At 85, rock legend Grace Slick opens up about the turbulent years with Starship, revealing the internal conflicts and personal struggles behind the band’s commercial success in the 1980s.

At 85, Grace Slick, the legendary voice of rock, is finally ready to spill the secrets of her tumultuous years with Starship—a time marked by chaos, creative clashes, and the bittersweet taste of fame.

Known for her fearless attitude and larger-than-life presence, Slick was at the forefront of one of rock’s most iconic bands, but the glittering exterior often masked a world of backstage turmoil.

As she reflects on the band’s transformation from the countercultural roots of Jefferson Airplane to the polished pop sound of Starship in the 1980s, Slick reveals the struggles that came with commercial success.

“You know, when I first joined the band, it was all about the message. But as we shifted to a more radio-friendly sound, it felt like we were playing a game,” Slick confesses. “It was no longer about making statements; it was about selling records.”

The tension within Starship was palpable. While chart-topping hits like “We Built This City” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” dominated the airwaves, not every member was on board with the new direction.

Founding member Paul Kantner famously left the band in 1984, frustrated by what he saw as a betrayal of their roots. “It felt like painting over a masterpiece with fluorescent paint,” he lamented.

For Slick, the shift was both exhilarating and painful. “I embraced the popularity, but I mourned the loss of our original spirit,” she admits. “We were no longer the rebellious band that fought for change; we had become a brand.”

This internal conflict created rifts within the group, as some members pushed for more mainstream material while others clung to their rock heritage.

Behind the scenes, the pressures of fame took their toll. Slick’s struggles with alcoholism often added fuel to the fire, leading to conflicts that threatened the band’s cohesion.

“I was known for my sharp tongue and unpredictable behavior,” she recalls. “There were nights I would get drunk and insult the crowd, and while that kind of chaos tapered off, it still lingered.”

Despite the drama, Starship thrived commercially, but Slick couldn’t shake her dissatisfaction. “We were performing in a big Vegas act, not a band,” she said in a candid moment.

The relentless touring schedule and the need to produce hit after hit left many feeling burnt out. “At some point, you’re just going through the motions,” Slick reflects. “The music was successful, but it wasn’t personal anymore.”

As the 1980s progressed, the divide within Starship deepened. Slick’s ongoing battle with sobriety complicated matters, especially as younger members joined the band, less connected to its storied past.

“I found myself questioning the authenticity of what we were doing,” she admits. “It was hard to reconcile my strong personality with the new dynamic.”

By 1988, Slick’s frustration reached a boiling point. “I was too old to be doing ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.’ That wasn’t me anymore,” she declared, marking her departure from the band.

Her exit was not just a personal decision; it symbolized the end of an era for Starship. The price of success had come at a steep emotional cost, leaving the band strained and scattered.

Reflecting on her time with Starship, Slick acknowledges the emotional toll of their meteoric rise. “Fame was intoxicating, but it fractured our relationships,” she admits.

“We did what we had to do to survive the times, but survival isn’t the same as thriving.” The pressures of the music industry often overshadowed the artistry that once defined the band.

In later interviews, Slick has spoken candidly about her mixed feelings regarding the Starship years. “When you’re part of something successful, you have to go along with it.

But that doesn’t mean you have to like it,” she says. “It was chaotic, messy, but also life. I don’t regret any of it, but I wouldn’t do it again.”

Slick’s reflections reveal a woman who has come to terms with her past, recognizing the lessons learned amidst the chaos. “The wild years of Starship were behind me, but they left their mark,” she reflects.

“I hated singing songs like ‘We Built This City’ because it felt empty, but people loved it, and that’s what kept us going.”

As she looks back on her journey, Slick offers a unique perspective on the music industry and the broader expectations placed on artists during that era.

“There was this pressure to be everything at once—rebellious, commercial, and ageless. It’s impossible, but we were all trying to keep up,” she explains.

Now, decades removed from the whirlwind of Starship’s success, Slick’s stories continue to captivate audiences, shedding light on the complexities of fame and the sacrifices made in pursuit of it.

“Rock and roll is a young person’s game,” she muses. “If you’re doing this after 50, you’re either delusional or desperate.”

At 85, Grace Slick remains a formidable presence, her reflections on the Starship years a testament to the highs and lows of a life lived in the spotlight.

While she has moved beyond the stage and spotlight, the lessons learned during those wild years resonate deeply, offering insight into the cost of success in the demanding world of rock and roll.