Adam Carolla Show: Episode Featuring Jefferson Starship’s David Freiberg Release Date: January 29, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Adam Carolla Show, host Adam Carolla welcomes David Freiberg, a pivotal figure from Jefferson Starship. David, who transitioned from Jefferson Airplane to Jefferson Starship, brings a wealth of musical experience and candid insights to the conversation.

Jefferson Starship and Musical Legacy

00:00 - 07:10

Adam opens the discussion by praising David Freiberg’s contribution to Jefferson Starship, particularly highlighting the song “Jane.” He mentions, “I got a lot of complaining to do and we'll do that right after this” (00:00), setting the stage for a deep dive into the band’s music and legacy.

Critique of “We Built This City”

05:42 - 07:35

The conversation shifts to the infamous track “We Built This City,” which often appears on worst songs lists. Adam states, “We Built this City. It’s not my favorite Jefferson Airplane song, but it does not crack the top 1000 horrible songs that get played constantly” (05:42). David explains his departure from the band due to creative differences, noting, “the only real thing on that song were the vocals and the guitar. I was useless” (06:56), emphasizing his commitment to organic musical expression.

Guest Background and Musical Journey

57:17 - 78:35

David Freiberg shares his rich history in music, from his early days with Quicksilver Messenger Service to his involvement with Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship. He reminisces, “First I was in jail for that bust when they formed Jefferson Airplane” (63:28), providing listeners with a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of his career. The duo discusses notable tracks and the evolution of the band’s sound, with David highlighting his role in creating harmonies and arrangements.

Lizzo’s Weight Loss and Societal Standards

19:22 - 21:55

Adam critiques public figures like Lizzo who announce significant weight loss, questioning societal perceptions of body image. He remarks, “But why are you so happy when you dumped 125lbs?” (41:33), sparking a debate on the balance between celebrating personal health achievements and avoiding fat-shaming. Dawson adds, “She could have done it with White what I do with Casey and the Sunshine Band songs” (20:56), illustrating differing viewpoints on body positivity and societal expectations.

Billy Jack Movie and Elizabeth Warren’s Native American Claims

24:39 - 35:17

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Adam recalls watching the 1974 film Billy Jack. He draws parallels between the movie’s protagonist and modern political figures like Elizabeth Warren, suggesting, “Billy Jack pretended to be Indian” (30:01) and questioning the authenticity of Warren’s heritage claims. David concurs, emphasizing the cultural appropriation themes present in both the film and contemporary politics.

Race, Immigration, and Societal Commentary

78:37 - 103:06

Adam delves into contentious topics such as race relations and immigration policies. He discusses a lawsuit against Lyft for denying service based on passenger size, highlighting Michigan’s unique anti-discrimination laws. Adam states, “So did you get out right before Starship?” (57:29) and later critiques societal infrastructure, “We built this city on fat and roll” (80:20), reflecting on how societal norms often neglect individual differences.

Eco-Protests and Public Performances

99:26 - 103:31

Towards the episode’s end, Adam recounts an incident where Sigourney Weaver’s live performance was disrupted by eco-protesters using confetti cannons. He humorously ties this to broader environmental movements, stating, “We don't care about race anymore” (88:00) and sarcastically remarks on the persistence of eco-activism despite public backlash.

Conclusion

105:46 - 107:15

Wrapping up, Adam summarizes the episode’s key points, emphasizing the enduring legacy of Jefferson Starship and the complex interplay between music, societal norms, and personal identity. David Freiberg expresses gratitude for the conversation, saying, “You as a musician. You as a musician” (77:14), and Adam encourages listeners to support upcoming tours, “JeffersonStarship.com is where we go” (77:52).

Notable Quotes

• Adam Carolla (05:42): “We Built this City. It’s not my favorite Jefferson Airplane song, but it does not crack the top 1000 horrible songs that get played constantly.”

• David Freiberg (06:56): “The only real thing on that song were the vocals and the guitar. I was useless.”

• Adam Carolla (41:33): “But why are you so happy when you dumped 125lbs?”

• David Freiberg (63:28): “First I was in jail for that bust when they formed Jefferson Airplane.”

• Adam Carolla (30:01): “Billy Jack pretended to be Indian.”

• Adam Carolla (78:37): “So did you get out right before Starship?”

• Adam Carolla (88:00): “We don't care about race anymore.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Adam Carolla Show offers a multifaceted discussion blending music history with sharp social commentary. David Freiberg’s firsthand experiences with Jefferson Starship provide invaluable insights, while Adam’s candid critiques of contemporary issues stimulate thoughtful dialogue. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or keen on societal debates, this episode delivers a compelling listen.