A musician who survived a life shattering terrorist attack will bring his story to The Anvil this Saturday.
In 1986, Texan-born Sam Baker narrowly escaped death when a bomb exploded during a train ride through the Peruvian mountains, instantly killing a young German boy beside him and leaving the then 32-year-old American fighting for his life.
Baker, who was left with three unusable fingers, was forced to relearn how to play the guitar and write left-handed.
The 57-year-old told the Observer: “I wouldn't be here now if that hadn't of happened to me, I would have come back to the States and got a nine-to-five job. Music was my way of explaining to myself how and why I survived. I came out of South America with gangrene and for a while thought every day was going to be my last.”
Inspired by Johnny Cash and Lightening Hopkins, Baker describes his style as, “sad and folky with a bit of humour”.
“I’m from a really musical family and there were so many musical influences around when I was growing up,” he said. “I love storytellers and I prefer using a story to make a song. At first I had terrible stage fright so touring and playing for larger audiences was something I never thought would be possible.”
When his Pretty World Trilogy tour visits Basingstoke on September 17, Baker will perform songs from his current album Cotton.
He will be accompanied by Chip Dolan on the piano, guitar and accordion.
For more information, call 01256 844244.
