Does anyone remember a band called "Starcastle"?!
Question: Does anyone remember a band called "Starcastle"!?
My boss said he saw them back in the day opening up for Boston and he said they were awesome!.
Anyone know anything about them!?Www@Enter-QA@Com
Anyone know anything about them!?Www@Enter-QA@Com
Answers:
Yes of course I do, still have their first three albums on vinyl!.!.!.picture discs too!
Sort of an American version/clone of 'Yes'!.!.!.their first album was great, if you're into 70's style progressive rock!.
Interesting note regarding this band, that rarely seems to get mentioned!.!.!.they featured original REO Speed Wagon frontman Terry Luttrell, who only appeared on REO's first album back in 1971!. He really altered his vocal style by the time of Starcastle (to sound like that of Jon Anderson of 'Yes'), and sounds nothing like he did with REO!. !.
Here's a classic from Starcastles first album, hear the Yes similarities!.!.!.
Lady Of The Lake:
http://www!.youtube!.com/watch!?v=zbQaZzL5J!.!.!.
See how much different Terry's voice was with REO only 5 years earlier!.!.!.check out the young Gary Richrath!.!.!.great solo!
157 Riverside Avenue:
http://www!.youtube!.com/watch!?v=3QXHhgM_z!.!.!.
Lay Me Down:
http://www!.youtube!.com/watch!?v=_sITjUlCL!.!.!.
Anti Establishment Man:
http://www!.youtube!.com/watch!?v=HFD4jHE6q!.!.!.
Sophisticated Lady:
http://www!.youtube!.com/watch!?v=dIwu0dj80!.!.!.
I tried to post several other Starcastle songs that I have in my imeem playlist, but it seems that only I am able to see them as full length songs, and others will only see a 30 second stream!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
Sort of an American version/clone of 'Yes'!.!.!.their first album was great, if you're into 70's style progressive rock!.
Interesting note regarding this band, that rarely seems to get mentioned!.!.!.they featured original REO Speed Wagon frontman Terry Luttrell, who only appeared on REO's first album back in 1971!. He really altered his vocal style by the time of Starcastle (to sound like that of Jon Anderson of 'Yes'), and sounds nothing like he did with REO!. !.
Here's a classic from Starcastles first album, hear the Yes similarities!.!.!.
Lady Of The Lake:
http://www!.youtube!.com/watch!?v=zbQaZzL5J!.!.!.
See how much different Terry's voice was with REO only 5 years earlier!.!.!.check out the young Gary Richrath!.!.!.great solo!
157 Riverside Avenue:
http://www!.youtube!.com/watch!?v=3QXHhgM_z!.!.!.
Lay Me Down:
http://www!.youtube!.com/watch!?v=_sITjUlCL!.!.!.
Anti Establishment Man:
http://www!.youtube!.com/watch!?v=HFD4jHE6q!.!.!.
Sophisticated Lady:
http://www!.youtube!.com/watch!?v=dIwu0dj80!.!.!.
I tried to post several other Starcastle songs that I have in my imeem playlist, but it seems that only I am able to see them as full length songs, and others will only see a 30 second stream!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
St!. James
The Starcastle story begins in 1969 at the University of Illinois in Champaign!. Students Steve Hagler (guitar), Mike Castlehorn (Drums) and Paul Tassler (bass guitar) formed St!. James performing cover tunes of the day in local bars, and student mixers!. Herb Schildt joined later filling out the bands sound!. The unforeseen death of Mike Castlehorn in a Car accident, left the drum spot open to Steve Tassler, Paul!?s brother, who at the time was playing off and on in another band!. Paul had become more interested in the business side of things, and left his bass playing position to manage the group!. Gary Strater who had sat in with St!. James on a number of occasions, as well as owning a Van to haul gear became the band!?s bass player!.Mad John Fever
With the lineup in place, new band name and Paul at the helm, Mad John Fever were set to do something more than just become a cover band!. Highly influenced by the British Progressive rock of the time, Mad John Fever began writing material that would eventually appear on the 1st album!. The group began a rigorous schedule of gigs including dates with Styx, Mike Bloomfield, Blue Oyster Cult, Stories, and Captain Beyond as well as clubs throughout the Midwest!. The group had begun to hone its stage show, working in original material with Allman Brothers, Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash, and Jethro Tull covers!. Despite relative success, and the release of a (now rare) single, something more was needed!.
Terry Luttrell was already well know in Champaign as the vocalist for REO Speedwagon and appeared on that groups first self-titled LP!. After leaving REO, Terry performed in another local band called Sea Daddy with guitarist Matt Stewart!. Terry!?s soft tenor and previous experience in the "Biz" was just what the band needed!. Matt had already gained a reputation in the area by sneaking into clubs at a young age and jamming with whomever he could!. His style of playing proved to be complimentary to Hagler!?s and a new version of Mad John Fever set to work!. Pegasus
In 1974, the group felt the band name just did not fit the music, or the image they wanted to present!. "Pegasus" was chosen, and a couple club dates as well as an opening act slot with the Strawbs in St!. Louis took place under this moniker, but it wasn!?t to be!. After an excellent review of the Strawbs gig in a St!. Louis music paper, another Illinois band calling themselves Pegasus threatened legal action to stop using the name as they had the copyright!. Not wanting problems, the band decided to find another name!. A number of possible names were put in a hat (literally), and the word "Starcastle" was drawn!. With Mad John Fever, and Pegasus behind them, Starcastle pushed forward and the Record Industry started to take notice!.
Starcastle
Starcastle continued to work hard over the next year!. Recording and touring extensively with The Guess Who, Elvin Bishop, Montrose, Sha Na Na, Roxy Music and working the club circuit!. Greater exposure was generated through several Midwest radio stations including disc jockey Asher Benrubi- "The Mighty Atom Smasher" in Indianapolis who plugged the band, and gave the early demos substantial air play!. Mercury and CBS were both paying attention, but the deal was sealed when then CBS A&R Rep Steve Popvitch saw the band play at a club in Edwardsville!. Work began on the bands first LP in Pekin, Illinois and was released in early 1976!. The response to the music of Starcastle was overwhelming!. Receiving heavy FM air play throughout the US & Canada the group began an even more intensive touring schedule including some of the biggest shows of their careers!. Central Park in New York City with Gentle Giant, Playing to over 100,000 people over two days in Los Angeles and San Diego on the Jethro Tull tour and many others!. The first album sold well, and Epic sent the band to Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec with Roy Thomas Baker!. Roy was well known for his success with Queen, although the band were not quite sure if it was a good fit or not, as Roy did not understand Starcastle!?s vocals and other aspects of the sound!. While the atmosphere and surroundings of Le Studio were idyllic, the final product, while considered the band!?s best -"Fountains of Light" turned out to be something other than what the band envisioned!. More touring followed this time including a number of headlining shows in small halls and universities with Journey, and Foreigner supporting Starcastle on some dates!. "Fountains of Light" was critically acclaimed, and while the single "Diamond Song (Deep is the Light)" failed to chart-the album sold respectably, but once again the label wanted more from Starcastle and the times were changing!. After the huge successes of Peter Frampton!?s "Comes Alive" album and Boston!?s self titled debut, as well as the rise of Punk rock and Disco- radio formats were moving away from progressive rock!. No longer were programmers interested in eight minute songs, or concepts, they wanted short conciWww@Enter-QA@Com
The Starcastle story begins in 1969 at the University of Illinois in Champaign!. Students Steve Hagler (guitar), Mike Castlehorn (Drums) and Paul Tassler (bass guitar) formed St!. James performing cover tunes of the day in local bars, and student mixers!. Herb Schildt joined later filling out the bands sound!. The unforeseen death of Mike Castlehorn in a Car accident, left the drum spot open to Steve Tassler, Paul!?s brother, who at the time was playing off and on in another band!. Paul had become more interested in the business side of things, and left his bass playing position to manage the group!. Gary Strater who had sat in with St!. James on a number of occasions, as well as owning a Van to haul gear became the band!?s bass player!.Mad John Fever
With the lineup in place, new band name and Paul at the helm, Mad John Fever were set to do something more than just become a cover band!. Highly influenced by the British Progressive rock of the time, Mad John Fever began writing material that would eventually appear on the 1st album!. The group began a rigorous schedule of gigs including dates with Styx, Mike Bloomfield, Blue Oyster Cult, Stories, and Captain Beyond as well as clubs throughout the Midwest!. The group had begun to hone its stage show, working in original material with Allman Brothers, Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash, and Jethro Tull covers!. Despite relative success, and the release of a (now rare) single, something more was needed!.
Terry Luttrell was already well know in Champaign as the vocalist for REO Speedwagon and appeared on that groups first self-titled LP!. After leaving REO, Terry performed in another local band called Sea Daddy with guitarist Matt Stewart!. Terry!?s soft tenor and previous experience in the "Biz" was just what the band needed!. Matt had already gained a reputation in the area by sneaking into clubs at a young age and jamming with whomever he could!. His style of playing proved to be complimentary to Hagler!?s and a new version of Mad John Fever set to work!. Pegasus
In 1974, the group felt the band name just did not fit the music, or the image they wanted to present!. "Pegasus" was chosen, and a couple club dates as well as an opening act slot with the Strawbs in St!. Louis took place under this moniker, but it wasn!?t to be!. After an excellent review of the Strawbs gig in a St!. Louis music paper, another Illinois band calling themselves Pegasus threatened legal action to stop using the name as they had the copyright!. Not wanting problems, the band decided to find another name!. A number of possible names were put in a hat (literally), and the word "Starcastle" was drawn!. With Mad John Fever, and Pegasus behind them, Starcastle pushed forward and the Record Industry started to take notice!.
Starcastle
Starcastle continued to work hard over the next year!. Recording and touring extensively with The Guess Who, Elvin Bishop, Montrose, Sha Na Na, Roxy Music and working the club circuit!. Greater exposure was generated through several Midwest radio stations including disc jockey Asher Benrubi- "The Mighty Atom Smasher" in Indianapolis who plugged the band, and gave the early demos substantial air play!. Mercury and CBS were both paying attention, but the deal was sealed when then CBS A&R Rep Steve Popvitch saw the band play at a club in Edwardsville!. Work began on the bands first LP in Pekin, Illinois and was released in early 1976!. The response to the music of Starcastle was overwhelming!. Receiving heavy FM air play throughout the US & Canada the group began an even more intensive touring schedule including some of the biggest shows of their careers!. Central Park in New York City with Gentle Giant, Playing to over 100,000 people over two days in Los Angeles and San Diego on the Jethro Tull tour and many others!. The first album sold well, and Epic sent the band to Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec with Roy Thomas Baker!. Roy was well known for his success with Queen, although the band were not quite sure if it was a good fit or not, as Roy did not understand Starcastle!?s vocals and other aspects of the sound!. While the atmosphere and surroundings of Le Studio were idyllic, the final product, while considered the band!?s best -"Fountains of Light" turned out to be something other than what the band envisioned!. More touring followed this time including a number of headlining shows in small halls and universities with Journey, and Foreigner supporting Starcastle on some dates!. "Fountains of Light" was critically acclaimed, and while the single "Diamond Song (Deep is the Light)" failed to chart-the album sold respectably, but once again the label wanted more from Starcastle and the times were changing!. After the huge successes of Peter Frampton!?s "Comes Alive" album and Boston!?s self titled debut, as well as the rise of Punk rock and Disco- radio formats were moving away from progressive rock!. No longer were programmers interested in eight minute songs, or concepts, they wanted short conciWww@Enter-QA@Com
I remember seeing them in the late 1970's They had re grouped in my home town of Champaign IL, and we saw them play in the bars at University of Illinois!. They were pretty good!.
Here is wiki info: "The band began life in 1969 as "St!. James"!. Heavily influenced by the British progressive rock movement of the time, the band began writing material that would eventually appear on the first album!. They also began a rigorous schedule of support gigs at clubs throughout the Midwest, honing their stage show and working in original material with covers!. Despite relative success, and the release of a (now rare) single, something more was needed!. Five years and a few name and line-up changes later, Starcastle was born!. Work began on the band's first self-titled LP and it was released in early 1976!. The response to the music of Starcastle was positive and despite some detractors' accusations that they sounded like a Yes clone, the album received heavy FM airplay throughout the US and Canada!. The group began an even more intensive touring schedule including some of the biggest shows of their careers!. The first album sold well, and Epic sent the band to Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec, with producer Roy Thomas Baker!.
Although Roy was well known for his success with Queen, the band was not sure if it would be a good fit or not!. The atmosphere and surroundings of Le Studio were idyllic, but the final product, Fountains of Light, turned out to be something other than what the band envisioned!. More touring followed this time including a number of headlining shows in small halls and universities, with Journey and Foreigner supporting Starcastle on some dates!. Fountains of Light garnered the band critical acclaim, and while the single "Diamond Song (Deep is the Light)" failed to chart, the album sold respectably!.
Despite issues with Roy Baker’s style, the label sent Starcastle to England to record their third offering, Citadel, with Baker once again handling production!. The band was under pressure at this time from their record label for a more commercial rock sound, but Starcastle kept to its progressive rock roots!. After more touring, the cracks in the band were starting to show!. Real to Reel was an album the band felt should have never been released, because of its pop-like sound and disappointed reception by fans!. Most of the more "progressive" demos done for the record were rejected by CBS, and the band had stopped believing in what they were doing!. The album was released and fell flat!. During the subsequent tour, keyboardist Herb Schildt decided it was time to leave to pursue his passion – computers, and Terry, who had his eyes on producing, left after the group’s final date of the tour with Aerosmith!. This, coupled with disappointing sales figures, prompted CBS to drop Starcastle from its roster!."Www@Enter-QA@Com
Here is wiki info: "The band began life in 1969 as "St!. James"!. Heavily influenced by the British progressive rock movement of the time, the band began writing material that would eventually appear on the first album!. They also began a rigorous schedule of support gigs at clubs throughout the Midwest, honing their stage show and working in original material with covers!. Despite relative success, and the release of a (now rare) single, something more was needed!. Five years and a few name and line-up changes later, Starcastle was born!. Work began on the band's first self-titled LP and it was released in early 1976!. The response to the music of Starcastle was positive and despite some detractors' accusations that they sounded like a Yes clone, the album received heavy FM airplay throughout the US and Canada!. The group began an even more intensive touring schedule including some of the biggest shows of their careers!. The first album sold well, and Epic sent the band to Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec, with producer Roy Thomas Baker!.
Although Roy was well known for his success with Queen, the band was not sure if it would be a good fit or not!. The atmosphere and surroundings of Le Studio were idyllic, but the final product, Fountains of Light, turned out to be something other than what the band envisioned!. More touring followed this time including a number of headlining shows in small halls and universities, with Journey and Foreigner supporting Starcastle on some dates!. Fountains of Light garnered the band critical acclaim, and while the single "Diamond Song (Deep is the Light)" failed to chart, the album sold respectably!.
Despite issues with Roy Baker’s style, the label sent Starcastle to England to record their third offering, Citadel, with Baker once again handling production!. The band was under pressure at this time from their record label for a more commercial rock sound, but Starcastle kept to its progressive rock roots!. After more touring, the cracks in the band were starting to show!. Real to Reel was an album the band felt should have never been released, because of its pop-like sound and disappointed reception by fans!. Most of the more "progressive" demos done for the record were rejected by CBS, and the band had stopped believing in what they were doing!. The album was released and fell flat!. During the subsequent tour, keyboardist Herb Schildt decided it was time to leave to pursue his passion – computers, and Terry, who had his eyes on producing, left after the group’s final date of the tour with Aerosmith!. This, coupled with disappointing sales figures, prompted CBS to drop Starcastle from its roster!."Www@Enter-QA@Com
Most definitely!. They had about 4 albums out around the late 70's, around when corporate rockers Boston & Styx started hitting it big!. Their self-named, debut album is probably their strongest album, with "Lady of the Lake" being the strongest track:
http://tinyurl!.com/92vzqz
They have mentioned on their website about reforming and releasing some new music!. I am not sure if this has already happened or is still in the works:
http://www!.starcastlemusic!.com/index2!.ht!.!.!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
http://tinyurl!.com/92vzqz
They have mentioned on their website about reforming and releasing some new music!. I am not sure if this has already happened or is still in the works:
http://www!.starcastlemusic!.com/index2!.ht!.!.!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
**starcastle is a progressive rock band from st louis missouri!. lady of the lake and forces are 2 i like and both are on youtube!. lady of the lake is in memory of gary strater!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
it sounds fimilary!. yesterday i heard woman by whitetown, i was like omg i remebr this song in the 90's!. it brouch back some memoriesWww@Enter-QA@Com
whitecastleWww@Enter-QA@Com
Hellyea
They sounded a lot like the Band YesWww@Enter-QA@Com
They sounded a lot like the Band YesWww@Enter-QA@Com
i have one of their albums on vinyl, vocals are very jon andersonWww@Enter-QA@Com
NopeWww@Enter-QA@Com
The name is White Castle and they had slidersWww@Enter-QA@Com
noWww@Enter-QA@Com
nopeWww@Enter-QA@Com
nope never heard of them they must of sucked lolWww@Enter-QA@Com