The Rainbow: February, 1975
On the day of the ‘Gurvitz Army’ Rainbow gig; Janet and I got tarted up in our satin bomber jackets, flared jeans and platform shoes. A limo duly arrived to ferry us there and we both took great pleasure in waving to all the snooty neighbours out of the car window. Once at the gig, we stood with Mum at the entrance to the dressing room tunnel and were denied access by a zealous bouncer. We said,
‘Look mate, we know the guy in charge, his name is Jack, just get him and he’ll confirm who we are, etc, etc.’
But no, this bouncer thought we were a bunch of liars and said as much very rudely, which of course, resulted in him getting a thick ear from Mother, who bashed him so hard that her heavy jade bracelet broke into a thousand pieces and scattered noisily across the stone floor of corridor. Then, as if by magic ‘Jack’ suddenly did appear to let us in. We told Dad about our difficulties, so he had a fit and went and smashed the naughty bouncer’s room up. I felt a bit sorry for the guy I have to say, but power trips can often end badly. We had to walk across the back of the stage to get to our seats. This resulted in much whistling and cat calling from the audience. How we loved it!
That exciting walk across the stage pretending we were famous, reminded me of a time back in the ‘sixties when I had been with my parents at a Jeff Beck gig and Rod Stewart was with his band. Rod had looked after me for my Mum and Dad for about half an hour or so; he kept me entertained by clowning about and never being one to remain unmoved by a pretty face, whatever my age, I quickly became well smitten. Somebody or other then suggested that I might like to go up on stage and introduce a song. Rod led me to the front of the stage and reminded me to, ‘Mind the wires love’, as I stood for a moment, completely mesmerised by the reflected light that bounced back at me from the many spectacle wearing members of the audience.
‘This is Ginger Baker’s daughter Nettie’ said Rod, ‘and she’s going to introduce our next song’.
He handed me the mic. Rather tentatively I introduced ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’ and everybody clapped.
Nettie, this is such a fun read! Do keep working on the book. I promise I’ll buy a copy. Thanks for all you do to make all of this happen. The last year or so have been a total gas for me.
LUCKY to have seen Ginger play in NYC at S.O.Bs (sounds of Brazil). It was 1990. I had a front row table with my husband and I. We had to stay for the second set as well. Where in the world would I have ever again been in such an intimate setting, watching one of the greatest musicians of our time play? He looked at our table all night. I will never forget, then when he left the stage, he high fived me. Not bad for a Jewish girl from Brooklyn. Love, Rachel
Hello Ginger. I’m turning 61. I have loved you always. I believe I have “TIME” as a bass guitarist/songwriter. I would love to send you a CD with 3 songs. 2 of yours and 1 of mine for your consideration. I don’t have much but I do love music and playing great shit.
Please reply. tcookmaynard@gmail.com. Do What You Like!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday from South Jersey…we love you forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello.
I would like to say that the gig list for Ginger Baker’s Airforce is not complete. The band went to Denmark in March 1970. I saw them in Holstebro, Jutland. I am not sure of the exact date but I think it was the 13th – it was a Saturday for sure. The band played two shows that night and I saw the first. A marvellous but also slightly chaotic experience. I remember the female singer enter the stage in the middle of the set – Jeanette Jacobs, it must have been. She was so drunk or stoned, that she could not sing a note. Ginger made eyes at her to make her leave. Finally he threw his drumstick after her and hit her! She turned around and shouted at him, so Ginger finally got to his feet, grabbed her by the arm and escorted her to the wings like a police man.
Glad that I had the opportunity that night to see legends like Phil Seamen and Graham Bond. And Ginger off course. Thank God (or the Devil) that he is still with us beating his drums.