Star's death threats for Led Zep 'slur'

Jonathan Barnes

SUFFOLK-based music legend Jack Bruce has revealed how he received “death threats” after daring to criticise rock giants Led Zeppelin.

The 66-year-old former Cream bassist made headlines across the world in May after describing the band who reunited for a one-off concert in 2007 as “crap”.

Speaking to the press at an awards ceremony, Bruce described Led Zeppelin reunion gig at the 02 Arena as “lame” and chided them: “You're crap and you'll never be anything else. Cream is 10 times the band Led Zeppelin is.”

Bruce, who lives near the Suffolk-Essex border, said he could not believe the furore his comments caused.

“It was just a bit of fun and it was blown out of all proportion,” he said.

“Some Led Zeppelin fans were really angry at me and I had a few death threats - they're not likely to find me out here though!

“People like me tend to forget that with YouTube and Twitter, you can't say anything without it getting around the world.

“We always used to have a pop at other bands in the old days and that was all it was. It was like I had spoken out against the Queen or something. You obviously can't say anything against Led Zeppelin.”

Bruce said Cream - made up by guitar legend Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker - were originally lined up to play the Ahmet Ertegun memorial concert that ended up as Led Zeppelin's comeback but had pulled out when the event became too commercial.

The legendary bass player is currently touring with guitarist Robin Trower and drummer Gary Husband in support of the Seven Moons album he recorded with Trower last year.

They are due to release their new CD, Seven Moons Live, on August 3, which will be followed by a DVD.

“It's another 'power trio' and people seem to like me doing that. I enjoy it and it's a lot of fun,” he said.

Following the tour, he is due to make another studio album with Trower and also has plans to record an album with his Latin band - and will also not rule out any further Cream reunions. The group, who sold more than 30 million records in their 60s pomp, reunited for a run of shows at the Royal Albert Hall and Madison Square Garden in New York in 2005.

And father-of-five Bruce, who almost died six years ago after being diagnosed with liver cancer and undergoing a transplant, said he had no plans to call time on a career stretching back almost 50 years.

“Sometimes I think I should give up but I miss it. It's inspirational for me. It keeps me going and it's what I do.”

N Bruce, Trower and Husband play at Shepherds Bush Empire in London on August 5 before dates in Glasgow and Edinburgh. They also play the Memories of Woodstock festival in Shrewsbury on August 8.