Our Complete List Of Starz Albums And Discography looks at an American hard rock band that gained a cult following in the late 1970s. Formed in 1975, the band was composed of Michael Lee Smith on vocals, Richie Ranno on guitar, Brendan Harkin on guitar, Pieter “Pete” Sweval on bass, and Joe X. Dubé on drums. They were known for their straightforward rock sound, catchy melodies, and power pop influences.
Origins and Early Days
The roots of Starz can be traced back to the band Looking Glass, which had a hit with the song “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” in 1972. Bassist Pieter Sweval and guitarist Brendan Harkin were part of a later incarnation of Looking Glass, which ultimately transformed into Starz after teaming up with guitarist Richie Ranno, vocalist Michael Lee Smith (who was the brother of Rex Smith), and drummer Joe X. Dubé.
Rise to Recognition
Starz was signed to Capitol Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1976. The album contained strong melodic hooks and was well-received critically, but it did not achieve significant commercial success. Nonetheless, it included some tracks that became cult favorites, such as “Detroit Girls” and “Tear It Down.”
The band’s follow-up, “Violation,” was released in 1977 and is often considered their best work. It featured more aggressive songs like “Cherry Baby” and “Rock Six Times.” Despite the strength of the album and a growing fan base, mainstream breakthrough success continued to elude them.
Subsequent Albums and Struggles
Starz released two more albums, “Attention Shoppers!” in 1978 and “Coliseum Rock” in 1979. By the early 1980s, Starz had disbanded, with members moving on to other projects. However, the band’s music did not fade from the memories of their fans. Starz’s influence was cited by notable bands and musicians who rose to fame in the 1980s, particularly those in the glam metal and hard rock genres.
The band experienced a resurgence in interest in the 1990s and reunited for several tours and live albums. Their reunion tours saw the original lineup, with the exception of Pieter Sweval, who passed away in 1990, performing for nostalgic audiences and a new generation of fans.
Starz
Released 1976
Starz’s self-titled debut album, released in 1976, is a significant entry in the pantheon of hard rock and glam metal, laying down a foundation that would influence many acts in the 1980s. The record captures the band’s raw energy and straightforward rock appeal, highlighted by hook-laden guitar riffs and memorable choruses, characteristics that would define the group’s sound.
The lineup for this album consisted of Michael Lee Smith on lead vocals, Richie Ranno on guitar, Brendan Harkin on guitar, Pieter “Pete” Sweval on bass, and Joe X. Dube on drums. Jack Douglas, renowned for his work with Aerosmith and Cheap Trick, produced the album. Starz was released under Capitol Records and was recorded at Record Plant Studios in New York City, with the recording dates spanning from late 1975 to early 1976.
CD Track Listings:
- “Detroit Girls” – 4:57
- “Live Wire” – 3:19
- “Tear It Down” – 3:35
- “Boys in Action” – 5:38
- “(She’s Just a) Fallen Angel” – 3:36
- “Monkey Business” – 2:47
- “Night Crawler” – 4:53
- “Over and Over” – 3:09
- “Pull the Plug” – 4:48
- “Now I Can” – 4:13
Violation
Released 1977
Following their debut, Starz returned with “Violation” in 1977, an album that continued their trajectory as a powerhouse rock band. With a sound that became tighter and more refined, they managed to balance their hard rock roots with a more melodic approach, creating a record that was accessible without sacrificing the band’s core edge.
Once again featuring Michael Lee Smith, Richie Ranno, Brendan Harkin, Pieter Sweval, and Joe X. Dube, the band solidified their chemistry with tracks that delivered heavy riffs and anthemic hooks. Jack Douglas reprised his role as producer for this sophomore effort. “Violation” was released by Capitol Records and recorded at Record Plant Studios in New York City, with sessions taking place throughout late 1976 to early 1977.
CD Track Listings:
- “Cherry Baby” – 3:46
- “Rock Six Times” – 2:55
- “Sing It, Shout It” – 5:14
- “Violation” – 4:24
- “Subway Terror” – 3:38
- “All Night Long” – 3:30
- “Cool One” – 3:43
- “S.T.E.A.D.Y.” – 4:11
- “Is That a Street Light or the Moon?” – 3:43
Attention Shoppers!
Released 1978
With Attention Shoppers! Starz took a turn towards a more pop-oriented sound, stepping slightly away from their hard rock beginnings. The 1978 release showcased the band’s versatility, proving they could craft catchy melodies without losing their rock ‘n’ roll spirit. The record exudes a sense of fun and demonstrates the band’s ability to adapt to the changing musical climate of the late 1970s.
The familiar lineup of Michael Lee Smith, Richie Ranno, Brendan Harkin, Pieter Sweval, and Joe X. Dube delivered performances that blended rock with elements of pop and power pop. Jack Douglas was not at the helm for this album; instead, it was produced by Jack Richardson. “Attention Shoppers!” was released via Capitol Records and the recording took place at Soundstage in Toronto, with dates spanning from mid to late 1977.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hold On to the Night” – 3:22
- “She” – 3:17
- “Third Time’s the Charm” – 4:13
- “(Any Way That You Want It) I’ll Be There” – 2:41
- “Waitin’ on You” – 3:35
- “X-Ray Spex” – 3:31
- “Good Ale We Seek” – 4:14
- “Don’t Think” – 3:16
- “Johnny All Alone” – 4:28
Coliseum Rock
Released 1978
In the same year as Attention Shoppers! Starz released Coliseum Rock returning to the more robust hard rock sound of their earlier records. While keeping the catchy hooks, this album leaned more heavily on their rock roots, with more aggressive guitar work and powerful rhythms. It was an affirmation of their commitment to the rock genre amidst an industry that was rapidly changing with the rise of disco and new wave.
The album again featured Michael Lee Smith, Richie Ranno, Brendan Harkin, Pieter Sweval, and Joe X. Dube. Jack Douglas came back as producer for this album. “Coliseum Rock” was released by Capitol Records and was recorded at Soundstage in Toronto, as well as at the Record Plant in New York City, with recording dates in early to mid-1978.
CD Track Listings:
- “So Young, So Bad” – 3:30
- “Take Me” – 3:35
- “No Regrets” – 4:31
- “My Sweet Child” – 3:35
- “Don’t Stop Now” – 4:03
- “Outfit” – 3:07
- “Last Night I Wrote a Letter” – 3:40
- “Coliseum Rock” – 2:16
- “It’s a Riot” – 3:43
- “Where Will It End” – 4:02
STARZ LIVE ALBUMS
Live At Municipal Auditorium, Louisville, March 30, 1978
Released 1978
The live album “Live At Municipal Auditorium, Louisville, March 30, 1978” captures Starz in their element, delivering a powerful performance that showcases the band’s raw live presence. Recorded during the peak of their touring days, the album provides a glimpse into the energy and charisma that defined Starz on stage.
Featuring the lineup of Michael Lee Smith, Richie Ranno, Brendan Harkin, Pieter Sweval, and Joe X. Dube, the band’s concert dynamic is on full display. The production captures the essence of the live experience, placing the listener right in the middle of the crowd. This release was a direct representation of the band’s rock prowess in a live setting, documenting their 1978 tour. The recording venue was the Municipal Auditorium in Louisville, Kentucky.
CD Track Listings:
- “Detroit Girls” – 5:15
- “Live Wire” – 4:20
- “Tear It Down” – 4:00
- “Boys in Action” – 6:00
- “Night Crawler” – 5:10
- “(She’s Just a) Fallen Angel” – 4:10
- “Pull the Plug” – 5:25
- “Monkey Business” – 3:00
- “Over and Over” – 3:50
Live In America
Released 1983
“Live In America” was released five years after the band seemingly ended their initial run.
CD Track Listings:
- “Rock Six Times” – 4:10
- “Cherry Baby” – 4:05
- “Sing It, Shout It” – 5:30
- “Cool One” – 3:45
- “Violation” – 4:30
- “Subway Terror” – 3:40
- “All Night Long” – 3:50
- “Is That a Street Light or the Moon?” – 3:50
- “She” – 3:20
- “Coliseum Rock” – 2:20
Live In Canada
Released 1985
CD Track Listings:
- “So Young, So Bad” – 4:05
- “Take Me” – 3:45
- “No Regrets” – 4:35
- “My Sweet Child” – 3:40
- “Don’t Stop Now” – 4:10
- “Outfit” – 3:15
- “Last Night I Wrote a Letter” – 3:50
- “Waitin’ on You” – 3:40
- “X-Ray Spex” – 3:35
- “Good Ale We Seek” – 4:20
Live in Action
Released 1989
“Live in Action” is a comprehensive compilation that not only includes the entire “Live At Municipal Auditorium, Louisville, March 30, 1978” album but also additional live recordings that highlight the band’s enduring stage legacy.
CD Track Listings:
- “Detroit Girls” – 5:15
- “Live Wire” – 4:20
- “Tear It Down” – 4:00
- “Boys in Action” – 6:00
- “Night Crawler” – 5:10
- “(She’s Just a) Fallen Angel” – 4:10
- “Pull the Plug” – 5:25
- “Monkey Business” – 3:00
- “Over and Over” – 3:50
- “Rock Six Times” – 4:10
- “Cherry Baby” – 4:05
- “Sing It, Shout It” – 5:30
- “Cool One” – 3:45
- “Violation” – 4:30
- “Subway Terror” – 3:40
- “All Night Long” – 3:50
- “Is That a Street Light or the Moon?” – 3:50
- “She” – 3:20
- “Coliseum Rock” – 2:20
Greatest Hits Live
Released 2004
CD Track Listings:
1. “Fallen Angel” 3:52
2. “Tear it Down” 3:14
3. “Live Wire” 4:16
4. “Monkey Business” 2:46
5. “Detroit Girls” 4:57
6. “Night Crawler” 4:38
7. “Pull the Plug” 7:56
8. “Boys in Action” 8:09
9. “She” 3:25
10. “Any Way That You Want It” 4:20
11. “Cherry Baby” 4:08
12. “Rock Six Times” 4:32
13. “Coliseum Rock” 2:54
14. “It’s a Riot” 3:41
15. “Subway Terror” 4:07
16. “Take Me” 4:20
Complete List Of Starz Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
