Cream Bassist Jack Bruce Dies At 71 From Liver Disease
Jack Bruce, the bassist and singer for rock band Cream, died on Saturday at the age of 71.
According to a report released by The Guardian, Jack Bruce died from liver disease.
His family posted a statement on his official website, confirming the death as well.
“It is with great sadness that we, Jack’s family, announce the passing of our beloved Jack: husband, father, granddad, and all around legend. The world of music will be a poorer place without him, but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts.”
Jack Bruce was diagnosed with liver cancer back in 2003 and suffered a nearly fatal experience during a liver transplant operation because his body did not accept the new organ, according to Rolling Stone. Infection progressively set in, and Bruce suffered from kidney failure as a result. However, after remaining in critical condition for weeks, Jack Bruce stabilized and was expected to “make a full recovery.”
Jack Bruce was one of the three members of Cream — playing and singing alongside Eric Clapton and also Ginger Baker. Even after Cream disbanded and the three rock stars went their separate ways, Jack Bruce continued to play music as a solo artist as well as in a number of small groups.
In an interview with Rock Cellar Magazine, Jack Bruce wanted to make sure that he was not identified as “just” the bassist from Cream. Bruce stated that he did “many other things” and was more of an “experimental and diverse musician.”
“I look back on [Cream] with great fondness. But I’ve done many many other things. I think of myself as a very experimental and diverse musician but without being too far out all the time. I think that’s my kind of success. But then I’m also a husband and a dad.”
Quite a few musicians have already used their official Twitter accounts to pay tribute to Jack Bruce. including Glenn Hughes (the bassist of Deep Purple) and Geezer Butler (the bassist of Black Sabbath).
RIP my beautiful friend Jack Bruce.. Thanks your amazing art.. And being such an inspiration when I started playing bass: love you J
— Glenn Hughes (@glenn_hughes) October 25, 2014
So sad to hear of Jack Bruce passing. My biggest influence and favourite bass player. Thank you, Jack. RIP. — Geezer Butler (@GZRMusic) October 25, 2014
Just read that Jack Bruce has died! Gutted Cream are a huge influence on me! Still ahead of their time even now https://t.co/BHtt0DCcQ4
— James Skelly (@JamesSkellyBand) October 25, 2014
Jack Bruce will be dearly missed by his fans, critics, and colleagues within the world of rock and roll for many years to come.
[Image Credit: Music Radar]
