Photo: Press
Paul Kantner, founding member, guitarist and singer of Jefferson Airplane and Starship, sadly passed away yesterday (28 January) aged 74.
The San Francisco born musician died from multiple organ failure and septic shock - and, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, he had suffered from a heart attack earlier this week. Kantner had a string of health problems in recent years and had a heart attack in March.
This tragic news leaves the world a poorer place, as Kantner was truly one of the greats. He pioneered the reverb-drenched psych sound that's so often imitated.
Speaking about how important they were to music, The Doors wrote on Facebook: "Our condolences go out to the friends, family and fans of Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane on the news of his passing. Music would not be the same without the sounds of The Doors and Jefferson Airplane, which both contributed so heavily to the signature sound of the 60s and 70s."
Jefferson Airplane formed in 1965 and by 1967 they wrote their breakthrough album, Surrealistic Pillow, which remains one of the best albums of all time. The record included the hits 'Somebody To Love' and 'White Rabbit'.
Continuing to release albums that charted well, In 1969 Jefferson Airplane were one of Woodstock's biggest attractions as they were the perfect soundtrack to the summer of love.
By the early '70s, the Airplane were on the verge of a break up and Kantner released a solo concept album with Grace Slick , singer of Jefferson Airplane, called Blows Against the Empire. It was credited to Paul Kantner and Jefferson Starship, marking the beginning of the Jefferson Starship moniker.
Kantner would get his first Billboard No.1 with Jefferson Starship with their double platinum selling second album, Red Octopus in 1975. Kanter quit the group in 1984 but rejoined in 1992 and played up until his death.
