Cream to reform

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST,claptonfan11
Date: 14 May 08 - 12:19 AM

Poppagator
I am preparing a history of Cream's 1968 USA tours and I saw your comments on the South Bend concert and the one the night before which I do not think has ever been documented.Do you have any other recollections or a ticket stub? Does your friend have any ticket stubs or memories.Thanks.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 01:09 AM

I hope they work up "Pressed Rat and Warthog"...
ttr

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST,Norval
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 12:32 PM

Cream re-formed but did they reform?

Below is an excerpt from a letter to the editor of our largest daily newspaper
the Edmonton Journal (Alberta, Canada) 2005-12-06. It was submitted by a concert attendee
of long ago who watched the Cream reunion concert on PBS.


"There are a few old dinosaurs like me who remember the storm of controversy Cream
caused when they played the old Edmonton Gardens in about 1968.
Baker drummed so hard that his hands started to bleed and, apparently, he used a
Canadian flag to wipe himself. This caused a major scandal, which I remember well.
I would like very much to read the original story from the Edmonton Journal archives."

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Steve-o
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 01:29 PM

Although they are all still great players, it seemed to me that the material just hadn't stood the test of time. With the exception of a few like "Crossroads", it was all basically boring. Good idea, great musicians, but no cigar.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Dead Horse
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 08:54 AM

Clotted?

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Dead Horse
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 05:02 PM

Cream to reform!
Will that make them Curds or Whey?

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 04:54 PM

I thought the recording of the ealry part of the show was atrocious. You couldn't hear Bruce's bass AT ALL. It got a little better later. There's no doubt they are still fine musicians and if you couldn't see that well, there's not much point in arguing the merits. That's what made the poor profile of the bass all the more tragic. Nice to hear Baker's magical and inimitable drumming patterns again.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST,Eric
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 08:57 AM

nostalgia? a bit like folk music then!

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST,Whistle Stop
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 08:15 AM

I just caught a piece of the concert on PBS the other night, too. They came out as a trio, and I assume they played the rest of the show that way, so I stand corrected regarding my prediction that they would add musicians.

However, I turned it off after the first two songs (I'm So Glad and Spoonful). If it had been nameless musicians, I wouldn't have lasted even that long. Unless they got much better as the show went on, I continue to feel that this was about nostalgia (for the audience) and money (for the band). The music didn't do much for me.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: van lingle
Date: 04 Dec 05 - 08:38 AM

Just saw the Reunion concert on PBS and was surprisingly blown away. The thunder and lightning was still there. Bruce was singing and playing great, Ginger Baker was better and a tad more subtle,IMO,than in the early days and Clapton was really on. The rapport was still there as evidenced by the final jam after Sunshine of Your Love. I agree with the correspondent above about Clapton's tone on "Crossroads" I missed the old Gibson/Marshall sound but even with the modern strat it was was pretty damn good.
Did anyone from across the Atlantic make it to the show? vl

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: JJ
Date: 29 Apr 05 - 09:20 AM

From the New York Times, 28 Apr 05:

As we were talking to [Ron] Delsner backstage, KEN DASHOW, the D.J. at Q104 , came into the room.

Mr. Delsner told him that he was going to London to see CREAM, which is having a reunion concert in May at the Royal Albert Hall.

"There's no shot they're coming to Madison Square Garden?" Mr. Dashow asked.

"I had them," Mr. Delsner said. "I had them, man. Then GINGER BAKER got cold feet because he had to get through an embassy in Toronto or Ottawa."

Two marijuana offenses in the early 70's had complicated Mr. Baker's attempts to enter the United States from South Africa, where he lives. "Nothing about heroin or overstaying his visas," Mr. Delsner said.

"I was negotiating. I even had posters made. They'll be a collector's item."

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: mindblaster
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 05:39 AM

Did anybody actually get a ticket?

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Folk Form # 1
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 05:23 PM

Cream - over-rated or what? Zeppelin wipe the floor with them.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST,Quote from AOL
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 09:48 AM

Cream tickets are proving 'costly'


Tickets for the long-awaited reunion of Sixties group Cream are being offered for more than £1,000.

The event was sold out just two hours after tickets went on sale at 9am on Monday - 36 years after the band disintegrated.

Eric Clapton, drummer Ginger Baker and bass player Jack Bruce are playing at the Royal Albert Hall for four nights in May.

Clapton, 59, is said to have agreed to the reunion because of the failing health of the other two members.

Cream last played together in 1968, although they also made an appearance in 1993 for the group's induction into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the event at the Royal Albert Hall were priced at £50, £75 and £125.

Now websites are selling seats on the arena floor for £625 each, while tickets in the stalls are going for £525. One is even offering tickets for more than £1,300.

A pair of tickets which would normally fetch £250 have also appeared on the website eBay for £650.

Despite the 2005 get-together, the long-running battle between Baker and Bruce appears not to have cooled.

Baker, 65, reportedly said: "Cream split up in November 1968 because I couldn't stand being in his presence. At the reunion, we'll play music together but we don't have to talk to each other."

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Rain Dog
Date: 01 Feb 05 - 10:27 AM

A lot of these so called agencies are advertising tickets which they do not have. Someone agrees to pay their costs of £ 300 , £ 400 or £ 500 and they then go out to find the tickets

One of the drawbacks to the internet is that a number of people buy tickets for events like these and then put them up for sale on e-bay. They have no intention of going to the gig themselves.

I speak from experience.Tom Waits played the Hammersmith Apollo in London last November. Over 3000 capacity. Tickets sold out within 30 minutes and then appeared on e-bay within the hour.

My ticket bought from one of the official outlets, cost me £ 70 ( including agency handling ). I thought it was money well spent. I would have preferred it to have been cheaper. I would have preferred if he had not waited 17 years since his last appearance in the UK. But you don't always get what you want.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Folk Form # 1
Date: 01 Feb 05 - 08:30 AM

Never liked Cream but anything that stops Clapton being bland has got to be good. Take some rotton fruit with you in case Clapton plays "Tears In Heaven" or "Wonderful Tonight," two of the great atrocities in modern music.

I would prefer a Derek & the Dominoes reunion who were one of my favourite all time bands-check out "Layla and other assorted love songs" and "In Concert" - Clapton actually living up to his reputation. Ofcourse, Jim Gordon would have to get a prison release and Duane Allman would have to be resurected.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: woodsie
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 08:16 PM

Surely these rip off "agencies" should be prosecuted as ticket touts?

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST,woodeneye
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 08:12 PM

I've just done a search on google -cream tickets- they are available for circa £500 from loads of agencies, but not the official one - it stinks!

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: woodsie
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 08:04 PM

It was a complete CON tickets were available for between £300 & £900 on the internet 5 days before they went on sale on the official site. When I went to the official site at 9.00am Monday 31st Jan they said that they were sold out! Fucking crooks!

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: just john
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 02:16 PM

I love Ginger Baker's instrumental album "Unseen Rain," from 1992. Just three guys playing, and it sounded superb.

A Cream reunion I'd look forward to more for Baker than for Clapton, and I'm sure they could do just fine as a 3-piece.

(But I thought Bruce and Baker loathed each other something fierce!?!)

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST,Dave K
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 06:52 PM

Must admit some months ago thought the idea of cream at the Albert Hall would be a good idea. Real shame it has been priced out.(Although I can guess who will be sitting in the front row seats).

Having been to Hyde Park in the free concert days - why did they not want to give something back to those who have supported them over the years and do the same. Real shame.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: woodsie
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 06:40 PM

Don't forget!

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: woodsie
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 10:17 AM

Tickets go on sale Monday 31st Jan 9.00am. They will not say how much, but I've seen quotes on the internet of £170 (standing) to £350 (sitting). Do these three need the money? I think they are taking the piss. Why couldn't they have done a free concert in Hyde Park? then the mere mortals like myself could have got to see them. The Albert Hall hold 5,222 people - not really an adequate place - the acoustics are crap as well. I guess we'll have to wait unti the release of the DVD!

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 10:06 PM

your'e all talking shite they're the best 3 peice band ever so lets see what they are still capable of . i for one are pleased they are giving it a go , and if they are shite ,so what just go back and listen to the albums. f***ing great,

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: night-bird
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 01:50 AM

Can you picture Eric Clapton playing slide-guitar as good as Jeremy Spencer?

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST,An old british musician
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 07:47 PM

Christ some of you lot don't half talk a lot of crap. speculate all you will about older musicians not having what they used to but you obviously don't know much about experience.

Experience teaches you what not to do...

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: alanabit
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 05:22 AM

There was a version, or rather perversion of it by the silly British heavy rock band Judas Priest. I don't think I need to hear that one again...

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 11:40 PM

although I wouldn't half mind hearing EC do Green Manilishi

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: ceadmileuk
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 08:19 PM

Or Peter Green doing Strange Brew for that matter.
Thanks for putting it so succinctly. Couldn't agree more. Chalk & Cheeeeeeze. I wonder why Clap never tried Love that Burns?

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: C-flat
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 01:23 PM

You think that's bad, Gedpipes?
I've another contract from the same club dating a year later, 1967, which has The Jimi Hendrix Experience booked to play through the Harold Davison Agency Ltd. for the princely sum of £50!!

Us Teessiders aren't tight, we just appreciate the value of our hard-earned cash!
Honest!


C-flat.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Gedpipes
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 10:40 AM

...always were tight ******** in Teesside

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Les from Hull
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 10:07 AM

Oh yes I remember that film - some of the worst direction and camera work ever employed in rock music. Who wants to see Clapton's fingers when you can see some bloke shaking his head?

I should mention Jack Bruce's wotk after Cream split up. Songs for a Tailor was a great album, very clever musically (I was mainly a bass guitarist at the time). None of your 4/4, 12 bar about it.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST,Elaurence
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 07:20 AM

For anyone ignorant of Cream's music - checkout the DVD of their farewell concert at the Albert Hall - its hard work visually but then all you need do is, close your eyes and wind the up volume!

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: eltham man
Date: 13 Dec 04 - 03:52 AM

Pity they ain't doin' any gigs down under!

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From:
Date: 13 Dec 04 - 02:52 AM

E.C. is God and I'm not even a guitar player.
It will indeed be interesting to see how this genuine "super group"
sound so very many years later. Methinks it will sound
fabulous, otherwise they wouldn't bother doing it.
Certainly Eric wouldn't at least.

Sam McNally (keyboard-player, Australia)

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: eltham man
Date: 08 Dec 04 - 05:48 AM

Sunshine Of Your Love was really the same riff as "good Morning Little Schoolgirl" same notes in the same order, just different numbers and timing.

Jack Bruce was geat at Canterbury 2002. Not too sure about Ginger & Eric though!

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: alanabit
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 12:04 PM

Hardly worth comparing Chris. Although I agree with your assessment of their quality, the comparison is pointless. Fleetwood Mac used two or three guitars over a minimalistic rhythm section to achieve their sound. No one can accuse Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce of being minimalists!
The bands had completely different musical ambitions and focus. I'd say that about all they had in common musically, was that they were British blues bands of the sixties. Can you imagine Cream doing "Albatross" or "Man of the World"?

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 08:57 AM

The ORIGINAL Mac was as good if not better than Cream...

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Den
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 08:51 AM

Anyone remember BBM when Gary Moore joined Bruce and Baker, I think for two albums. That was a rockin' line-up Gary has the bluesyness of Clapton but I think his rock stuff is better. I'd like to have seen more of this line-up. I must admit I realy liked the early Cream too. Sunshine of your love, Badge, White Room. I remember playing them all when I was about 15 in a three piece. D

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: eltham man
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 08:22 AM

Fleetwood Mac have a lot in common with Cream. Both Band's lead guitarists were previously in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. In fact Green replaced Clapton. Clapton had played with McVie on The legendary "Bluesbreakers" album. Both bands atarted out as blues outfits, but soon moved to a more psychedelic sound. Both bands were burnt out by the end of the 1960s. The later Fleetwood Mac had nought to do with the original incarnation apart from the name (bass & drums hardly make for a band's core identity!)

The original line up for Fleetwood Mac was:

Peter Green lead guitar vocals
Jeremy Spencer 2nd lead guitar, slide guitar, piano & vocals
Bob Browning bass
Mick Fleetwood Drums

The name was taken from an earlier session that Green had done with Fleetwood & McVie whilst still in The Bluesbreakers. As a 21st birthday present John Mayall gave Peter a free paid for studio session to record anything he wanted. The resulting, mainly instrumental tape had "Green/Fleetwood/Mac scrawelled on the side by a sound engineer. When Green formed his new band Mike Vernon of Blue Horizon christened them Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac after the original instrumental session.

Wouldn't it be great to get that original line up to appear alongside Cream at the RAH!

Yes I'm sure that this was originally a BLUES site - I mean the name Mudcat certainly rings with a bluesy sound to me.

I love all types of music, as I'm sure most catters do.

Ellie

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 10:50 PM

wooops. Yep I got White Room and Badge mixed up, Guest. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST,Juan C.
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 03:55 PM

What the eff has Fleetwood Mac got to do with a Cream thread? If I want to know about Fleetwood Mac I'll consult an ageing popsters website (not!)!!

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: alanabit
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 03:04 PM

That's true, but it's not the whole story. Peter Green formed the band with John McVie (the first dates actually featured Bob Brunning) and Mick Fleetwood. Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwan followed them into the line up. Apart from giving them most of their distinctive guitar sound, Peter Green wrote most of the early hits. The one exception was Little Willie John's "Need Your Love So Bad". Within the space of about three years, all three guitarists started behaving very oddly and then left. (Drink, drugs and religion are the rumoured culprits).
For a time, the Californinan songwriter Bob Welch was in the band. There were also one or two fake line ups, put together by agents and managers who claimed they had the rights to the band name.
The modern Fleetwood Mac is, as Poppogator says, essentially a Californian pop group with the rhythm section of the original blues band.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: PoppaGator
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 12:52 PM

Fleetwood Mac was a (British) blues band with several different lead guitar players including, but not only, Peter Green.

They became more of a "pop" band (and became much more rich and famous) only after several different blues-band incarnations, when they added two Californians, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 12:07 PM

hmmm...things are getting kind of confusing. Yes, "White Room" song credits go to Jack Bruce and Peter Brown. "Badge" song credits according to this source go to Eric Clapton and George Harrison

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 11:02 AM

Lyrics credit for White Room goes to Peter Brown, though the Ringo story rings true.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 12:32 PM

They were a blues band first and foremost. Like Peter green's band before they let that sheep Stevie Nicks join... baaa... baaa...

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 12:30 PM

Back in the beginning, Mudcat cafe was dedicated to folk and blues. In fact, if memory serves, the Mudcat's founder leaned more towards blues than folk. The folk faction is the majority, it seems...but this thread hearkens to the blues roots of a venerated 60's rock band. Perhaps you could exercise your ability to ignore things in which you have no interest; that would seem to be the best solution for everyone all round.

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: John C.
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 11:28 AM

What the f..ck has this got to do with folk music? If I want to know about Cream I'll consult an ageing rockers website (not!)!!

Subject: RE: Cream to reform
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 11:21 AM

...and the answer is ...???