Search - Jefferson Airplane :: Last Stand at Winterland

This KSAN radio broadcast marks a pivotal moment in the convoluted history of one of the West Coast's foremost bands, Jefferson Airplane. On this particular evening, Sunday 4th October 1970, San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom played host to the very cream of the city's psychedelic pioneers. But it was a supremely memorable event for two other reasons. Firstly, Janis Joplin had died the night before in Hollywood of a heroin overdose, and secondly, it marked the last appearance of Airplane founder and co-lead vocalist Marty Balin as a member of the band for almost 20 years. Deeply affected by the news of Janis' untimely death, Balin had wanted to cancel the show, but was out-voted by his band mates. The Jefferson Airplane formed in San Francisco in 1965 when pop singer Marty Balin hooked up with folk singer & guitarist Paul Kanter. After some initial juggling with personnel, the line-up solidified to also include bassist Jack Casady, guitarist Jorma Kaukonen, vocalist Grace Slick and drummer Spencer Dryden. They were soon signed by RCA Victor and their first album Jefferson Airplane Takes Off was issued in August 1966. A second album, Surrealistic Pillow, which was more psychedelic in direction, was recorded and released in February 1967. This was the Airplane's big breakthrough and the album peaked at No 3 on the Billboard chart. Two singles drawn from it became the band's highest scoring Top 40 hits: 'Somebody to Love' peaked at No 5 and 'White Rabbit' at No 8. The Airplane's set this evening draws most heavily of their fourth and fifth albums, Crown Of Creation (1968) and Volunteers (1969). This performance's ultimate track, 'Volunteers', marks Marty Balin's last moments with the band as he finally sings: ""Gotta revolution - oh yeah, and I need a new band!"" and then it was all over. A second concert, the following evening, saw the debut of the now Balin-less line-up and the addition to the ranks of electric violinist, Papa John Creach.