Starz

American hard rock band Starz, formed in New Jersey, in 1975. The group evolved from the early 1970s pop band Looking Glass, with key members including Richie Ranno, Michael Lee Smith, and Brendan Harkin. After lead singer Elliot Lurie left Looking Glass in 1974, the remaining members continued as Fallen Angels before rebranding as Starz. Their debut self-titled album was released in June 1976 on Capitol Records, featuring their first single "(She's Just A) Fallen Angel". Their second album Violation, produced by Jack Douglas of Aerosmith fame, included the hit single "Cherry Baby" in spring 1977. The band's third studio album, Attention Shoppers!, showcased a power pop influence. Internal disputes led to the departure of Harkin and Sweval, resulting in the release of their fourth studio album Coliseum Rock with new members Bobby Messano on guitar and Orville Davis on bass. Starz disbanded in mid-1979 after being dropped by Capitol Records and manager Bill Aucoin. The band reunited briefly in 1980 for a farewell tour before disbanding again. Reunion efforts continued through the years with various lineups and releases, including Live in Action (1989) and Requiem (1992). Pieter Sweval died of complications from AIDS on January 23, 1990. Despite a lack of major commercial success, Starz has maintained a lasting cult following and influenced bands such as Mötley Crüe, Poison, Bon Jovi, and Twisted Sister.

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