Homecoming gig to honour supergroup dad's legacy

Jack Bruce, photographed backstage at Top of the Pops at Lime Grove Studios in 1967

The son of Jack Bruce, supergroup Cream’s legendary bass player and vocalist, is planning an emotional homecoming to East Anglia to pay tribute to his father’s musical legacy.

Bruce formed the band with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker in 1966 and they recorded four massively influential albums and had a string of worldwide hits, including Sunshine of Your Love, White Room and I Feel Free.

Now Bruce's son, Malcolm, is on tour with the Sons of Cream, bringing the original band’s much-loved songs back to life.

The band, which also comprises Ginger Baker’s son, Kofi, and his grand-nephew, Rob, will play dates in Ipswich, Norwich, Southend, Cambridge and St Albans.

For Malcolm, the gigs will be a welcome return to his roots as he grew up in Pebmarsh on the Essex/Suffolk border after his father and mother Janet escaped "the craziness of rock stardom in London".

Cream (left to right) Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton in 1968

He said: "I went to two primary schools in the area, firstly in Pebmarsh itself and then in Sudbury. I then went on to Woodbridge School as a teenager.

"I’ve had so many adventures in East Anglia over the years, and I think everyone who knows the region will agree that it's a special and magical place in so many ways.

"As I’ve continued with my life and travelled all over the world playing music, I always cherish those fond memories of all the time I have spent and continue to spend in the area."

The Bruce family lived in Pebmarsh and the children would take part in the village fete

The family was raised at Le Mote Hall in the village of Pebmarsh

When Malcolm’s parents split up, his father moved a couple of miles down the road to Alphamstone with his second wife Margrit. Bruce lived there until his death in 2014.

Malcolm, who now lives in London, said: "In a strange way it continues to be some kind of anchor emotionally, and I know how much my dad loved the quiet English countryside and lifestyle in Suffolk.

"It was a safe haven that he couldn't wait to return to after all his travels and successes in his life and career."

Malcolm Bruce with his father, Jack, in 2014

He added: "It’s a real pleasure for me to be playing shows in East Anglia this summer.

"With Kofi and Rob, Sons of Cream is already a family affair, and to be coming to Ipswich, Norwich and Southend to perform will feel like a homecoming of sorts itself.

"It's always great to come back, and we are proud of how great the band is sounding and that we can, in our own way, celebrate and honour our legacy along the way."

Sons of Cream will be performing at St Stephen’s Church, Ipswich on 31 July, the Waterfront Studio, Norwich on 1 August, Chinnerys, Southend on 2 August, Cambridge Rock Festival on 3 August and Jam For Freedom 2024, St Albans on 11 August.