Jefferson Starship & John Waite in Wilmington

Jefferson Starship is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1974 by musicians associated with Jefferson Airplane, including Paul Kantner and Grace Slick. The group’s psychedelic and melodic rock catalogue includes the album Red Octopus and songs such as “Miracles,” “Count on Me,” “Jane” and “Find Your Way Back.” Jefferson Starship toured extensively during the 1970s and early 1980s, when the band moved into arenas and appeared at the 1983 US Festival in San Bernardino. Paul Kantner revived the name in the 1990s for a new touring lineup, whose performances included material by both Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship. The live album Deep Space/Virgin Sky documented that lineup at the House of Blues in West Hollywood.

John Waite is an English rock singer and songwriter, born in Lancaster in 1952. He first became known as the lead singer of The Babys, whose songs included “Isn't It Time” and “Every Time I Think of You,” before establishing a solo career with the album No Brakes and the hit “Missing You.” He later fronted Bad English and sang the band's “When I See You Smile.” In 2003, Waite toured as a featured member of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, performing songs from his solo catalogue and earlier groups within the ensemble's rotating show. The 40 Years of Missing You tour followed in 2024, presenting a full-band set drawn from his solo work, The Babys and Bad English.