Following the death of Cream bassist Jack Bruce (71) fans, friends and colleagues have been quick to express their condolences. Many have mentioned that Bruce’s playing changed the face of rock forever. Bruce played his bass like a second guitar, never taking a backseat in the three-piece band.

Jack Bruce
Jack Bruce's ecclectic style left a mark on the progressive bassists that came after him.

Bruce put his jazz background to work in Cream and his melodic fills and rhythmic diversity became part of the band’s signature style. He was one of the reasons why Cream became one of the best live acts of their day and went on to spawn a whole movement of psychedelic rock with bassists from Free's Andy Fraser to King Crimson's John Wetton to Rush's Geddy Lee to Weather Report's Jaco Pastorius building on Bruce’s style.

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Bruce’s death was met with condolences and tributes from some of the greats of rock, including former bandmate Eric Clapton, who wrote: "He was a great musician and composer, and a tremendous inspiration to me," Clapton wrote on his Facebook page. The guitarist's official website also shared a long history of Bruce's career in music.

"So sad to hear of Jack Bruce passing. My biggest influence and favourite bass player. Thank you, Jack. RIP," Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler wrote, while Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea added, "Oh man. Jack Bruce. Too much. Wow. Holy holy. I love that guy. One of a kind greatness. End of an era."