Sunshine of Your Love (Live 2005)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the iconic "Sunshine of Your Love (Live 2005)" by Cream! This track, performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 2005, captures the raw energy of the band’s reunion, their last together, with Eric Clapton as the sole surviving member today. The song’s origins are steeped in rock legend: bassist Jack Bruce crafted its unforgettable riff after being blown away by a Jimi Hendrix concert in London in 1967. Inspired by Hendrix’s virtuosity, Bruce played the riff on his double bass during an all-night writing session with poet Pete Brown, who penned the opening lines as dawn broke: “It’s getting near dawn, when lights close their tired eyes.” Eric Clapton added the chorus, and drummer Ginger Baker slowed the tempo, infusing it with a tribal, tom-tom-heavy beat he described as having a “wow factor.”

Here’s a wild tidbit: Atlantic Records nearly shelved the song! Label head Ahmet Ertegun dismissed it as “psychedelic hogwash,” and only after Booker T. Jones and Otis Redding heard it in rehearsals and raved about its potential did it see the light of day. Released in 1968, it became Cream’s biggest U.S. hit, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a gold certification for over a million copies sold. Jimi Hendrix paid homage by performing blistering instrumental versions, dedicating them to Cream, unaware that Bruce had written the riff as a nod to him—a beautiful rock ‘n’ roll full-circle moment. The song’s legacy endures, ranking #65 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and #19 on Q Magazine’s 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks.

Clapton’s guitar solo is a standout, featuring his signature “woman tone”—a smooth, singing sound from his 1964 Gibson SG, nicknamed “the Fool.” Fun fact: the solo quotes the melody of the pop standard “Blue Moon,” a cheeky nod to the song’s romantic vibe. Ginger Baker, however, felt shortchanged, claiming in his autobiography that his unique drum pattern was pivotal but uncredited, saying, “I’ve never even received a thank you for it.” Fans still rave about the song’s influence; one Reddit user shared how their 14-year-old daughter belts it out in the shower, proving its timeless appeal across generations. Its riff is so iconic that it’s a go-to for kids testing guitars in music shops, as Jack Bruce noted in a 2003 interview.

Cream, formed in London in 1966, was rock’s first supergroup, blending blues, psychedelia, and hard rock. The trio—Jack Bruce (bass, vocals), Eric Clapton (guitar), and Ginger Baker (drums)—came from successful bands like The Graham Bond Organisation and The Yardbirds. Bruce, a classically trained musician from Scotland, and Baker, a jazz-influenced drummer, had played together in blues outfits, while Clapton was already a guitar hero from his time with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Their chemistry was explosive, but so were their egos, leading to a short but prolific three-year run. They debuted with Fresh Cream in 1966, a bluesy mix of covers and originals, before hitting their stride with Disraeli Gears in 1967, which included “Sunshine of Your Love.” Selling over 15 million records worldwide, they redefined rock with virtuosic jams and hits like “White Room.” Tensions, especially between Bruce and Baker, led to their breakup in 1968, but their 2005 reunion shows cemented their legend.

While Cream doesn’t have an active official website, fans can dive into their legacy through Eric Clapton’s official channels, as he’s the last living member. Check out Eric Clapton’s website for updates on his solo work, which often includes Cream classics. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news. Jack Bruce’s estate maintains a tribute page at jackbruce.com and a Facebook account sharing his contributions. Ginger Baker’s legacy lives on via gingerbaker.com. Fans can connect on the Cream Fans Facebook group or explore cream2005.com, a fan site dedicated to the 2005 reunion, for photos, videos, and memorabilia. Zoo Freaks, keep the psychedelic vibes alive and stay tuned for more classic cuts!