Support Act Launches ‘Help A Mate’ Appeal for Legendary Drummer James Baker
Baker has drummed for everyone from the Hoodoo Gurus to Beasts of Bourbon.
Image supplied
Support Act, the Australian Music Industry’s charity, has launched the ‘Help A Mate’ appeal on behalf of legendary Perth-based drummer James Baker. A founding member of some of the country’s greatest bands, including The Victims, The Hoodoo Gurus, The Scientists, Beasts of Bourbon and The Dubroovniks, Baker is struggling with health issues and needs our help.
Diagnosed with terminal liver cancer nine years ago, things have taken a turn for the worse this year, with Baker requiring full-time care. His partner Cathy has had to give up her job to care for Baker, with the two working with a specialist medical team to prolong Baker’s life for as long as possible. With medical costs and household expenses rising, the ‘Help A Mate’ appeal aims to raise $50,000 to assist Baker and his partner during this tough time.
To donate, click this link and pledge your support to help Baker and his family.
Longtime friend and bandmate Tex Perkins has urged music fans to reach into their pockets, calling Baker “one of the finest humans this country has ever known!” In a statement, Perkins also had this to say of Baker:
“A leader, a teacher, a living inspiration, a kind and gentle soul that has rocked hard and given so much, it’s time to give some back to him! If ever there was someone that deserves support at this time in his life, it is the one and only James Baker.”
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There isn’t much Baker hasn’t achieved across his six-decade spanning career. Growing up in Fremantle, Baker cut his teeth with 70s bands Black Sun and Slink City Boys before travelling the US and UK during 1976 at the peak of the punk explosion, meeting everyone from the Sex Pistols Sid Vicious to the Clash’s Joe Strummer and Mick Jones.
Inspired by the music he heard during his overseas jaunt, Baker returned to Australia in 1977 and started Perth’s first two punk bands: the Geeks and the Victims. He then hooked up with Kim Salmon in 1978 and founded the Scientists.
The 80s saw Barker form another seminal Aussie band, Le Hoodoo Gurus, who would go on to become the Hoodoo Gurus, along with the Beasts of Bourbon with members of the Scientists and a young teenage singer by the name of Tex Perkins.
Across the last 30 years, Barker has recorded and performed live with these various groups. He also released his long overdue sophomore album, Born To Rock, at age 70, earlier this year. Recorded with backing band The Groundbreakers (aka guitarist and co-writer/producer Wayne Smith), the album is a love letter to all of Barker’s favourite genres.
“Wow, 70 years on Planet Earth, 54 years committed to Rock & Roll. I bought my first drum kit when I was 16 years old,” Baker said in a statement about the album.
”I'm really happy to Present in my 70th year, my first Solo Album - Born to Rock. I think Rock was always what I was meant to do. As many of you know it's not the easiest path, but I've had a blast and that will be my way till the very last. As you know I'm heading towards the end of the show but hey I've made my music for me and all of you, I really hope and almost know you will all continue to enjoy and love Rock & Roll as much as I have.
"The support my friends, R&R Family and the Industry have shown during this chapter of my life and career in the Australian Alternative Music Industry is truly incredible. I will never have enough words to thank you all.”
You can donate to Support Act’s ‘Help A Mate’ appeal here.
