Poet, Songwriter, and Cream Bandmate, Pete Brown Dies At 82

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The very talented Pete Brown has passed away at 82 years old after a battle with cancer. His official Facebook page confirmed the sad news with a post that read in part, “Pete was known to repeat the mantra “I come from a long line of worriers, not warriors”. One of his other favourite expressions, passed down from Spike Hawkins was ‘that’s life – up one minute, down the next twenty-five years.’ Despite his tendency towards Jewish pessimism, he lived the life of a warrior poet. He was proudly anti-establishment, and dedicated his life to his creative endeavours, in an uncompromising way. He continued working until the end, collaborating with Joe Bonamassa on the album Royal Tea, and most recently with John Donaldson on the final mixes of their new album Shadow Club. The album features guest performances from Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, Bernie Marsden and is produced by long-time collaborator Rob Cass.”

The London-based artist was best known for his poems, songs, and being a part of the supergroup Cream in the 1960s. He co-wrote some of their most popular songs including “Sunshine of Your Love,” “I Feel Free,” and “White Room.” His creations live on and Brown was recently honored by being featured in two documentary films. One, titled White Rooms and Imaginary Westerns, was a loose adaptation of his autobiography, written in 2010, and The Cream Acoustic Sessions, about the re-working of Cream songs.

After Cream broke up, he continued to write songs with former bandmate Jack Bruce. He also formed his own band called Pete Brown and His Battered Ornaments in 1968 and recorded two albums but ultimately was thrown out of his own band. He collaborated with other artists during his long career, including Graham Bond. In 1977, Brown decided to focus more on writing film scripts, and in 2004 he formed a film production company called Brown Waters.

Brown is survived by his wife, Sheridan, and two children, Jessica and Tad.

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