants to play Cream, but alternately praises and then modifies his old cohort in various interviews.
It seems that the same volatile chemistry that made Cream great, both musically and interpersonally, is keeping the band from reforming. And yet, rumors of regular meetings persist. Clapton states “never say never”, while Bruce has been outspoken in wanting to reform Cream, albeit temporarily. Over the years, Baker has been known to play press almost as well as he plays drums.
The bottom line? Stay tuned…