Documentary in which film-maker Jay Bulger seeks out legendary drummer Ginger Baker, who rose to fame in the 1960s with the Graham Bond Organisation, Cream and Blind Faith, before striking out on his own in the 70s and collaborating with PiL in the 80s. But despite being revered as one of the musical greats, Baker's turbulent private life, bad business investments and truculent personality have left him close to broke.
Legendary drummer Ginger Baker is, arguably, as well known today for his short temper and erratic behaviour as he is for the music he made with the likes of Cream, Blind Faith and Public Image Ltd. Baker's inner demons are unflinchingly addressed in this documentary that opens with the 73-year-old breaking the nose of director Jay Bulger. It's an engrossing portrait of a supremely talented but troubled man who, seemingly, can only lash out at everything around him, both drum kit and contemporaries. (He can barely conceal his rage when discussing the perceived shortcomings of Mick Jagger and John Bonham.) Others who worked with him (including Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood) pay tribute to his extraordinary musical gifts and reveal how his abrasive nature was a barrier to friendship. Bulger mixes interviews with Baker at his South African home with reams of archive footage showing him in action on stage; a whirling dervish of drumsticks and cymbals.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Ginger Baker | Ginger Baker |
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Director | Jay Bulger |
