Rock Musician. Born Alexander Lee Spence, he was one of the founders of the psychedelic rock band “Moby Grape.” He was initially the drummer for the influential San Francisco, California rock band “Jefferson Airplane”, and performed on their 1966 debut album release. He then formed “Moby Grape” with vocalist and guitarist Peter Lewis (who was the son of actress Loretta Young), guitarist Jerry Miller, bassist Bob Mosley and drummer Don Stevenson, switching to his first instrument - the guitar. He then left the band in 1968 to record his solo album “Oar,” which he released in 1969. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, he would come and go in the music industry over the next two decades, and struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. Despite this he was considered to be extremely influential as a composer, singer and high-profile figure on the psychedelic scene. He helped bring the “Doobie Brothers” to national attention and was noted for his innovative trend-setting. He appeared with former band members of Moby Grape live on and off, although hampered through the years by his health and mental problems. He died of lung cancer in Santa Cruz, California, approximately a year after a reunion performance with Moby Grape band mates.
Rock Musician. Born Alexander Lee Spence, he was one of the founders of the psychedelic rock band “Moby Grape.” He was initially the drummer for the influential San Francisco, California rock band “Jefferson Airplane”, and performed on their 1966 debut album release. He then formed “Moby Grape” with vocalist and guitarist Peter Lewis (who was the son of actress Loretta Young), guitarist Jerry Miller, bassist Bob Mosley and drummer Don Stevenson, switching to his first instrument - the guitar. He then left the band in 1968 to record his solo album “Oar,” which he released in 1969. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, he would come and go in the music industry over the next two decades, and struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. Despite this he was considered to be extremely influential as a composer, singer and high-profile figure on the psychedelic scene. He helped bring the “Doobie Brothers” to national attention and was noted for his innovative trend-setting. He appeared with former band members of Moby Grape live on and off, although hampered through the years by his health and mental problems. He died of lung cancer in Santa Cruz, California, approximately a year after a reunion performance with Moby Grape band mates.
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