Cream supergroup formed in 1966 by Clapton, Bruce and Baker

In 1966, guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker combined to create the rock super‑group Cream, widely regarded as the first of its kind. All three had previously played in British blues outfits – Clapton with the Yardbirds and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Bruce and Baker with the Graham Bond Organisation – and met through overlapping gigs.

After a series of meetings, including Baker driving Clapton back to London and Clapton insisting he would only join if Bruce also joined, the trio agreed to form the band. Their manager Robert Stigwood announced them with a cryptic press release, and Cream gave its debut performance on 29 July 1966 at the Twisted Wheel in Manchester. Clapton later recalled being inspired by Buddy Guy’s command on stage, while Baker admitted he initially did not recognize Clapton’s fame.