Ed Cassidy of Spirit is dead


Spirit is still one of my favorite bands from the 60s. Ed was from the older generation. He was born in 1923 but fit right in with the hippies, even with his bald head, which was a very unusual style at the time.

Ed was an accomplished jazz drummer before getting into rock with his son-in-law Randy California. He made a lot of great music and will be missed.
128x128tomcy6
And of course the opening to Stairway To Heaven is a direct copy of the Spirit song Taurus.

Randy California (Cassidy's stepson), the guiding force behind Spirit, died many years ago; needless to say Spirit died with him.
Last time I saw them was at some type of street fair.Out doors in Santa Barbara California.They kindly signed some LPs for me.Must have been early 80s.They were so good.Mr. Skin had those kettle drums.I'll miss him.
Saw them in 1978 at a venue in Granite City, IL - The Grainery. Promoter did not book them a place to stay after the show and they were not going to play because of that. I allowed them to stay at my house - what a memory. Very nice and cordial, and intelligent - all band members.