FILM: Beware of Mr Baker (15)

Best known for his work with Eric Clapton in Cream and Blind Faith, London-born drummer Ginger Baker famously brought African rhythms back from Nigeria to the West in the 1970s, many years before other musicians.

His incredible creativity was tempered with personal misfortunes including divorces and a rampant self-destructive streak, taking him around the world from Italy to California and eventually to South Africa where the 73-year-old now lives with his 29-year-old internet bride and 39 polo ponies inside a fortified compound.

Documentary film-maker Jay Bulger travels to Baker’s lair to interview him about his incredible career, intercut with testimonies from friends, family and colleagues including Eric Clapton, Femi Kuti, Neal Peart, Carlos Santana, Chad Smith, Charlie Watts and Steve Winwood.

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The film also follows Baker on the comeback trail as he puts financial disaster behind him and embarks on a sold-out 30-date European tour, confirming his reputation as one of the drumming greats.

Released: May 17 (UK, selected cinemas), 92 mins

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