I don't like to abuse the word "good friend," but Jack Bruce was that to me. Growing up, my brother played Cream songs all the time in our home until “Sunshine of Your Love" and “White Room” became as familiar to me as any song I've ever known.
When it came time to putting together band members for Ringo’s All Starr Band, I always used to present him with my favorite musicians and Jack Bruce was always at the very top of that list. Imagine hearing your two favorite songs every night! In 1992, my dream came true and Jack and I became good pals as we toured the world from the USA to Russia, Sweden and so many counties for more than two years.
At our 10th anniversary of Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, I asked Jack if he would consider jamming his hit songs with campers and he gladly attended and gave musicians a dream come true. And when I produced RRFC in London, my very first call was to Jack Bruce who said it would be an honor. I remember him driving up to Abbey Road Studios in his new Bentley that he just bought after reuniting Cream a few years ago.
His wife Margarit wrote to Eric and Ginger Baker to consider regrouping one last time and they did for concerts in New York and London. To see him jam his songs with campers put tears in my eyes and I never wished I could play an instrument more than that moment. Jack was always there for me, including when I introduced a blues camp a couple of years ago.
Although many people think of Eric Clapton when they think of Cream, they maybe don’t realize that Jack wrote and sang the hit songs. Personally, I will always be grateful to Jack for his encouragement to produce RRFC. They even had their daughter Natasha help me organize many camps over the years.
I will forever be indebted to Jack for his caring and support of my family first and then musical productions and what a fantasy for me to have him in my circle of family friends. I’ll never forget the night at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver when Ginger Baker came on stage to join Ringo's All Starr band and Ringo announced from the stage, “Tonight...we have two percent Cream.” Well, from where I was standing, it was always more than 100 percent."
Jack, you brought happiness and joy to so many music lovers over the years. You were an amazing pal and this loss will hurt for many years. May your family only have beautiful memories of your wonderful life. Rest in peace. - David Fishof
Sammy's last camp sold out early so do not miss this opportunity, sign up now!For the last 18 years, Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp has given musicians, vocalists, and songwriters of all skill levels the opportunity to jam, record, and perform with their musical heroes. Events take place at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, and there are plans to open a camp in Canada in 2015. Upcoming Fantasy Camps include Roger Daltrey of The Who (Foxwoods, October 16-19, 2014), Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Steve Morse of Deep Purple (Foxwoods, January 15-18, 2015) Sammy Hagar of Van Halen and Chickenfoot (Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas February 12-15, 2015) and members of Cheap Trick and Blue Oyster Cult (Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, March 5-8, 2015)
