Credit: George Chin
Credit: George ChinThe star-studded tribute concert Eric Clapton organized in celebration of his late Cream band mate Ginger Baker took place Monday night at London’s Eventim Apollo Hammersmith venue.
As had been announced, the show featured Clapton and his touring band joined by an impressive lineup of guest artists that included ex-Pink Floyd singer/bassist Roger Waters, Steve Winwood, Rolling Stones and Faces guitarist Ronnie Wood, Chic‘s Nile Rodgers and Faces and Small Faces drummer Kenney Jones, as well as Ginger’s son, drummer Kofi Baker.
According to Clapton’s official website, the first part of the concert focused on Cream songs, while the latter portion showcased Blind Faith material.
Waters took the stage for the first three songs, renditions of the Cream classics “Sunshine of Your Love,” “Strange Brew” and “White Room.” Wood and Jones also were part of the “White Room” performance.
Rodgers teamed up with Clapton and his band for versions of Cream’s “I Feel Free” and “Tales of Brave Ulysses.”
Paul Carrack, who’s a longtime member of Eric’s touring group, and also has played with Ace, Squeeze and Mike & the Mechanics, handled lead vocals on “I Feel Free” and the Cream gem “Sweet Wine.”
Wood returned to the stage for a rendition of the memorable 1969 Cream tune “Badge.”
The Blind Faith section of the show featured Winwood, Rodgers and Kofi Baker joining Clapton and his band. Blind Faith, of course, was the short-lived supergroup Eric and Ginger formed with Winwood after Cream’s breakup.
The concert came to a close with the entire cast coming together for a performance of Robert Johnson‘s “Crossroads,” which Cream famously covered.
Fan-shot video of several songs from the show can be viewed on YouTube.
Here’s the full set list of the “Eric Clapton & Friends: A Tribute to Ginger Baker” concert:
“Sunshine of Your Love” — with Roger Waters
“Strange Brew” — with Roger Waters
“White Room” — with Ronnie Wood, Kenney Jones and Roger Waters
“I Feel Free” — with Nile Rodgers and Willie Weeks/Paul Carrack on vocals
“Tales of Brave Ulysses” — with Nile Rodgers and Willie Weeks
“Sweet Wine” — with Will Johns/Paul Carrack on vocals
“Blue Condition”
“Badge” — with Ronnie Wood and Henry Spinetti
“Pressed Rat” — with Kofi Baker
“Had to Cry Today” — with Steve Winwood, Kofi Baker and Nile Rodgers
“Presence of the Lord” — with Steve Winwood, Kofi Baker and Nile Rodgers
“Well Alright” — with Steve Winwood, Kofi Baker and Nile Rodgers
“Can’t Find My Way Home” — with Steve Winwood, Kofi Baker and Nile Rodgers
“Do What You Like”/”Toad” — with Steve Winwood, Kofi Baker and Nile Rodgers
Encore
“Crossroads” — All musicians
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