Earth is the fourth album by Jefferson Starship. The album was recorded in 1977, with the same band lineup as the previous album, Spitfire and released in 1978. The band had not toured in 1977, partly due to Marty Balin's reluctance to commit to the band. The song "Count on Me" became a Top 10 single, peaking at No. 8. The album hit No. 5 on the Billboard charts. A US and European tour followed. A riot in West Germany occurred after the band decided not to play without Grace Slick, who was ill. They lost their guitars and equipment during the riot and played one more tense show on West German TV in Hamburg, after which Slick left the band for one album. Marty Balin led the band for one more show at a Genesis concert at the Knebworth Festival in England using rented equipment. When they returned to the US, drummer John Barbata left the band after a serious car accident. This would be the end of the 1970s line-up and several new members joined the band, as well as a new record producer. Success of this album led to Jefferson Starship being contracted to provide a song for the Star WarsHoliday Special.
Pete Sears – bass guitar on "Skateboard", "Runaway", and "All Nite Long", electric piano on "Love Too Good", organ on "Love Too Good", "Count on Me", "Take Your Time", "Crazy Feelin", "Fire", and "Show Yourself", Moog on "Love Too Good", "Skateboard", and "All Nite Long", synthesizer on "Love Too Good", piano on "Count on Me", "Take Your Time", "Crazy Feelin'", "Fire", and "Show Yourself", celeste on "Count on Me", clavinet on "Crazy Feelin'" and "Fire"
Craig Chaquico – lead guitar, rhythm guitar on "Love Too Good", "Crazy Feelin'", "Skateboard", and "Show Yourself", vocals
John Barbata – electric drums, drums, congas, percussion, vocals
David Freiberg – vocals, bass on all tracks except "Skateboard", "Runaway" and "All Nite Long", organ on "Skateboard", "Runaway", and "All Nite Long"
Additional Personnel
Gene Page – strings, horns
Jesse Barish – background vocals
Production
Jefferson Starship – producer, arrangements, art direction
Larry Cox – producer, engineer
David Frazer – assistant engineer
Steve Hall – recordist
Pat Ieraci – production coordinator, art coordination
