Spirit's unmistakeable drummer and step father to the bands enigmatic guitarist Randy California came late to the rock scene in the mid 1960's having previously worked with some of the top jazz players of the era.
His completely shaven head and dressed in black had visually separated him in an era when shoulder length hair was the expected style.
Audiences loved the image. His presence in Spirit gave the band a sense of authority and strength that exuded from the drummers obvious experience and maturity. He was some 20 years older than the rest of the group.
His drum kit was a monster, dominating the centre of the stage before Spirit had even begun to play a note and the audience waiting for this to be put in action buzzed with anticipation. Few drummers were greeted with such fondness and respect by rock fans and musicians.
Make no mistake Ed Cassidy was one of a kind. His presence during the early years of underground, psychedelic and then progressive rock should not be overlooked.
Here is Spirit and Ed's monster drum kit warming up at the Rockpalast concert, Grugahalle, Essen, Germany, 1978.
All of the band are now gone.
