Post by ScreenHead One on Nov 26, 2022 14:39:39 GMT -6
shootingstarband
@shootingstarband
@shootingstarband
Shooting Star is an American rock band from Kansas City, Missouri.
Shooting Star was formed in suburban Kansas City by childhood friends Ron Verlin and Van McLain (born Van Allen McElvain on May 3, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri; died March 2, 2018). They were next-door neighbors and instantly became good friends. They put a band together with their brothers, Craig McLain and John Verlin, and played along to Beatles records in Ron's grandmother's garage. Two years later, Van and Craig had moved to a different school districts and the band split up.
Upon entering Shawnee Mission South High School, Van and Ron met up again. With the 1950s nostalgia craze of 1971 brewing, they jumped at the opportunity to put together a band that played classic 1950s hits. After seeing Sha Na Na in the movie Woodstock, they added three dancers to the act and called the band The Shooting Stars featuring The Galaxies, the name inspired by Bill Haley & His Comets. The band played its first gig at a local school. Sock hops were so popular they received offers over the next three years to play frat parties, country clubs and schools throughout the Midwest.
Upon entering Shawnee Mission South High School, Van and Ron met up again. With the 1950s nostalgia craze of 1971 brewing, they jumped at the opportunity to put together a band that played classic 1950s hits. After seeing Sha Na Na in the movie Woodstock, they added three dancers to the act and called the band The Shooting Stars featuring The Galaxies, the name inspired by Bill Haley & His Comets. The band played its first gig at a local school. Sock hops were so popular they received offers over the next three years to play frat parties, country clubs and schools throughout the Midwest.
Shooting Star initially consisted of Van McLain (guitars, vocals), Bill Guffey (keyboards), Steve Thomas (drums),
Ron Verlin (bass), Charles Waltz (violin, keyboards, vocals) and Gary West (lead vocals, guitars, keyboards).
McLain died on March 2, 2018, from complications of his West Nile virus infection, at age 62
Shooting Star announced in late 2018 that they would play a concert January 19, 2019 in Kansas City with a revamped lineup to include former violin player Janet Jameson and new guitarist/vocalist Chet Galloway. According to the band's official website, McLain's family fully supported a reforming and continuation for Shooting Star and the current lineup planned to announce additional shows.
Current Members
Steve Thomas – drums (1977–1987, 1989, 2003–present)
Dennis Laffoon – keyboards, bass, backing vocals (1989–present)
Janet Jameson – violin, vocals (2008–2013, 2018–present)
Todd Pettygrove – lead vocals (2013–present)
Chet Galloway – lead vocals, guitars (2018–present)
Former Members
Bill Guffey – keyboards (1977–1981; died 2007)
Van McLain – lead vocals, guitars (1977–1987, 1989–2018; his death)
Ron Verlin – bass (1977–1983, 1989–1991, 1994–2009)
Charles Waltz – violin, keyboards, backing vocals (1977–1987)
Gary West – lead vocals, guitars, keyboards (1977–1987)
Norm Dahlor – bass (1984–1987)
Keith Mitchell – lead vocals (1989–2005, 2012–2013)
Rod Lincoln – drums (1989–2003)
Eric Johnson – bass (1991–1994)
Terry Brock – violin (1997–1999)
Christian Howes – violin (1999–2000)
Shane Michaels – violin (2000–2008)
Kevin Chalfant – lead vocals (2005–2007)
Ronnie Platt – lead vocals (2007–2011)
Steve Thomas – drums (1977–1987, 1989, 2003–present)
Dennis Laffoon – keyboards, bass, backing vocals (1989–present)
Janet Jameson – violin, vocals (2008–2013, 2018–present)
Todd Pettygrove – lead vocals (2013–present)
Chet Galloway – lead vocals, guitars (2018–present)
Former Members
Bill Guffey – keyboards (1977–1981; died 2007)
Van McLain – lead vocals, guitars (1977–1987, 1989–2018; his death)
Ron Verlin – bass (1977–1983, 1989–1991, 1994–2009)
Charles Waltz – violin, keyboards, backing vocals (1977–1987)
Gary West – lead vocals, guitars, keyboards (1977–1987)
Norm Dahlor – bass (1984–1987)
Keith Mitchell – lead vocals (1989–2005, 2012–2013)
Rod Lincoln – drums (1989–2003)
Eric Johnson – bass (1991–1994)
Terry Brock – violin (1997–1999)
Christian Howes – violin (1999–2000)
Shane Michaels – violin (2000–2008)
Kevin Chalfant – lead vocals (2005–2007)
Ronnie Platt – lead vocals (2007–2011)
Discography
1980
Burning
1985
1985
Silent Scream
1991
1991
2015
Into the Night
Shooting Star (Original Band) RARE Live Film William Jewell College 1981
1996
Shooting Star Live
1989
Touch Me Tonight – The Best Of Shooting Star
1991
1991
Shooting Star/Hang On For Your Life
2001
2001
Best of...
2007
2007
Anthology
2020
2020
Anthology 40 Years (Singles)
Limited Edition Vinyl-Only Release
UnReleased
Shooting Star - Nothing Lasts Forever
Shooting Star - Blame It on the Night
Shooting Star - Vision of Days to Come