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Starcastle

Starcastle was an American progressive rock band that formed in 1969 in Champaign, Illinois. The band was heavily influenced by the British progressive rock movement of the time, especially by bands like Yes and Genesis. They are best known for their complex, melodic compositions, and the virtuosic playing of their musicians.

Starcastle released their self-titled debut album in 1976 on the Epic Records label, which became a cult classic among fans of progressive rock. The album featured a blend of intricate keyboard work, soaring vocal harmonies, and elaborate guitar solos, all tied together by a strong sense of melody. The album was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, who had previously worked with Queen, The Cars, and Journey.

The band went on to release a total of six albums, with varying degrees of success. Their most successful album was "Fountains of Light," which reached #70 on the Billboard charts in 1977. The band's later albums saw them incorporating more mainstream rock elements into their sound, which drew criticism from some fans who felt they were straying from their progressive rock roots.

Starcastle disbanded in 1987, but their music has continued to attract new fans and influence other artists in the progressive rock genre. Despite their relatively short career, they left a lasting legacy as one of the most respected and innovative bands of the 1970s progressive rock movement.

Progressive-rock band from Champaign, Illinois, USA.  For Joe Thomas... -GSH


Starcastle I (1972 - 1980)
  • Matthew Stewart - guitar/vocals
  • Steve Hagler - guitar/vocals - b. Stephen Hagler.
  • Gary Strater - bass/moog synthesizer/vocals
  • Herb Schildt - keyboards
  • Steve Tassler - drums/percussion/vocals - b. Stephen Tassler.
  • Terry Luttrell - vocals - formerly with REO Speedwagon.
Albums:
  1. "Starcastle" (1976)
  2. "Fountains Of Light" (1977)
  3. "Citadel" (1977)
  4. "Real To Reel" (1978)
  5. "Concert Classics, Volume 5" (1999)
Group disbands.


Starcastle II (1982 - 1985) (reformed)
  • Gary Strater - bass/bass pedals/vocals
  • Bruce Botts - guitar/vocals - b. Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
  • George Harp - vocals
  • Scott McKenzie - drums/vocals
Bruce Botts forms Pangea (1986 - 1988).  [Ref:  Bruce Botts, Jan. 8/9, 2001]

Starcastle III (1985 - 1986)
  • Gary Strater - bass/moog synthesizer/vocals
  • Mark McGee - guitar/vocals - b. 1965 - formerly with Overdrive and Now.
  • Jimmy Wagner - keyboards
  • Scott McKenzie - drums/vocals
  • George Harp - vocals
Group disbands.  Mark McGee joins Vicious Rumors, and later joins Gregg Allman. George Harp joins Pangea (1986 - 1988).

Starcastle IV (1998 - ? ) (reformed)
  • Matthew Stewart - guitar/vocals
  • Steve Hagler - guitar/vocals
  • Gary Strater - bass/moog synthesizer/vocals
  • Herb Schildt - keyboards
  • Steve Tassler - drums/percussion/vocals
  • Terry Luttrell - vocals
  • Mark McGee - guitar/vocals
  • Scott McKenzie - drums/vocals
  • Ralph Goldheim
  • Bruce Botts - guitar/vocals
Album:
  1. "Chronos"

Links:

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Last Revised:  January 11, 2001
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