Prolific Aussie Drummer James Baker Dies, Aged 71

James Baker, the prolific Australian drummer known for his work as a member of the Hoodoo Gurus, The Scientists, and more, has passed away at the age of 71.

Baker’s death was confirmed in a statement issued to the media on Tuesday, May 6th, confirming that “the King of the Perth Big Beat, the godfather of Perth Punk and Australia's Garage Guru” passed away the night prior.

“It was no secret that James had been suffering from terminal cancer for some time, but he did his best to hold it at bay which enabled a final go round from the Victims - the band he formed with fellow Hoodoo Guru Dave Faulkner in '77 - and a couple of last tours as well as a new album from the Beasts, the band he co-founded in '83,” the statement read.

“He also joined the Gurus on stage in Perth in December. He released his first solo 12" record Born To Rock - his first solo release since 1985's legendary Born To Be Punched/I Can't Control Myself single - in May last year, and a newly recorded single with Dom Mariani as recently as January of this year.

“With a CV that reads like a who's who of Australian rock'n'roll greatness - in addition to the Victims, Hoodoo Gurus and Beasts of Bourbon, James co-founded the Scientists, the Dubrovniks, the Painkillers and more - James was also a genuine tastemaker and style influencer,” the statement added. “He was a man who LOVED rock'n'roll, and who shared that love with everybody. And he was loved. He was so loved.”

Baker was born in Perth in 1954, first launching his career as a musician at the age of 17 while performing in a Beatles cover band. Following work in a number of local bands, Baker spent time in the US and England, where he once recalled meeting Joe Strummer and Mick Jones of The Clash, and turning down the idea of auditioning for the role as the band’s drummer.

Baker's influence was first felt strongly in the late ‘70s when he formed The Victims with guitarist and vocalist Dave Flick and bassist Rudolph V. The Victims released the iconic punk single Television Addict, and became one of the most influential Aussie groups of the genre of that time.

Alongside his role in The Victims, Baker would also take up the role of drummer in The Scientists, who became renowned for their role as one of the formative and influential grunge outfits. Following the release of their debut album in 1981, The Scientists would split, though they would later reform without Baker on drums.

While The Victims split in 1979, Baker and Flick (who was then going by his birth name of Dave Faulkner) formed the Hoodoo Gurus in 1981, with Baker remaining behind the kit until the release of their debut album, Stoneage Romeos in 1984.

In 1983, Baker took up the role of drummer for nascent supergroup the Beasts Of Bourbon, featuring Tex Perkins on vocals, Spencer P. Jones of The Johnnys, and his Scientists bandmates Kim Salmon and Boris Sujdovic.

Baker would serve as the drummer for almost every incarnation of the Beasts Of Bourbon, in addition to performing with myriad other bands, including The Dubrovniks, The James Baker Experience, and The Painkillers.

In 2014, Baker was diagnosed with liver cancer, though he continued to perform and record despite his condition. In 2023, the rocker was reported as noting he had six months to live, though he defied all expectations along the way.

Last year, a fundraising campaign was launched to aid Baker’s health journey, raising more than $33,000 of its $50,000 goal.

“James Baker is one of the finest humans this country has ever known,” Tex Perkins said at the time. “For nearly 50 years [he’s been] a creator of some of the greatest rock ’n’ roll I’ve ever heard! [He’s] a leader, a teacher, a living inspiration, a kind and gentle soul that has rocked hard and given so much, it’s time to give some back to him!

“If ever there was someone that deserves support at this time in his life, it is the one and only James Baker.”

Baker’s passing is another blow to the Hoodoo Gurus' family, who lost longtime manager Michael McMartin in 2024, before the respective passings of manager Mick Mazzone and founding member Kimble Rendall in April.

The loss of Baker has been recognised by many in the Australian music industry already, including the Hoodoo Gurus, who have since changed their cover photo on Facebook in honour of Baker.

“James is survived by his wife Cathy, daughters Lorna and Faye and sister Barbara, and his unborn grandson who will be arriving on the scene in the next week or so,” the statement released to media added.