Posted on 11/14/2004 1:12:28 AM PST by beyond the sea
Eric Clapton has astounded the music world by finally agreeing to reform Cream, rock's first supergroup, 36 years after they split up at the height of their worldwide fame.
Back then Clapton was declared a "guitar God", Ginger Baker was the epitome of the wild-eyed rock drummer and Jack Bruce was the pioneer of a raw, biting tone for the electric bass.
Over two years they sold more than 35 million records, producing a new form of "heavy" music that fused hard rock, blues and jazz. But they were unable to survive their ego-powered celebrity.
There was such venom at the end that, years later, Clapton said the thought of a reunion "scares the living daylights out of me".
John Mayall, the veteran leader of the Bluesbreakers, the British band from which Clapton defected to create Cream in 1966, said yesterday: "I'm amazed. But Eric is always doing something unexpected. He moves in so many directions, always out front with his music."
Sources close to the musicians said that reunion plans were under way, with Clapton, 59, Bruce, 61, and Baker, 65, talking of "probably two gigs, or maybe more" at the Royal Albert Hall in May, although that venue, where Clapton staged his traditional blues stint this spring, has yet to be booked.
The hall was where Cream last performed in Britain in November 1968 after shows in America that were earning the trio $60,000 a night.
Cream have played together only once since, with searing versions of White Room, Crossroads and Sunshine of Your Love, at the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in Los Angeles in 1993.
Rehearsals for the reunion, with new material, are expected to begin early in the new year.
Mayall, visiting London from his home in Los Angeles, said: "I can't imagine Cream's reappearance will be a marathon again, as Eric is now very much a family man.
"It's probably Eric on one of his nostalgia trips, as Jack and Ginger are not exactly headline names of this generation. It's likely to be for a charity, or the music, not the money."
SWLABR
She Was Like A Bearded Rainbow...
It's his Midnight Hour. Clapton is going on Blind Faith thinking the reunion will be successful. Think he should Reconsider Baby? Perhaps they should Layla for awhile? Nah. They'll be Wonderful Tonight and bask in the Sunshine of Your Love. :o)
Heh! :-)
Is this the same guy that Jocelyn Elders used to call"Eric Clapner"?
But you didn't shoot the deputy! :-)
Yes, B.B.; I saw Clapton about 3 years ago, and he looks great.
Words fail me.
"When I get older, losing my hair,
many years from now."
Any truth to the rumor that they plan to rename the band "Denture Cream"?
Dih Dih Dih da Dih, I Feel Free
Dih Dih Dih da Dih, I Feel Free
Dih Dih Dih da Dih, I Feel Free
Oooooo, ooooo-ah-ooooo
I was thinking along the lines of "Hope I die . . ."
Always loved that group. "Badge" is one of my favorite songs!
Only if they're wearing spandex tights, a la Mick Jagger. *shudder*
One of Cream's best. A bit incoherent in the lyrics, but good imagery and great music. It illustrates the strengths of Clapton, Bruce and Baker very well.
Coming to me in the morning, leaving me at night.
Coming to me in the morning, leaving me alone.
You've got that rainbow feel but the rainbow has a beard.
Running to me a-cryin' when he throws you out.
Running to me a-cryin', on your own again.
You've got that pure feel, such good responses,
But the picture has a mustache.
You're coming to me with that soulful look on your face,
Coming looking like you've never ever done one wrong thing.
So many fantastic colors; I feel in a wonderland.
Many fantastic colors makes me feel so good.
You've got that pure feel, such good responses.
You've got that rainbow feel but the rainbow has a beard.
bttttt
Ginger and Jack can use the money. I hope they make a bunch.
Heh. Maybe these concerts will help pay for it. Jack said to Eric can you do me one last favor? He had liver cancer. He did immortal work with Cream.
how about a 2 hour version of crossroads?
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