Spirit

Spirit remain one of rock and roll's unsung entities. Formed in 1966 by guitarist Randy California, bassist Mark Andes and singer Jay Ferguson, the band would become complete with the addition of drummer Ed Cassidy, who was Randy California's stepfather, and several years older than the other band members. Cassidy'...

Ed Cassidy, the drummer for the classic rock band Spirit, died in San Jose, Calif. on Thursday (Dec. 6) of undisclosed causes. Notable for his shaved head (which inspired the nickname "Mr. Skin"), head-to-toe black wardrobe and massive drum kit, Cassidy was considered very influential on other drummers of the '60s rock era. He was 89 years old at the time of his death.