The rock world is mourning the death of tempestuous former Cream drummer Ginger Baker who spent his last few years in Kent.

He could often be seen wandering around Whitstable.

The musician was born Peter Edward Baker on August 19, 1939, in Lewisham, south London, but was soon nicknamed because of his head of red hair.

He also had a temper leading to many band break-ups, especially with fellow Cream bassman Jack Bruce.

Ginger also had a well-documented problem with heroin and an infinite knack of losing money.

But on stage he was a master. An early attempt to become a professional cyclist gave him strong thigh muscles which helped give him a distinctive, loud sound using two bass drums.

He once said: “I do have a God-given gift that only a few drummers have. And it is a gift; it’s not something you can work at. Keith Moon? John Bonham? No, I wouldn’t put them in the same frame. They were drummers but they weren’t in any way exceptional in my opinion.”

'Sunshine of Your Love'

After success with Alexis Korners’ blues collective and the Graham Bond Organization he backed Eric Clapton and arch-enemy Jack Bruce in Cream in 1966. The partnership which led to songs like Sunshine Of Your Love, Spoonful and Crossroads, only lasted two years.

Then there was the super-group Blind Faith, Ginger Baker’s Air Force; Hawkwind (he played with them at Maidstone College of Art) and Public Image Ltd.

He set up home in many countries including Hawaii, Jamaica, Colorado, South Africa, Italy, where he attempted to become an olive farmer, and Nigeria where he set up West Africa's first 16-track recording studio. At one time his property bore the sign 'Beware Of Mr Baker'.

He married four times and leaves three children, daughter Nettie who co-wrote her father's autobiography Hellraiser, Ledi and percussionist son Kofi.

In February 2016, he announced he had been diagnosed with "serious heart issues" and cancelled all future gigs until further notice.

'No more gigs for this old drummer'

Writing on his blog he said: "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..."

On September 25 his family reported that he was critically ill in hospital and asked fans to keep him in their prayer

He died on Sunday morning, aged 80, in Canterbury.

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