Ginger Baker, drummer of Cream, has died

The legendary drummer for Cream passed away at the age of 80.

Ginger Baker, the drummer for legendary British rock group Cream, has passed away at the age of 80.

Baker made up the trio of Cream, which included Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton, and was one of rock's most celebrated drummers. Beginning his career in the Alexis Corner's Blues Incorporated in 1962, replacing Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, Baker went on to form Cream with Bruce and Clapton in 1966.

The group's major hits included 'I Feel Free' and 'Badge', and pioneered many techniques in both the studio and in live performances that are now mainstays of modern rock and heavy metal. However, the group lasted only two years, with the trio only reuniting for a concert in 1993 when they were inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, and again in 2005 for a four-night run of concerts in the Royal Albert Hall.

Jack Bruce, Cream's bassist, would eventually pass away in 2014. In a statement released to media earlier today, Baker's daughter, Nettie Baker, confirmed the news and said that her father "was in no pain and had recently been able to see and speak to his children, close family and special friends."