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Jack Bruce dead: Cream bass player dies of liver disease, aged 71

Bruce became known as one of the most famous and influential bass players in rock

Steve Anderson
Sunday 26 October 2014 15:41 GMT
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Jack Bruce pictured in 2006
Jack Bruce pictured in 2006 (Reuters)

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Jack Bruce, the bassist and vocalist in the 1960s supergroup Cream, has died of liver disease, aged 71.

Bruce, who played in Cream alongside guitarist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker, was also a composer and singer, and played various instruments during his solo career that spanned several decades.

His family said: "It is with great sadness that we, Jack's family, announce the passing of our beloved Jack: husband, father, granddad, and all round legend. The world of music will be a poorer place without him but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts."

Bruce's death was announced on his official website, and confirmed by his publicist Claire Singers.

She said: "He died today at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his family."

Jack Bruce, left, with Cream bandmates Ginger Baker, centre, and Eric Clapton in 1967
Jack Bruce, left, with Cream bandmates Ginger Baker, centre, and Eric Clapton in 1967 (Getty Images)

Cream sold 35 million albums in just over two years and were awarded the world's first ever platinum disc for their LP Wheels of Fire.

Bruce wrote and sang most of the songs, including "I Feel Free", "White Room", "Politician" and perhaps the world's most performed guitar riff, in "Sunshine Of Your Love".

Playing a signature Gibson EB-3 bass, he became one of the most famous and influential bass players in rock.

Cream split in November 1968 at the height of their popularity. Bruce felt that he had strayed too far from his ideals and wanted to re-discover his musical and social roots.

Additional reporting by PA

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