Starship: Did You Know?
Fun Facts & Untold Stories About Starship
Starship is one of those bands that evolved dramatically over the years, starting as Jefferson Airplane in the 1960s, transforming into Jefferson Starship in the 1970s, and eventually becoming the synth-heavy Starship of the 1980s. Best known for their mega-hit “We Built This City,” Starship achieved mainstream success with a completely new sound compared to their psychedelic rock roots. Here are some fun facts and untold stories that you might not know about this iconic band.
1. From Psychedelic to Pop: The Band’s Radical Transformation
Before they became Starship, the band had gone through multiple phases and name changes. Starting as Jefferson Airplane, they were pioneers of the San Francisco psychedelic rock scene in the 1960s, known for hits like “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love.” As they evolved into Jefferson Starship in the 1970s, they incorporated more rock and progressive elements into their music. But the biggest change came in the 1980s when they shortened the name to simply Starship and fully embraced a pop-oriented sound, leading to their biggest commercial successes.
2. “We Built This City” Was Almost a Completely Different Song
Although “We Built This City” became a quintessential 80s anthem, its origin was unexpected. The song was written by Bernie Taupin, Martin Page, and Peter Wolf, who originally envisioned it as a commentary on the commercialism of the music industry, particularly the shift from live performance to radio dominance. Ironically, the song’s polished, synth-heavy production and commercial success made it a prime example of the very thing it was criticizing! Lead singer Grace Slick has even referred to it as a song with a sense of irony.
3. Grace Slick Wasn’t Always Sold on the 80s Sound
Grace Slick, the band’s iconic lead singer, was part of Jefferson Airplane’s countercultural movement in the 60s, but she eventually found herself fronting a band making polished 80s pop anthems. While her powerful voice fit the new sound perfectly, Slick initially struggled with the shift from the gritty, rebellious rock of Jefferson Airplane to Starship's radio-friendly, highly produced hits. Nevertheless, her vocal performance on songs like “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”helped make them enduring hits.
4. “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” Made Film History
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” became a massive success in 1987, but what you might not know is that the song holds a special place in cinematic history. The track was written for the romantic comedy Mannequin, starring Kim Cattrall and Andrew McCarthy, and the song quickly became one of the most memorable parts of the film. It even earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song! To this day, it’s synonymous with the movie, and its infectious, feel-good vibe remains a wedding and karaoke favorite.
5. They Were a Hit Machine in the 1980s
While Starship is best known for “We Built This City” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” they actually racked up a number of hits throughout the 1980s. In addition to those chart-toppers, they also scored with “Sara,” which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. The band was practically unstoppable during this era, with a string of catchy, synth-driven hits that helped define the sound of 80s pop-rock.
6. Grace Slick: The Oldest Woman to Top the Billboard Hot 100
When Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” hit No. 1 in 1987, Grace Slick became the oldest woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 at the age of 47. This was a huge milestone for women in rock music, as Slick had been an influential figure in the industry since the 1960s. Despite the shift in musical styles over the years, Slick’s voice remained a powerful and defining feature of the band.
7. The Controversy Over “We Built This City”
“We Built This City” has been widely loved, but it has also stirred up quite a bit of controversy. In 2004, it was famously named the “Worst Song of All Time” by Blender Magazine. Critics often pointed to its over-the-top production and lyrical irony as reasons for its divisiveness. Despite the backlash, the song continues to be a staple of 80s music playlists and remains beloved by many fans who view it as an iconic, nostalgia-inducing anthem.
8. The Original Jefferson Airplane Members Were Less Involved in Starship
By the time Starship was riding high on the charts in the 1980s, the band had changed drastically from its Jefferson Airplane origins. Most of the original members had left, including founding member Paul Kantner, who famously sued to prevent the band from using the "Jefferson" part of the name after his departure. The lawsuit ultimately led to the band simply calling themselves Starship, allowing them to forge ahead with their new direction.
9. Starship Has Had Multiple Reunions and Lineup Changes
After their peak in the 80s, Starship went through several lineup changes, and while Grace Slick retired from the music scene in the late 1980s, the band has continued to perform and tour under the name Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, the singer who joined Jefferson Starship in 1979 and was a key voice in the band’s 80s hits. Despite the various shifts in the lineup, Starship remains a touring act and still performs many of their iconic songs from the 1980s.
10. Grace Slick’s Surprising Career After Rock
After retiring from music, Grace Slick pursued an unexpected passion: visual art. She became a successful painter, known for her surreal, psychedelic style that often features famous figures from the 1960s counterculture, including Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. Slick has stated in interviews that painting became her new creative outlet, allowing her to express herself without the constraints of the music industry.
From their beginnings as Jefferson Airplane to their transformation into Starship, this band’s evolution is one of the most fascinating in rock history. While they may be best known for their 80s pop anthems, their legacy stretches far beyond that, influencing multiple generations of music. Whether you’re a fan of their early psychedelic rock or their later synth-driven hits, Starship’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and staying relevant in an ever-changing music industry.
One of the most meaningful and iconic lyrics from Starship comes from their 1987 hit “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”:
"And we can build this dream together, standing strong forever, nothing's gonna stop us now."
This lyric resonates deeply with listeners because it embodies a sense of unwavering determination, love, and unity. It's about overcoming obstacles and standing by each other, no matter the challenges ahead. The message of resilience and togetherness makes it an anthem for perseverance, especially in relationships or in the face of adversity.