Photo: Wenn
True rock legend Jack Bruce, who formed the first supergroup Cream with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, has died aged 71.
In a statement issued by his family today (25 October) his family said: "It is with great sadness that we, Jack’s family, announce the passing of our beloved Jack: husband, father, granddad, and all round legend. The world of music will be a poorer place without him but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts."
Writing in Bruce's autobiography Composing Myself in 2010, Eric Clapton described Bruce's unique abilities as a musician. "If I had to reluctantly commit to naming his most defining qualities as an artist it would be that he intiuitively knows how to step into and gather from all the genres he has focused on. His ability to see beyond the normal limits of music framework is astounding. I have often stood at the doorway and watched him disappearing in the dust of his own endeavours. We had many laughs together and even spoken in tongues on odd occasions. He is a deep and thoughtful man and I am glad to know him. Best of all I have been able to soar from time to time on his rock steady and burning bottom line."
Having disbanded in 1968, the band last performed together in 2005 where they played the Royal Albert Hall to a rapturous fan reception.
As well as his work for Cream he also performed sessions for Lou Reed and Frank Zappa, as well as taking part in a variety of blues based bands, including Ringo Starr's All Starr Band, BBM and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.
Below: Watch Cream perform Sunshine Of Your Love Live
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