Ginger Baker RIP

Today I heard the news that Ginger Baker died at the age of 80 after a short time suffering. I was never a fan of him and knew him as a member of Cream and several other bands from the 60's until I saw the documentary of him Beware of Mr. Baker. If you want to know what kind of madman he was take 90 minutes and watch it. After this documentary I checked out a few of his releases and changed my point of him. He was mad, a devil and a wizard on drums and he made a step to Nigeria in the early 70's to join Fela Kuti in his band when many other artists didn't knew that music was alive in Africa. Now Ginger Baker has died at the age of 80 years. Where he goes, John Bonham already plays for a while his drum kits and Keith Moon smashes there further his drums. Maybe they already wait for him, the devil with the red hair.

Rest easy Ginger.

Live Music On German Television

Last week I posted the appearance of Jimi Hendirx Experience when German Beat Club went to London to play some bands live at the Marquee Club in London back in 1967. This show would not be complete without the live appearance of The Who.

You might like them or not. But for me they were one of those bands that made the difference to many other bands in these days. One of the most divergent singers in the early 60's, the steady bass of John Entwistle, the extraordinary guitar by Pete Townshend were the trademarks of this band. But for me Keith Moon was the leading figure of The Who. I never heard any drummer before or after playing the drums like he did. He counted with his extremely dynamic, quick play and his exatelted appearance to the most remarkable drummers of his time. Listen to his playing on Live At Leeds and you might understand what I mean. Looking at this footage I have to say: Mod rules.

Shaking All Over

One of my earliest records was The Who - Live at Leeds. It was released nearly 45 years ago and the planed live recording of their concert in Hull one day later couldn't record because of technical problems. I loved The Who since I turned into music. There was a great guitar played great riffs and solos as well. Keith Moon was maybe the best/weirdest drummer all times. And John Entwistle played a steady bass. Roger Daltrey was an extraordinary singer. There are so many song on this record that I could hear still. This one is for me one of the best. A cover version that impressed me so much. Especially the drum section by Keith Moon - he was crazy and weird but his work on drums is still awesome.

The Who - Shakin' All Over

Live At Leeds

Last week I posted on Twanging Tuesday a song from Johnny Kidd and the Pirates and remembered that there exists a great cover version by The Who. So I grabbed out the record the first time after a few years. And I was astonished how clear and fresh the sound was on Live At Leeds. It's probably the best live recording ever. Unbelievable how Keith Moon beats out the drums and Pete Townshend never played a better guitar.

The Who - Shakin' All Over
The Who - Magic Bus