Live Reviews
London Hammersmith Eventim Apollo
Author Nettie Baker reviews a very special memorial show to her late father.
We take our seats to an anticipatory ‘buzz’. A disembodied image of Ginger in his best Abe Lincoln incarnation hangs smiling benignly over those come to pay their respects to a legend. Then our old family-owned Super 8s begin flickering colour film of the first ‘supergroup’ (Cream) on tour as the ghostly sound of Ginger’s drum solo Toad reminds us of what big shoes there are to fill tonight. Four drum kits loomed along the back line... the one far left proclaiming ‘Kofi Baker’ on the double kicks.
This, though, is a personal tribute to a special friend, and it is rare to see Eric Clapton so warm and talkative. “He was a scoundrel”, he explains, to laughter, “but I loved him and he loved me… I saw some people get the rough end of his tongue, but I never did, and that’s why I’m doing this.” A lot more laughter follows, and in the wings Roger Waters is clapping enthusiastically, perhaps remembering some ‘rough’ words he may have once received himself? “I miss him,” Eric concludes simply. The presence of Jack Bruce and Ginger (who did make up in the end) was palpable.
Two over-excited thirty-something blokes sitting next to me nearly faint several times. Roger Waters, on bass, is the first friend on for Sunshine. Sonny Emory and Steve Gadd on drums form a solid beat, emphasising clearly how Ginger had slowed down Jack’s original riff. Backing singers Katie Kissoon and Sharon White do a sterling job throughout, as does Chris Stainton on additional keyboards. Strange Brew draws gasps of delight, then on come the irrepressible Ronnie Wood and gentleman Kenney Jones, old Faces and old mates of Ginger’s, a dream team for White Room. There are more cheers when Nile Rodgers hits the stage with glee for I Feel Free, which features the always spot-on vocals and keyboard playing of Paul Carrack, who also gives us Tales Of Brave Ulysses. For Sweet Wine, Will Johns (son of Pattie Boyd’s sister Paula and producer Andy Johns) comes in on guitar. “He nailed it,” exclaims Mr Lively from my left. Blue Condition, sung by Ginger in Cream, is a lump-in-the-throat moment, and under eerie indigo lighting, with Willie Weeks on bass, Eric brings real blues to the haunting arrangement.
Henry Spinetti comes in on drums with Ronnie and Eric for old favourite Badge, then a hush ensues as Ginger’s son Kofi Baker stuns ’em all with a Pressed Rat
And Warthog that is fluid and assured.
Then a very special mate indeed, when Steve Winwood walks on to a roar and appears to gesture ‘Get him back on’ to Eric as Kofi disappears into the wings. Steve (alternating guitar and keyboards) and Nile deliver spine-tingling Blind Faith songs (and Ginger favourites) Had To Cry Today, Presence Of The Lord, Well Alright and Can’t Find My Way Home. Kofi is back now, and segues the final number, Ginger/Blind Faith classic Do What You Like, into the Toad solo.
On the screen, Ginger in 1968 plays along silently with his son. Tears were in many eyes as Kofi effortlessly demonstrates that he has his dad’s chops for sure. The King is dead. Long live the King.
After a lengthy standing ovation, everyone is back on for an all-star Crossroads. Eric says “everybody solo” to the guitar team of Nile, Ronnie and Will Johns, who looks like he’s died and gone to heaven. We all have… along with dad Ginger – if, that is, he’s up there!