Jefferson Airplane singer and songwriter Marty Balin has died, aged 76. Over the weekend, former bandmates and fellow musicians lined up to pay tribute to one of the key voices of the psychedelic rock revolution.
“RIP Marty Balin, fellow bandmate and music traveler passed last night,” said Jefferson Airplane bassist Jack Casady in a statement. “A great songwriter and singer who loved life and music. We shared some wonderful times together. We will all miss you!!!!”
Order the latest issue of Uncut online and have it sent to your home!
Writing on his blog, the band’s guitarist Jorma Kaukonen said he was “struck dumb” by the news of Balin’s death. “Marty and I were young together in a time that defined our lives. Had it not been for him, my life would have taken an alternate path I cannot imagine… Marty always reached for the stars and he took us along with him.
“His commitment to his visions never flagged. He was always relentless in the pursuit of his goals. He wrapped those he loved in sheltering arms. He loved his family. Times come and go but his passion for his music and his art was never diminished. He was the most consummate of artists in a most renaissance way. I always felt that he perceived that each day was a blank canvas waiting to be filled.”
There will be a full obituary for Marty Balin in the next issue of Uncut.