Clapton and rock legends drum up a storm in tribute to Ginger Baker

Music fans at the Eventim Apollo Hammersmith were treated to an extraordinary night for an extraordinary musician. A star-studded tribute to legendary drummer Ginger Baker helping to raise funds for charity Leonard Cheshire.

This was a great way for us to say goodbye and raise funds for a charity that’s important to all of us.

Zara Lewis
Three men on stage, two playing guitar and one playing drums
Photo credit: George Chin
Four men on stage playing guitar
Photo credit: George Chin
Group shot of the Eric Clapton concert
Photo credit: George Chin
Three men playing guitar on a stage
Eric Clapton drummer
Photo credit: George Chin
Three men on stage, two playing guitar and one playing drums
Four men on stage playing guitar
Group shot of the Eric Clapton concert
Three men playing guitar on a stage
Eric Clapton drummer

Eric Clapton paid tribute to Cream and Blind Faith bandmate Ginger Baker who passed away at the age of 80 in October of last year. 

Rock n’ Roll reigned supreme on the night as Clapton was joined by Ronnie Wood, Roger Waters, Nile Rodgers, Kenney Jones, and Steve Winwood, with Baker’s son Kofi stepping into his late father’s shoes by playing the classic Cream drum solo ‘Toad’. 

Leonard Cheshire is a charity that has a close association to the Baker family. Among the thousands watching on was Ginger Baker’s granddaughter Zara, who is a key member of Leonard Cheshire’s fundraising team.

Zara said:

‘My family are extremely grateful to Eric for organising such a fabulous and fitting tribute to my grandfather, and for him choosing Leonard Cheshire to benefit.

‘Thanks also to all the wonderful musicians who paid their respects by bringing his early music to life.

‘This was a great way for us to say goodbye and raise funds for a charity that’s important to all of us.’

Merchandise is still available on Ginger Baker Tribute show site with all event profits going to the Leonard Cheshire Charity.

Kate Burt, Executive Director Marketing and Fundraising at Leonard Cheshire, said:

‘It was a fantastic night and raised vital funds for our programmes and services in the UK and internationally.

‘These programmes transform the lives of people every day, by creating school places, opportunities to work and to live independently.

‘We were very humbled by Eric’s kind gesture in fundraising for us through this amazing star-studded concert.’

Leonard Cheshire supports disabled people to live, learn and work as independently as they choose – opening doors to opportunity, choice and support in communities around the globe.

Media enquiries

For further information please contact Catherine Lynch via catherine.lynch@leonardcheshire.org or 0203 242 0442.