John Barbata, a veteran rock drummer really ideal recognized for taking element in with Jefferson Starship in the ’70s, has died. He was 79.

The band compensated tribute to him on its Fb webpage, crafting, “We are saddened to listen to of the passing of the fantastic John Barbata, Jefferson Starship’s first drummer. Our ideas go out to his family members, pals and enthusiasts. Rock in peace, Johnny!”

Ideal Classic Bands claimed that Barbata died on Could 8, but no induce of death was offered.

The New Jersey-born Barbata was Jefferson Starship’s initial drummer, getting performed on the band’s precursor, Jefferson Airplane, on their final album, 1972’s Prolonged John Silver, and tour ahead of they adjusted their determine and path.

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Jefferson Plane also paid tribute on their Facebook net web page. “Rest in Peace, John Barbata, a legendary drummer for Jefferson Plane and Jefferson Starship,” they described.

“Recognised for his outstanding talent, John left his mark on the tunes environment by taking part in with bands these kinds of as the Turtles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jefferson Plane and Jefferson Starship. Again in ’72, throughout a hiatus for CSN&Y, David Crosby launched John to the Plane, who hired John instantly. You can listen to John’s drumming abilities on the band’s last studio album, Extended John Silver, as very well as on the reside album Thirty Seconds Around Winterland. Relaxation in Peace, John.”

What Songs Did Drummer John Barbata Perform On?

As Jefferson Plane renowned in their social media report about Barbata, the drummer was a prolific and nicely-liked musician at the time. His main break arrived in 1966 when he joined the Turtles for 3 numerous years. His drumming can be study on some of their greatest and ideal songs, such as “She’d Somewhat Be With Me,” “You Confirmed Me” and “Elenore.”

In 1970 he joined Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, playing drums on their 1971 keep album 4 Way Road and their 1970 1 “Ohio.” Barbata went on to total with all of the group’s customers on solo and band initiatives all more than the ’70s.

He turned a element of Jefferson Airplane as the band was putting alongside 1 one more its final album and tour in 1972 when they enhanced their name to Jefferson Starship and released their debut album in 1974, he grew to turn into an special, founding member.

He performed on all their albums by implies of 1978’s Earth, which incorporate 1975’s No. 1 Red Octopus, which showcased the No. 3 strike “Miracles.” A automobile incident in 1978 nonetheless left Barbata with a broken neck, arm and jaw, prompting him to retire from the band and, shortly following, from playing with preferred touring bands.

Barbata produced a recording studio in Comptche, California, and played regionally for the relaxation of his life style. He and his wife Angela Evans recorded two albums collectively in the ’80s. Evans died in 2016, but Barbata ongoing to total with his daughter and pals.