World’s First True Rock Supergroup Started Historic Reunion Concert 21 Years Ago

Twenty-one years ago today, Cream, the British rock band dubbed the world’s first true supergroup, made a historic series of concerts for their reunion.

After weeks of speculation about a possible reunion, guitarist and lead vocalist Eric Clapton confirmed their comeback during his guest appearance on BBC Radio 2’s The Johnnie Walker Show on December 17, 2004.

A year later, the supergroup officially made their highly anticipated reunion at London’s Royal Albert Hall on May 2.

Clapton, along with bandmates Jack Bruce on bass and vocals and Ginger Baker on drums, delivered a series of high-energy performances as they kicked off a four-night show.

At the time, the audience enjoyed Cream’s 19-song setlist, featuring their classic hits and rarely performed tracks.

This included “White Room,” “Sleepy Time Time,” “We’re Going Wrong,” “Sunshine of Your Love” as their encore, and the debut of “Pressed Rat and Warthog,” “Badge,” and a cover of T-Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday.”

In one of their previous interviews, Baker admitted that he was initially hesitant about Clapton’s idea to have a reunion show.

“Then Eric phoned me up and convinced me to do it,” Ginger shared, as cited by American Songwriter, adding “and I’m very glad he did, because I was a bit wary about it, and I’m more than pleasantly surprised. I’m really thoroughly enjoying it, and I think the band’s better than it’s ever been.”

According to Clapton, his decision to reunite the band was driven by his curiosity about what a comeback would look like.

“I think over the years, I’d started to wonder what it’d be like,” the singer said. “And it was the kind of first question most people would ask. Just you in our normal conversations, I’d have with people about music, eventually people would ask me if I would ever consider reforming Cream, as if it were my responsibility. … And, you know, initially I was really reluctant and … actually was tired of the question.”

As mentioned, the 2005 show was their first reunion in nearly four decades, with Cream’s last performance on November 26, 1968.

What made the reunion even more special was that it took place at the same venue where they had their iconic 1968 performance.

Following their four-night run at the Royal Albert Hall, Cream headed to Madison Square Garden for a second set of shows, a three-night run from October 24 to 26, 2005.

This was also the trio’s last performance together, as Bruce passed away in 2014 and Baker in 2019.

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