Spirit’s Ed Cassidy Dead at 89 From Prostate Cancer

 

We now have confirmed from two sources that drummer Ed Cassidy of Spirit has passed away this morning, December 6th from prostate cancer in Los Angeles.

Mr. Cassidy formed the band Spirit in the late 60s with his stepson Randy California and others.  Mr. California preceded him in death in 1997.

Here’s a piece we did on their great album Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus. 

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Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#132 in The Series) is Spirit, Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus.

It’s a shame you don’t hear Spirit on the radio. They were an outstanding band in their time. Let by the late Randy California and his stepfather Ed Cassidy, Spirit released fourteen albums between 1968 and 1996. Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus was their magnum opus. It was released in 1970.

Spirit had many minor hits and one huge hit. You’ll find that huge hit here. That was “Nature’s Way.” (Compare the intro to Nature’s Way and Cheap Trick’s The Flame some time. I think Cheap Tricks owes Mr. California a writing credit!)

What are some of the standout tracks? For me they are “Prelude-Nothing to Hide,” “Mr. Skin” and finally “Animal Zoo.”

Jay Ferguson handled much of the lead vocals. He would go on to join Jo Jo Gunne. They had a huge hit with “Run, Run, Run.” After going solo he had another major hit with “Thunder Island” in 1978.

Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus peaked at #63 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart in 1971.

I had a chance to see Spirit at a great South Suburban club called Pointe East in, I’m guessing 1979 or so. We had a table right in front of the stage. Randy California stepped down and did a solo standing on our table. I of course, was at the bar getting a pitcher of beer at the time.

Randy California left us in 1997. His son had gotten trapped in rip current while swimming in Hawaii. He was able to save his son but lost his own life. He was a true original.

–Larry Carta 

Track listing

All songs written by Randy California except noted.

1. “Prelude – Nothin’ to Hide” 3:41
2. “Nature’s Way” 2:30
3. “Animal Zoo” (Ferguson) 3:20
4. “Love Has Found a Way” (California, Locke) 2:42
5. “Why Can’t I Be Free?”  1:03
6. “Mr. Skin” (Ferguson) 3:50
7. “Space Child” (Locke3:26
8. “When I Touch You” (Ferguson) 5:35
9. “Street Worm” (Ferguson) 3:40
10. “Life Has Just Begun” 3:22
11. “Morning Will Come” 2:58
12. “Soldier” 2:43

Personnel

• Mark Andes – Bass, Vocals
• Randy California – Bass, Guitar, Vocals
• Ed Cassidy – Percussion, Drums
• Jay Ferguson – Percussion, Keyboards, Vocals
• John Locke – Keyboards, Art Direction

Listen to the album below..