He was a musician known as much for his tempestuous nature as his groundbreaking sound and showmanship.

Cream drummer Ginger Baker is credited with helping to define the psychedelic rock sound of the 1960s and 70s and widely regarded as one of the best drummers the British music scene has ever witnessed.

However, the iconic rocker - who died on Sunday at the age of 80 - was also known for his violent outbursts with bandmates, failed relationships and rude and obnoxious personality.

His family confirmed the London-born star’s death on social media yesterday, after revealing last month that he was critically ill in hospital.

His daughter, Nettie Baker, said her father died peacefully and without pain.

A statement on Twitter said: “We are very sad to say that Ginger has passed away peacefully in hospital this morning. Thank you to everyone for your kind words over the past weeks.”

Baker is also survived by son Kofi and daughter Leda.

Many paid tribute to the musician on social media, with Paul McCartney posting on Twitter: “Ginger Baker, great drummer, wild and lovely guy. We worked together on the ‘Band on the Run’ album in his ARC Studio, Lagos, Nigeria. Sad to hear that he died but the memories never will.”

Psychedelic rock band Hawkwind, who worked with Baker, also tweeted their condolences.

“Fly high Ginger! You were a one off and and a true legend...We were honoured to work with you...RIP,” the band stated.

Many fans also paid tribute.

Born in Lewisham in 1939, Baker began drumming in his mid teens after sitting down at a drumkit and discovering instantly that he could play.

He formed the influential group Cream with Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton in 1966 and went on to drive a change in rock music which would later pave the way for groups such as Led Zeppelin.

The drummer’s groundbreaking style combined jazz with a heavy, hard-hitting sound and helped to build the band’s unique profile and devoted following.

One of rock’s first “supergroups”, songs like Strange Brew, Sunshine of Your Love, Badge and I Feel Free contributed to the trio’s popularity.

They sold more than 35 million albums and were awarded the world’s first ever platinum disc for their LP Wheels of Fire.

Speaking previously about his time with Cream, Baker said: “It was as if something else had taken over. You’re not conscious of playing. 

“You’re listening to this fantastic sound that you’re a part of. And your part is just… happening. It was a gift, and we three had it in abundance.”

An inductee in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Baker’s rampant solo performances with Cream also helped to raise the profile of drummers in rock music.

However, the relationships between the musicians were volatile and their arguments frequent and violent.

The band eventually split after two years and four albums, with a farewell concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1968.

After Cream came the short-lived Blind Faith, working again with Clapton, along with Steve Winwood.

Unconventionally, the drummer then moved to Lagos to pursue an interest in African music, working with jazz powerhouse Fela Kuti.

In his book, Hellraiser: The Autobiography Of The World’s Greatest Drummer, Baker chronicled his long-lasting drug habits, which included heroin and cocaine.

His confrontational side was also captured in the documentary Beware Of Mr Baker, which showed him fighting with the film’s director.

In the opening scene, the musician was seen attacking director Jay Bulger with a metal cane, declaring: “I’m going to put you in hospital.” 

He later settled down to reluctantly reflect on the trail of broken bands, ex-wives and neglected children he’d left in his wake.

Those interviewed marvelled at his talent, but little else, with one contributor, Free’s Simon Kirke, who toured with Cream, saying: “He influenced me as a drummer, but not as a person.”

Baker later reconciled with Clapton again in 2005, although a Cream reunion was ruled out due to disagreements between the drummer and Bruce.

He suffered heart complaints in later life, writing on his personal blog in 2016: “Just seen doctor… big shock… no more gigs for this old drummer… everything is off… of all things I never thought it would be my heart.”