Marty Balin,co-founder of psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane has died at the age of 76.
The guitarist and singer co-founded the band in San Francisco in 1965. He died on Thursday with his wife, Susan Joy Balin, by his side. The cause of death has not been announced.
Jefferson Starship, the off-shoot band which Balin also performed and recorded with, paid tribute to their former band-mate on Facebook.
"With heavy hearts, we learn today of the passing of Marty Balin, " the group collectively declared. "He was a true talent and inspiration to many. We send his family and friends our deepest condolences." Jefferson Starship had a global hit with the infectious We Built This City, an uncompromising pop song quite different in tone from the moody, explorative music of Jefferson Airplane, characterised by Grace Slick's distinctive witchy vocal. White Rabbit would have been emblemstic but Airplane also had pop hits around the world, notably Somebody to Love.
Balin and guitar player Paul Kantner launched the band's debut album, Jefferson Airplane Takes Off in 1966 in San Francisco. Kantner passed away in 2016.
