Tributes have been paid to guitarist Paul Kantner, co-founder of Sixties music icons Jefferson Airplane and leader of Jefferson Starship, who has died at the age of 73.
Kantner had suffered a heart attack earlier this week and passed away on Thursday from multiple organ failure.
Paying tribute on Facebook, Jefferson Airplane singer Grace Slick posted a picture of a young Kantner with the message: "Rest in peace my friend. Love Grace."
Her co-vocalist, Martin Balin, wrote: "So many memories rushing through my mind now. So many moments that he and I opened new worlds. He was the first guy I picked for the band and he was the first guy who taught me how to roll a joint. And although I know he liked to play the devil's advocate, I am sure he has earned his wings now. Sai Ram 'Go with God'."
A psychedelic rock trailblazer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Kantner was born in San Francisco and formed Jefferson Airplane with Balin in a bar in the city called the Drinking Gourd. They would go on to become one of the most revered bands of the 1960s whose hits included Somebody to Love and the era-defining White Rabbit. Jefferson Airplane were on the bill at the legendary Monterey (1967), Woodstock and Altamont (both 1969) festivals.
Kantner (far left) with Jefferson Airplane at the Central Park bandshell, New York City, August 1969
By the early 1970s, Jefferson Airplane had morphed into the more commercial Jefferson Starship - founded by Kanter - and he remained with them until 1984.
After a legal battle over the rights to the name, his bandmates regrouped as Starship and enjoyed global hits with We Built This City, Sara and Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now.
In 1992 Kantner brought Jefferson Starship back to life and stayed at the helm until his passing. He is survived by his three children, Gareth, Alexander and China.
