Paul Kantner: Jefferson Airplane co-founder dies aged 74

Kantner was hospitalised earlier this week

Jefferson Airplane co-founder Paul Kantner (Getty Images )

Paul Kantner, the co-founder of the seminal San Francisco-based band Jefferson Airplane, has died aged 74.

The guitarist and songwriter suffered multiple organ failure and septic shock after being hospitalised earlier in the week.

Jefferson Airplane launched in the 1960s, releasing a string of hits including “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit”.

The band were synonymous with freedom, drugs, rebellion, Woodstock and the hedonism of the 1960s. They released seven albums, five of which went gold.

Kantner recorded a break-off album in the 1970s, Blows Against the Empire, with lead singer Grace Slick and they eventually went on to form Jefferson Starship, the band’s next reincarnation, He and Slick entered into one of rock's most high-profile relationships and Slick eventually gave birth to their daughter China, who they originally planned on naming God, in 1971.

“Rest in peace my friend,” Slick wrote in a simple tribute on Facebook.

Jefferson Airplane singer Marty Balin shared pictures of Kantner in a tribute on his Facebook page. “He was the first guy I picked for the band and he was the first guy who taught me how to roll a joint,” he wrote. ”And although I know he liked to play the devil's advocate, I am sure he has earned his wings now.”

Kantner survived a number of brushes with death during his life, including a motorcycle accident in the 60s, a cerebral haemorrhage and a heart attack in March last year.

He is survived by his three children China, Gareth and Alexander.