Cream Drummer Ginger Baker in the Hospital, ‘Critically Ill’

Cream drummer Ginger Baker is currently in the hospital with his family saying he’s “critically ill.”

Baker’s family released a brief statement via Twitter today (September 25) saying, “The Baker family are sad to announce that Ginger is critically ill in hospital. Please keep him in your prayers tonight.”

Baker has been dealing with issues for a number of years. In 2013, he went public with his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosis, the result of years of smoking. Baker also said he had degenerative  osteoarthritis that resulted in chronic back pain.  In 2016, Baker had open heart surgery.

Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden – 10/25/2005

• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

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  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (R) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Square Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

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  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (R) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Square Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

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  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (R) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Sqaure Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

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  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (L) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Sqaure Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

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  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (R) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Sqaure Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

  Share

  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (L) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Sqaure Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

  Share

  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (L) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Sqaure Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

  Share

  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (R) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Sqaure Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

  Share

  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (L) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Sqaure Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

  Share

  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (R) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Sqaure Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

  Share

  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (L) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Sqaure Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

  Share

  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (R) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Sqaure Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

  Share

  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (L) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Sqaure Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

• Cream Reunion Concert At Madison Square Garden

  Share

  NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Eric Clapton (L) and Ginger Baker of Cream perform onstage at Madison Sqaure Garden October 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)