Starz (Official Thread)

[METALPRIEST]

Official Website

Starz (1976)
Violation (1977)
Attention Shoppers! (1977)
Coliseum Rock (1978)


Starz... was a 1970s hard rock band from New Jersey. The band has a cult following still to this day and has had a major influence on bands in the 80's such as Motley Crue.

Starz began as a band called Looking Glass, who had the #1 hit hit song “Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl)” in 1972. After breaking up, two of the members (Sweval and Jeff Grob) formed Starz. They were signed to Capitol Records in 1976. The original line up included Michael Lee Smith (brother of Rex Smith), Richie Ranno (guitarist for the band Stories), Brendan Harkin, Sweval, and Joe. X. Dube.

Their biggest hit was “Cherry Baby” from the album Violation in 1977. They did chart songs in the lower Billboard Hot 100. Many fans love Violation the best and the band is often compared to Kiss and Aerosmith. Bill Aucoin who was KISS's manager was also Starz's manager who were also part of Rock Steady Productions.

Their third album, Attention Shoppers!, is a bit more pop than metal. Here you will find even some Cheap trick influence. Brendan Harkin and Peter Sweval left the band beofre the release of the band's final album, Coliseum Rock.

Peter Sweval died on January 23, 1990.

 

[METALPRIEST]

Re: Starz

First we'll take a look at the beginning....

Here we see Pete and Joe (bass and drums) in Looking Glass



Ritchie Ranno joined Stories in 1973 !!

 

[METALPRIEST]

Re: Starz

Now On To............

 

[METALPRIEST]

Re: Starz

Sing It Shout It

 

[LG]

Re: Starz

Wow someone else in the world who likes this band...

I only have two of their albums Attention Shoppers and a double live CD, but I love this record, simple straight ahead rock and roll and what's wrong with that?...

 

[METALPRIEST]

Re: Starz

Double live CD?? I'm jealous!! I want that!! :

 

[Slip'nn2Darkness]

Re: Starz

I saw them open for Aerosmith many a moon ago.. My eyes were glued to the stage as soon as I walked into the arena.. It was the first time I heard them..

 

[LG]

Re: Starz

I am pretty sure Michael Smith's younger brother was Ron Sexsmith, if my memory is still working.

I wished I could have seen them Thumper, but they never came this far north.:

 

[Slip'nn2Darkness]

Re: Starz

I am pretty sure Michael Smith's younger brother was Ron Sexsmith, if my memory is still working.

I wished I could have seen them Thumper, but they never came this far north.:

I know that feeling all to well.. NOBODY comes to my town.. It sucks..

 

[METALPRIEST]

Re: Starz

Thumper you got to see them huh?? Killer!

Yeah this was STARZ singer Michael's brother! Remember this dude??