James Baker, the prolific Australian drummer known for his influential work with seminal rock bands including The Victims, Hoodoo Gurus, The Scientists, and Beasts of Bourbon, has passed away at the age of 71. His death was confirmed on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, following a long battle with terminal cancer. Baker died at his home in Perth, with reports indicating he succumbed to the illness the previous evening.
In a heartfelt statement, his family described Baker as "the King of the Perth Big Beat, the godfather of Perth Punk, and Australia’s Garage Guru." They noted that he had been bravely fighting cancer for some time, continuing to perform and record music until the end. "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.
Baker's musical journey began in Fremantle, Western Australia, where he was born on March 7, 1954. He purchased his first drum kit at the age of 16, inspired by Ringo Starr of The Beatles. His career kicked off in the late 1960s with a Beatles cover band, and he soon found himself playing in various local bands, including Black Sun and the Slink City Boys, which drew influence from the likes of the Stooges and Alice Cooper.
In 1977, Baker teamed up with guitarist and vocalist Dave Faulkner to form The Victims, a band that would become a cornerstone of the Australian punk scene. Their iconic single, "Television Addict," solidified their place in music history, showcasing the raw energy and spirit of the punk movement. The Victims disbanded in 1979, but Baker's journey was far from over.
After a brief stint with The Invaders, which morphed into The Scientists, Baker continued to make waves in the music industry. The Scientists emerged as one of the most influential bands in the independent Australian music scene, known for their grunge sound that would later inspire bands like Nirvana and Mudhoney.
In 1981, Baker co-founded the Hoodoo Gurus with Faulkner, and they achieved significant acclaim with their debut album, "Stoneage Romeos," released in 1984. Baker remained with the band until 1984, contributing to their unique sound that blended rock and punk influences.
In 1983, he also helped form the Beasts of Bourbon, a supergroup that brought together some of the best talents in Australian rock, including Tex Perkins and Kim Salmon. Baker's drumming became a defining feature of the band's sound, and he continued to perform with them until 2024.
Despite being diagnosed with liver cancer in 2014, Baker refused to let his health issues define him. He continued to perform, releasing his first solo 12-inch record, "Born to Rock," in May 2024. He also collaborated on a new single with Dom Mariani as recently as January 2025. His resilience and passion for music inspired many, leading to a fundraising campaign last year that raised over $33,000 to support his medical expenses.
Tex Perkins, a longtime collaborator and friend, praised Baker's enduring spirit, stating, "James Baker is one of the finest humans this country has ever known. 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!" Perkins also noted that Baker's doctors advised that playing music was beneficial for his health, further highlighting the deep connection between Baker's art and his well-being.
In December 2024, Baker made a special appearance with the Hoodoo Gurus on stage in Perth, showcasing his enduring love for performing. His contributions to Australian music were recognized with multiple accolades, including induction into the West Australian Music Industry Awards Hall of Fame in 2006 and the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007.
James Baker's passing marks a significant loss for the Australian music community, which has already faced the recent deaths of several key figures, including Hoodoo Gurus' longtime manager Michael McMartin and founding member Kimble Rendall. The band has paid tribute to Baker by changing their cover photo on social media in his honor.
Baker is survived by his wife Cathy, daughters Lorna and Faye, sister Barbara, and an unborn grandson expected to arrive in the coming week. His legacy as a pioneering figure in Australian rock will undoubtedly live on through the music he created and the countless artists he inspired.
