Paul Kantner, founding member and guitarist of San Fransisco rock band Jefferson Airplane, died Thursday of multiple organ failure and septic shock, according to the San Fransisco Chronicle. He was 74.
Kantner, who was the longest serving member of Jefferson Airplane, suffered a heart attack earlier in the week and had suffered from a series of health issues in recent years, including a heart attack in March.
Band member Grace Slick, who sang on iconic ‘60s hits such as “White Rabbit” and “Somebody To Love,” changed her Facebook cover photo to a picture of a young Kantner and wrote a brief statement.
Marty Balin, who played with Kantner in Jefferson Airplane and offshoot band Jefferson Starship, shared a photo of the two together accompanied with a remembrance.
“So many memories rushing through my mind now, Balin wrote. “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.”