1966 Rock Hit Named Among Greatest Drum Solos of All Time

The greatest rock songs of all time are led by iconic guitar riffs and solos, but every now and then a drummer steals the show.

That was the case for Ginger Baker, the drummer of Rush, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest drummers of all time. Many of the lists of the greatest or most iconic drum solos of all time point to Baker's work on Toad as laying the blueprint for the rest of the rock world to follow.

Far Out Magazine listed Baker's performance in Toad as one of the greatest of all time.

Ginger Baker Among Most Influential Drummers of All Time

Far Out Magazine named Baker one of the most influential drummers of all time, paving the road from jazz to rock.

"His solo on Cream's classic 1966 instrumental ‘Toad' is what really paved the way for the concept of the drum solo in rock music. It had long been utilized by jazz and big band drummers, and because he was so well versed in those modes, Baker decided to transpose it over to rock, and what a decision it was," Far Out Magazine wrote.

"Using the bass drum and toms to absolute precision, never missing a beat, Baker displayed his unhinged genius on ‘Toad'. Including a smattering of ghost notes, it would not be ridiculous to posit that his technical ability as a drummer superseded that of [John] Bonham's. The way he ramps up the energy on this track is incredible; it's as if he has two pairs of arms."

Cream Lasted Just Three Years Together

Cream was the first true supergroup, joining Baker with bassist Jack Bruce and guitarist Eric Clapton. Together they completed four albums Fresh Cream (1966), Disraeli Gears (1967), Wheels of Fire (1968), and Goodbye (1969) that sold more than 15 million copies.

"It wasn't a good gig; Cream was better than that," the late Baker said in the documentaryCream: Classic Artists regarding their farewell show in 1968. "We knew it was all over. We knew we were just finishing it off."

Despite only being together for a few years, Cream sits in the pantheon of the greatest rock groups of all time.

Related: 1981 Rock Hit Named Among Greatest Drum Solos of All Time

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 8:31 PM.