PETER Edward 'Ginger' Baker: he's inspired a generation of rock and roll drummers and struck terror into the heart of many a journalist (and bandmate) over the years.
However, despite some of the more curmudgeonly conduct captured in the recent documentary Beware of Mr Baker, the jazz-crazed former Cream and Blind Faith sticksman ain't so bad.
The man often credited with inventing the 'drum solo' during his rock and roll years just has even less time for fools and bulls**t than ever before.
Now teetering on the ripe old age of 75 while battling all sorts of health problems (including degenerative arthritis of the spine), the London-born musician is still as awe-inspiring as ever behind the kit - particularly now that he's got back to his musical roots with new combo Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion.
They'll be whipping up an improvisational frenzy in Belfast next week. Before that, however, there's the small matter of Ginger's 'birthday gig' at London's Islington Academy tomorrow night.
"It's not a 'birthday gig'," rasps Baker in his cigarette-shredded voice.
"It's nothing to do with my birthday - my birthday's in August."
Most definitely billed as 'a one-off show in honour of his 75th birthday', A Drummer's Tale Live is named for the new fan-funded 'best of' collection of Baker's highlights from his days with Cream, Blind Faith, Graham Bond Organisation, Fela Kuti, Ginger Baker's Airforce, Baker Gurvitz Army and indeed current outfit Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion, whose debut LP Why? is due for release next month.
As to exactly what numbers he'll be playing - and with whom (special guests are promised) - it's going to be a case of 'find out on the night'.
"I'm not sure who's going to be in the group at the moment," reveals Baker of the impending function, which will at least feature a couple of his regular collaborators.
"I'll be playing with Abass (Dodoo, percussionist) and Alec (Dankworth, bass) who've both been working with me for over two years now.
"The only problem is that Pee Wee (Ellis, tenor saxophone) has had an operation on his lip, so he can't make it."
The former James Brown and Van Morrison honker is going to be a hard man to replace but Baker hopes he will be back with the Confusion soon.
"It's taking him a while to recover," explains the drummer. "He's nearly as old as I am."
The group have had a brilliant year thus far, touring both at home in England and in America, as Baker enthuses.
"I can't remember exactly how many shows we've played but they were 'sold-out' everywhere," he tells me.
"It's going really well."
All good omens for the imminent release of Why?, a record of which Baker is immensely proud.
"I produced the new album - I insisted on that - so we didn't have any record company people around," he says.
"We did the whole thing in two days. It's one of the records I'm most proud of. It's just amazing."
Of course, not everyone is as naturally talented as the former Cream drummer. Baker doesn't have any time for being lumped in with contemporaries such as Keith Moon and John Bonham - who apparently "couldn't swing a sack of s**t."
"Hahahahahaha" cackles Baker. "Did I say that? I don't think I said that. Naw, Bonham was a good drummer - but he wasn't anywhere near the standard that I am.
"I'm there with Art Blakey, Elvin (Jones) and Max (Roach), Philly Joe and all those people. They all respected what I did. I'd been listening to them since I was 14 and some of them became very dear friends of mine through the music we shared."
On the subject of friends, I wonder if there's any chance of Cream and Blind Faith man Eric Clapton joining Baker at his 'don't call it a birthday' bash tomorrow. In the past, the drummer has hinted that Clapton is much more of an improvisationally minded player than he lets on.
Maybe a gig with Baker might be just the thing to unlock previously hidden jazz genius?
"Nonsense," he snaps.
"How can you play better than f**king brilliant?"
If anyone knows, it's Ginger Baker.
:: Ginger Baker Jazz confusion, Wednesday May 7, CQAF Marquee, Belfast, 8pm. Tickets £15 from cqaf.com.
