John Barbata, who played on the final Jefferson Airplane album and was successor band Jefferson Starship original drummer and also made hit records with The Turtles and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, has died. He was 79.
He died May 8 in Oklahoma. Barbata’s death was confirmed on the official Facebook pages of the Starship and Airplane, but neither provided details.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of the great John Barbata, Jefferson Starship’s original drummer,” reads the Starship post. “Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans. Rock in peace, Johnny!”
Barbata played on the final Jefferson Airplane studio album, 1972’s Long John Silver, and them toured with the group. He is heard on the 1973 live disc Thirty Seconds over Winterland. When the Airplane rebranded as Jefferson Starship soon after, he was among the originals along with Airplane alums Grace Slick, Paul Kantner and others.
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He died May 8 in Oklahoma. Barbata’s death was confirmed on the official Facebook pages of the Starship and Airplane, but neither provided details.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of the great John Barbata, Jefferson Starship’s original drummer,” reads the Starship post. “Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans. Rock in peace, Johnny!”
Barbata played on the final Jefferson Airplane studio album, 1972’s Long John Silver, and them toured with the group. He is heard on the 1973 live disc Thirty Seconds over Winterland. When the Airplane rebranded as Jefferson Starship soon after, he was among the originals along with Airplane alums Grace Slick, Paul Kantner and others.
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- 5/14/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
What a wild and wonderful trip it was. That’s the vibe shimmering from the evocative two-part music documentary San Francisco Sounds: A Place in Time from the director and producers of 2020’s Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon. As in that film, key members of legendary bands — Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Santana, to name a few — are heard but not seen as they speak over archival images and footage from the psychedelic rock scene that defined a peace-and-love era from the mid-1960s to the mid-’70s. “There was this nice little nexus of music and strange people,” recalls Airplane’s Paul Kantner. He’s among those fondly remembering an insular community inhabiting the now-iconic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, with music of all kinds pouring out of the Victorian homes in which they jammed and experimented with styles — and drugs. Among the few shown on camera in interviews...
- 8/18/2023
- TV Insider
A 50th anniversary edition of David Crosby’s 1971 solo debut If I Could Only Remember My Name is being released on October 15th. It features a remastered version of the original LP and a bonus disc packed with previously-released demos, outtakes, and alternate takes from the album sessions. There will also be a 180-gram vinyl edition. Check out the previously-unheard track “Riff 1” right here.
If I Could Only Remember My Name was recorded throughout 1970 and early 1971 as Crosby was dealing with the shocking death of girlfriend Christine Hinton, and the overwhelming success of Csn/Csny.
If I Could Only Remember My Name was recorded throughout 1970 and early 1971 as Crosby was dealing with the shocking death of girlfriend Christine Hinton, and the overwhelming success of Csn/Csny.
- 9/2/2021
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Jefferson Starship have shared “It’s About Time,” a new single co-written by Grace Slick. The track appears on their upcoming EP Mother of the Sun, out August 21st.
“Old white men have had their turn,” lead singer Cathy Richardson declares in the video over blaring guitars. “Thousands of years, what have we learned?”
“I watched the Women’s March with Grace at her house back in 2017,” Richardson tells Rolling Stone. “She said, ‘This is just like the Sixties!’ and I suggested that we write a female empowerment song for the times that encapsulated the movement.
“Old white men have had their turn,” lead singer Cathy Richardson declares in the video over blaring guitars. “Thousands of years, what have we learned?”
“I watched the Women’s March with Grace at her house back in 2017,” Richardson tells Rolling Stone. “She said, ‘This is just like the Sixties!’ and I suggested that we write a female empowerment song for the times that encapsulated the movement.
- 7/27/2020
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
Jefferson Starship have revealed the first details of Mother of the Sun, the psychedelic rock band’s first full-length album in 12 years.
Co-founder and longest-tenured member David Freiberg teased the album on a recent appearance on the podcast Kyle Meredith With... During a conversation centered on the 45th anniversary of Red Octopus, Jefferson Starship’s sophomore album, Freiberg said, “Actually, we have a new one coming out. I guess it’s actually going to start coming out next month…But yes, it’s called Mother of the Sun.”
He hinted that a lead single,...
Co-founder and longest-tenured member David Freiberg teased the album on a recent appearance on the podcast Kyle Meredith With... During a conversation centered on the 45th anniversary of Red Octopus, Jefferson Starship’s sophomore album, Freiberg said, “Actually, we have a new one coming out. I guess it’s actually going to start coming out next month…But yes, it’s called Mother of the Sun.”
He hinted that a lead single,...
- 6/30/2020
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
When a group of young, idealistic hippies came together in mid-Sixties San Francisco to form Jefferson Airplane, they couldn’t have possibly imagined they were kickstarting a saga that would continue for more than a half-century and mutate into more bizarre permutations than basically any other rock band in history. The full story would require a dense PowerPoint presentation and about eight hours to explain, but the shorthand is that the psychedelic Sixties band that created “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love” splintered into two factions at the end of...
- 2/5/2019
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
I couldn’t let the passing of Marty Balin go by without playing all my Jefferson Airplane LPs. They were one of the first great live bands that I ever saw. I bought all their LPs on the day that they hit the stores.
Working at the Fillmore East, I got to know him a little bit. He was a really sweet gent. His love songs were at the very heart of what made that band so special.
Drummer Spencer Dryden died in 2005, guitarist and co-founder Paul Kantner passed in 2016 on the same day as the band’s first vocalist, Signe Anderson. Marty, wherever you are, I know that for you and the band, it’s always The Summer of Love.
The post Tribute to Marty Balin appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
Working at the Fillmore East, I got to know him a little bit. He was a really sweet gent. His love songs were at the very heart of what made that band so special.
Drummer Spencer Dryden died in 2005, guitarist and co-founder Paul Kantner passed in 2016 on the same day as the band’s first vocalist, Signe Anderson. Marty, wherever you are, I know that for you and the band, it’s always The Summer of Love.
The post Tribute to Marty Balin appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
- 10/6/2018
- by Allan Arkush
- Trailers from Hell
Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen mourned and praised former bandmate Marty Balin, who died Thursday at age 76, in an emotional statement on his blog. “Marty’s passing reaffirms the power of love, the power of family, the power of possibilities,” he wrote.
Kaukonen moved from grief to optimism throughout the note. “Marty and I were young together in a time that defined our lives,” he said of their shared experience in the San Francisco psych-rock band. “Had it not been for him, my life would have taken an alternate path I cannot imagine.
Kaukonen moved from grief to optimism throughout the note. “Marty and I were young together in a time that defined our lives,” he said of their shared experience in the San Francisco psych-rock band. “Had it not been for him, my life would have taken an alternate path I cannot imagine.
- 9/30/2018
- by Ryan Reed
- Rollingstone.com
Marty Balin -- one of the founding members of Jefferson Airplane -- died Thursday, according to his rep. The legendary Bay Area musician's family confirmed his passing, but isn't releasing a cause of death. Balin's best known for forming the pioneering psychedelic rock band with Paul Kantner in 1965, which popularized the "San Francisco Sound" of the era. Marty was one of the vocalists in the band's classic lineup in the late '60s, which headlined...
- 9/28/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Jefferson Airplane vocalist-guitarist Marty Balin, who co-founded the San Francisco psychedelic rock band in 1965 and played a crucial role in the creation of all their 1960s albums, including Surrealistic Pillow and Volunteers, died Thursday at the age of 76. Balin’s rep confirmed the musician’s death to Rolling Stone, though the cause of death is currently unknown.
“Rip Marty Balin, fellow bandmate and music traveler passed last night,” Jefferson Airplane bassist Jack Casady said in a statement. “A great songwriter and singer who loved life and music. We shared some wonderful times together.
“Rip Marty Balin, fellow bandmate and music traveler passed last night,” Jefferson Airplane bassist Jack Casady said in a statement. “A great songwriter and singer who loved life and music. We shared some wonderful times together.
- 9/28/2018
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
“I’m not the first rock & roll octogenarian, am I?” jokes David Freiberg, hours before he and Jefferson Starship are set to take the stage in Carson City, Nevada.
Frieberg, who turns 80 today, is right; he’s not the only pop act still performing regularly in his eightieth year. From Frankie Valli and British blues stalwart John Mayall (both 84) to R&B veteran Sam Moore (82) to folkies like Peter Yarrow and Tom Paxton (both 80), Freiberg is joining a small, prestigious club. But he’s unique in other ways. He’s...
Frieberg, who turns 80 today, is right; he’s not the only pop act still performing regularly in his eightieth year. From Frankie Valli and British blues stalwart John Mayall (both 84) to R&B veteran Sam Moore (82) to folkies like Peter Yarrow and Tom Paxton (both 80), Freiberg is joining a small, prestigious club. But he’s unique in other ways. He’s...
- 8/24/2018
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
The former lead guitarist of Jefferson Starship is furious at other members for jacking the name and tarnishing the rock band's legacy ... according to a new suit. Craig Chaquico claims 2 of this former bandmates and several other musicians are using the Jefferson Starship name, without permission, to land gigs and sell merch. Chaquico says the founding Js members all agreed to retire the name in 1985 ... and move on simply as Starship. But according to docs...
- 4/28/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Before I get started, I wanted to say I hope you enjoyed or are continuing to enjoy every Holiday you may have or are celebrating. I had a merry Christmas myself despite some people simply wishing me a “happy holidays!” I don’t know how I got through it either. And since this is my last column of 2016, a preemptive happy new year to you all as well.
Now that we got that out of the way, these last few days or so have been rough for science fiction, comic book, and music fans. Carrie Fisher, who has been enjoying a career renaissance, had suffered a massive heart attack and as of the time I’m writing this is in stable condition, but is still in intensive care. We wish her a full and speedy recovery.
Peter David, one of my favorite comic book writers as well as a seasoned...
Now that we got that out of the way, these last few days or so have been rough for science fiction, comic book, and music fans. Carrie Fisher, who has been enjoying a career renaissance, had suffered a massive heart attack and as of the time I’m writing this is in stable condition, but is still in intensive care. We wish her a full and speedy recovery.
Peter David, one of my favorite comic book writers as well as a seasoned...
- 12/27/2016
- by Joe Corallo
- Comicmix.com
Celine Dion's husband René Angélil, rock icon David Bowie and Glenn Frey, founding member of rock group The Eagles, were among those honored in the 2016 Grammys In Memoriam tribute. Other music artists who passed away over the past year and were honored included rockers Scott Weiland and influential Motörhead frontman Ian Fraser Kilmister, aka Lemmy, blues legend B.B. King, "Stand By Me" singer Ben E. King, soul singer Natalie Cole, "It's My Party" singer Lesley Gore, Earth, Wind and Fire member Maurice White, Jefferson Airplane members Paul Kantner and Signe Anderson and Yes founding member Chris...
- 2/16/2016
- E! Online
Another death has occurred in the Jefferson Airplane family. Signe Anderson, the original female singer for the group, died January 28 — the same day that founding member Paul Kantner died, Rolling Stone reports. Anderson was 74. Also Read: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2016 (Photos) “One sweet Lady has passed on. I imagine that she and Paul woke up in heaven and said ‘Hey what are you doing here? Let’s start a band’ and no sooner then said Spencer was there joining in!” Jefferson Airplane founder Marty Balin wrote on Facebook, referring to the group’s drummer Spencer Dryden, who died in 2005. “Heartfelt.
- 2/1/2016
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Paul Kantner, founding member of psychedelic rock pioneers Jefferson Airplane who died Thursday at age 74, received a touching tribute from his former bandmate Marty Balin. In a Facebook post published late Thursday, Balin said that he and Kantner “opened new worlds.” “So many memories rushing through my mind now. So many moments that he and I opened new worlds,” Balin wrote in the post, which is accompanied by a vintage photo of Kantner and Balin. Also Read: Paul Kantner, Jefferson Airplane Founding Member, Dies at 74 “He was the first guy I picked for the band and he was the first guy.
- 1/29/2016
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Guitarist and founding member of Jefferson Airplane Paul Kantner has died at the age of 74, according to multiple reports. Kantner's publicist confirmed the news to the San Francisco Chronicle that said he died Thursday of multiple organ failure. He is survived by the remaining founding members of the band Jack Casady, Grace Slick, Marty Balin and Jorma Kaukonen. Kantner was also a founding member of the band's spin-off project Jefferson Starship. Forming the band in 1965 with Balin, the pair had met in the Drinking Ground, a folk bar in San Francisco. The band - known for their hits "White Rabbit...
- 1/29/2016
- by George Stark, @GeorgeStark_
- PEOPLE.com
Paul Kantner, co-founder of Jefferson Airplane and pioneer of the psychedelic rock scene in mid-1960s San Francisco, died earlier today of multiple organ failure. His publicist confirmed the news to the San Francisco Chronicle. Kantner had suffered a heart attack earlier this week and had dealt with a series of health problems throughout the past year. He was 74.Kantner founded Jefferson Airplane in 1965 at a bar in San Francisco with Marty Balin. The group featured vocals and guitar from Balin and Kantner, lead vocals from Grace Slick, a blues-rock sound from guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bass player Jack Casady, and drums from Spencer Dryden. It was one of the first of its kind to achieve mainstream success with singles such as “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit.” Five of the band’s first seven albums went gold, including Surrealistic Pillow (1967) and Crown of Creation (1968). Jefferson Airplane also performed at Woodstock and Altamont,...
- 1/29/2016
- by Jackson McHenry
- Vulture
Jefferson Airplane guitarist and founding member Paul Kantner has died. He was 74. Kantner died Thursday of multiple organ failure. He had suffered a heart attack earlier in the week. Kantner's publicist confirmed the news with the San Francisco Chronicle. From 1965-1972, Jefferson Airplane was a pioneer in the Bay Area counterculture psychedelic rock scene, first defining what became known as the "San Francisco sound." The band's second album, 1967's Surrealistic Pillow, hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200 with the help of singles "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit." The band performed at the 1960s' three
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- 1/29/2016
- by Colin Stutz, Billboard
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Kantner, one of the founding members of Jefferson Airplane, died on Thursday of multiple organ failure. The guitarist and vocalist had suffered a heart attack earlier this week. His death was confirmed by his longtime publicist and friend, Cynthia Bowman, who said he died of multiple organ failure and septic shock, according to Sf Gate. Also Read: David Bowie, Legendary Singer and Style Icon, Dead at 69 Kantner suffered from numerous health problems over the years and had an earlier heart attack in March 2015. In October 1980, he was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in serious condition from...
- 1/29/2016
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
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