Shooting Star (band) facts for kids

Shooting Star is an American rock band. They started in Kansas City, Missouri, in the late 1970s. The band quickly became popular in their hometown. They made history as the first American group to sign with Virgin Records. Their first album was recorded in England in 1979. Many of their songs became popular on US radio stations, helping them reach a national audience.

How Shooting Star Began

The band Shooting Star started in Kansas City, Missouri. Childhood friends Ron Verlin and Van McLain formed it. They even played Beatles songs in Ron's grandmother's garage! Later, they went to high school and met again. They loved playing classic 1950s songs. They even added dancers to their show. They called themselves The Shooting Stars featuring The Galaxies. This name was inspired by another famous band, Bill Haley & His Comets.

First Steps to Stardom

By 1974, Van McLain started writing many songs. The band decided to play only their own music. They recorded a demo tape and traveled to London, England, in 1975. They hoped to get a record deal there. They signed a contract with Arista Records. They even played a show at the famous Marquee Club. But soon, Arista Records let them go from their contract. The band returned to Kansas City.

In 1977, Gary West joined the band as a singer and songwriter. Steve Thomas joined on drums in 1976. Bill Guffey joined on keyboards in 1977. Charles Waltz added violin, keyboards, and vocals in 1977. The band's name became simply Shooting Star. They recorded new songs in Gary's garage. They also played many shows across the Midwest.

They saved money and went to New York City to find another record deal. They played a show at a club called CBGB. A management company saw them and offered a contract. With this new help, Shooting Star went back to Kansas City to write more songs.

Signing with Virgin Records

The band played another show in New York City. Three record companies wanted to sign them! Virgin Records, a British label, won. Shooting Star became the first American band on Virgin Records. Virgin wanted a rock group to become popular in the US.

In 1979, Shooting Star went back to London. They recorded their first album, also called Shooting Star. It came out in 1980. The band then toured across the country. They opened for bands like Robin Trower and Triumph. Their song "You Got What I Need" reached #76 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Their first album faced some problems. Even though a song called 'Last Chance' was very popular on the radio, the album was hard to find in stores. This was due to issues between their record company and its distributor. This made it difficult for fans to buy the album.

Virgin Records then partnered with Epic Records for distribution. Shooting Star recorded their second album, Hang On for Your Life, in 1981. The song "Hollywood" reached #70 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band toured with famous groups like ZZ Top, Cheap Trick, and Journey.

Keyboardist Bill Guffey left the band after this album. In 1982, they released their third album, III Wishes. They toured with bands like REO Speedwagon and Kansas. Their fourth album, Burning, came out in 1983. They continued to tour a lot. Bassist Ron Verlin left in 1984, and Norm Dahlor joined. The band also had two songs in the movie Up the Creek.

Virgin Records later worked with Geffen Records. Shooting Star recorded their fifth album, Silent Scream, in 1985. They toured with Heart, Bryan Adams, and ZZ Top.

A Break from Music

After nearly ten years of touring and five albums, Shooting Star decided to take a break in 1986. They played a farewell show in Kansas City. The band members went their separate ways in 1987.

Van McLain explained that problems with record companies were a big reason. Their album Silent Scream was doing well on the radio. But then, issues between the record label and radio promoters caused the album's promotion to stop. This was very disappointing for the band. Many of their records also went out of print, meaning fans couldn't buy them.

The Band Reunites

In 1989, Shooting Star's own label, V&R Records, released The Best of Shooting Star. This was the first time their music was available on CD. The album included a new song, "Touch Me Tonight." This song reached #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Another company, Enigma Records, later re-released the album. It was called Touch Me Tonight – The Best Of Shooting Star. This album made history as the first to chart without being available on vinyl.

The 1990s and Beyond

With the success of The Best Of, Shooting Star signed a new contract with Enigma Records. Original members Ron Verlin, Van McLain, and Steve Thomas returned. Dennis Laffoon joined on keyboards, and Keith Mitchell became the new vocalist. Rod Lincoln later replaced Steve Thomas on drums.

The band made a music video for "Touch Me Tonight." It was played a lot on MTV. The song reached #67 on the Billboard Hot 100, their highest-charting single ever. It also appeared in the movie I Come in Peace.

In 1991, they released their sixth album, It's Not Over. During its recording, Enigma Records went out of business. The band finished the album themselves. They toured with bands like Bad English and Bryan Adams.

By 1993, the band took a semi-retirement. They still played occasional concerts. In 1997, violinist Terry Brock joined, bringing the violin back to their sound. In 1999, Van McLain met producer Kevin Beamish. This led to their seventh album, Leap of Faith, released in 2000.

New Music and Hall of Fame

Shooting Star celebrated 20 years in music in 2000. Shane Michaels became the new violinist. Original drummer Steve Thomas returned in 2003. In 2006, they released the album Circles. Kevin Chalfant sang lead vocals on this album. Later, Ronnie Platt took over as lead vocalist.

Sadly, original keyboardist Bill Guffey passed away in 2007 at age 54. Violinist Shane Michaels left in 2008, and Janet Jameson joined. Bassist Ron Verlin left permanently in 2009. Dennis Laffoon then started playing both keyboards and bass.

Shooting Star was honored in the Kansas Music Hall Of Fame in 2009. The band performed at the event with many past and present members.

Recent Years and Legacy

Ronnie Platt left the band in 2011. For a short time, Van McLain was the main lead vocalist. Keith Mitchell returned as lead vocalist in 2012 but left again in 2013. Todd Pettygrove then joined as the new lead singer.

In 2014, former Shooting Star vocalist Ronnie Platt joined the famous band Kansas.

To celebrate 35 years since their first album, Shooting Star released Into the Night in 2015. It was offered as a free download on their website.

In late 2015, Van McLain faced serious health challenges. He was diagnosed with West Nile fever and was hospitalized for many months. A special concert was held in 2017 to help with his recovery.

Sadly, Van McLain passed away on March 2, 2018, at age 62. He had been dealing with health issues for some time, which made him vulnerable to illness.

In late 2018, Shooting Star announced they would continue. They played a concert in 2019 with a new lineup. This included former violinist Janet Jameson and new guitarist/vocalist Chet Galloway. Van McLain's family fully supported the band's continuation.

Band Members

Current Members

• Steve Thomas – drums
• Dennis Laffoon – keyboards, bass, vocals
• Janet Jameson – violin, vocals
• Todd Pettygrove – lead vocals
• Chet Galloway – lead vocals, guitars

Former Members

Discography

Studio Albums

• Into The Night was offered in 2015 as a free download.

Popular Singles