Meaning: Paul Kantner, a prominent musician and founding member of the iconic rock band Jefferson Airplane, made this statement in an interview, reflecting on the band's experiences touring with other influential musicians of the time. The quote embodies Kantner's ambition and hunger for success, as well as his desire to prove the band's worth and talent by sharing the stage with established acts such as Jeff Beck, Fleetwood Mac, and Heart.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Jefferson Airplane was a prominent figure in the counterculture movement and the burgeoning psychedelic rock scene. As the band gained popularity, they embarked on numerous tours, sharing the stage with a diverse array of musicians and bands. Kantner's reference to "taking out" other artists suggests a competitive spirit and a drive to outperform and surpass their contemporaries.

Jeff Beck, an English rock guitarist known for his innovative and virtuosic playing style, was a significant figure in the rock music scene. Sharing the stage with Beck would have provided Jefferson Airplane with an opportunity to showcase their own musical prowess and potentially win over new fans among Beck's audience.

Fleetwood Mac, a British-American rock band, was on the brink of achieving mainstream success during the time of Kantner's statement. Jefferson Airplane touring with Fleetwood Mac just before their breakthrough would have allowed the former to align themselves with an up-and-coming act and potentially benefit from the exposure and audience engagement that came with it.

Heart, a rock band led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, was also on the cusp of achieving commercial success around the time of Kantner's statement. Joining forces with Heart on tour would have given Jefferson Airplane the opportunity to connect with a growing fan base and gain exposure to new audiences, furthering their own trajectory in the music industry.

Kantner's statement reflects the competitive and ambitious nature of the music industry, particularly during a time of significant cultural and musical transformation. For Jefferson Airplane, touring with established and emerging acts was not only a means of showcasing their talent but also a strategic move to solidify their position within the music scene and expand their influence.

In summary, Paul Kantner's quote captures the competitive spirit and ambition of Jefferson Airplane as they navigated the music industry during a transformative period. By expressing a desire to share the stage with influential acts such as Jeff Beck, Fleetwood Mac, and Heart, Kantner conveyed the band's hunger for success and their determination to prove themselves as a formidable force in the rock music landscape. This quote serves as a testament to the dynamic and competitive nature of the music industry during a pivotal era in popular music history.