Legendary drummer Ginger Baker (Cream, Blind Faith, Ginger Baker’s Air Force) has undergone open heart surgery for a condition first diagnosed in February.
Baker fell in his home back in that month and, during examination, it was found that he was suffering from a serious heart condition. At the time, 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…” He later added that he would be undergoing a pioneering treatment for the unnamed ailment saying that doctor’s would determine the best course of action depending on his lungs but that the doctor “says he’s going to get me playing again!”
Recently, Baker’s daughter Leda wrote on his website:
After open heart surgery and a bad fall Ginger is miraculously recovering very well.
He called the day after his surgery to say he was OK. Albeit a rather disoriented and unintelligible conversation he was at least awake and aware.
The fall has resulted in swollen legs and feet which he is seeing his doctor about in the next day or so.
But although he is recovering, any performances in the near future seem over ambitious.
When Baker will be able to once again play is unknown. Open heart surgery can take many months or more to fully recover. Baker is also suffering from osteoarthritis which makes it painful to play.
