Classic riff & drum fills. San Jose, California in the '80s. This got some good airplay on KSJO & KOME, plus my cassette player. The dudes I jammed with were all Shooting Star fans...
Why didn't Shooting Star become a world wide band! Was it their manager, record label, market... WHAT? They were valid in the late seventies and even now! Someone dropped the ball. Shooting Star deserved a hell of a lot more success!
Yeah Rich, they dropped off the radar after this album. That could only mean one thing... no label support. Same thing happened to Y&T after Black Tiger came out in '82. The Police and Styx were probably their two hottest acts at the time, they had their promo stuff plastered all over every record store and were doing world tours while Y&T was in the back of the store and playing the US & Canada, and 2wks of dates in Japan. They failed the band miserably. Same thing w/these guys but a very common tale in the industry.
1st issue was not getting their 1st album released to stores for 6 months after it’s release , due to in-fighting between their label Virgin Records & Atlantic, who was the distributor. After that, Virgin would barely promote anything they did, even going as far as basically firing 80% of the stations that were previously contracted to play whatever Virgin sent them It pissed Gary West off so much, he literally quit the business entirely, tho you will see him credited on their 2006 album, for Christmas Together
They didn’t piss them off, so much as they were nearly bankrupt in 1980, & were putting more $ towards promoting their big name clients, & barely promoted SS.
This was my 'hit-the-highway, jump-start-the-weekend' tune, every Friday afternoon at quitting time in the 1980s. They lyrics were perfect. "ya break out, ya break out... you walk away from it all with a smile - ya break out and say the hell with it all for a while...." and that awesome riff.
R.I.P. Van McLain. I seen this band several times during KANSAS’ Vinyl Confessions tour circa ‘82-‘83, they were the opening act and always wondered why didn’t they get the recognition they more than deserved. My favorite song from Shooting Star, “ Dreams “ from the LP “ Burning “. This lead vocalist in this video clip is decent, but he is no Gary West especially performing without pajamas.
This song is most famous for that tiny small debut on Motley Crue's 1987's Uncensored Home Video when Vince Neil is in his limo with a bunch of blondes being interviewed & you can hear this song on the background in the limos stereo, took me 25 years to find out it was Shooting Star though!!
i hung around with a bunch of garage bands and they all loved this band, so I was an early adopter... but I made a Motley Crue mix tape and I included this on it 😂
My boss held up the album cover at a used vinyl store about four years ago and I said “WHO???” Oh, you should have seen the look he gave me ! 😂😂 Since then, this is one of my favorite albums!
Saw these guy's at the Rib-Fest in louisville,Ky. They put on one hell of a show, Opend up for Kansas, the show was free and the Ribs were unbelivable, it was a picture perfect night for an outside gig.
palace theater cincy. last show there. they tore down that historic building the very next day. one of the best live bands. yes...they were loved by the 'nati'. .. and st. louis. things that make you go hmmm.
Gr8 band that was underrated and didn’t quite get the exposure they needed.nonetheless,one of the best from middle America St Louis, Mo I believe..thanx guys for the music and memories 👌🏽👍🏽😎 ps oh yeah I’m in and from California so we know about SS ✨
Gary West retired several years ago after getting frustrated with the music business because SS kept getting screwed. I've been told that he's completely out of music and now makes a living as a home inspector, believe it or not.
Looks like this is Keith Mitchell. From what I can tell on their MySpace website this singer was after Gary West and current singer Ronnie Platt. Still, there are some vocal similarities between West and Mitchell, and any singer that can cover SS and keep this band performing is talented. Very tough songs, musically and vocally.
i saw them 4 times in about 20 years time an they totally rocked the house down --- i didn`t know that gary west played in missouri-- now that was another great band-- just didn`t get enough publicity i guess
Saw them open for cheap trick around 1980. I never heard of them. They blew cheap Trick away. Was a huge fan since.
Classic riff & drum fills. San Jose, California in the '80s. This got some good airplay on KSJO & KOME, plus my cassette player. The dudes I jammed with were all Shooting Star fans...
These guys don't screw around, they come blazing!
Hang On For Your Life is such an underrated album. People know songs from it but don't even know who is playing.
Everytime I see this (it's on a PL) I'm so BLOWN AWAY!!!!!!, OMG! MASTRFUL!
Kcmo band,they were huge around here in Missouri and kansas
They got airplay on WLAV in grand rapids MI back in the day.
Totally LOVE Shooting Star !! EPIC music ! 🎵🎧🎸📻🥁🎼💙🎶
Why didn't Shooting Star become a world wide band! Was it their manager, record label, market... WHAT? They were valid in the late seventies and even now! Someone dropped the ball. Shooting Star deserved a hell of a lot more success!
i'd don't think there label did them any favors from what i'd heard they piss off a lot of the radio station so they wouldn't played their stuff
Yeah Rich, they dropped off the radar after this album. That could only mean one thing... no label support. Same thing happened to Y&T after Black Tiger came out in '82. The Police and Styx were probably their two hottest acts at the time, they had their promo stuff plastered all over every record store and were doing world tours while Y&T was in the back of the store and playing the US & Canada, and 2wks of dates in Japan. They failed the band miserably. Same thing w/these guys but a very common tale in the industry.
They hung around Kansas city and never left for LA
1st issue was not getting their 1st album released to stores for 6 months after it’s release , due to in-fighting between their label Virgin Records & Atlantic, who was the distributor.
After that, Virgin would barely promote anything they did, even going as far as basically firing 80% of the stations that were previously contracted to play whatever Virgin sent them
It pissed Gary West off so much, he literally quit the business entirely, tho you will see him credited on their 2006 album, for Christmas Together
They didn’t piss them off, so much as they were nearly bankrupt in 1980, & were putting more $ towards promoting their big name clients, & barely promoted SS.
These guys rock
This was my 'hit-the-highway, jump-start-the-weekend' tune, every Friday afternoon at quitting time in the 1980s. They lyrics were perfect. "ya break out, ya break out... you walk away from it all with a smile - ya break out and say the hell with it all for a while...." and that awesome riff.
Damn straight! Mine as well...that was when FM radio at 5pm on a Friday was party time!!
Mine was Last Chance,,,,” to be good to yourself” LOL
The most underrated band ever!!!!!
Them and The Good Rats!
Steve Dronzewski Dont you mean The Boomtown Rats?
No. The Good Rats!
Along with Wasp! These guys right here are great!
"Let's Roll" the 9/11 song was an epic tribute
I so love seeing Van jam the guitar - what an artist!!!
Most underrated band of all time!
R.I.P. Van McLain. I seen this band several times during KANSAS’ Vinyl Confessions tour circa ‘82-‘83, they were the opening act and always wondered why didn’t they get the recognition they more than deserved. My favorite song from Shooting Star, “ Dreams “ from the LP “ Burning “. This lead vocalist in this video clip is decent, but he is no Gary West especially performing without pajamas.
Two GREAT things to come from Kansas City- Boulevard Beer AND Shooting Star!!
This song is most famous for that tiny small debut on Motley Crue's 1987's Uncensored Home Video when Vince Neil is in his limo with a bunch of blondes being interviewed & you can hear this song on the background in the limos stereo, took me 25 years to find out it was Shooting Star though!!
i hung around with a bunch of garage bands and they all loved this band, so I was an early adopter... but I made a Motley Crue mix tape and I included this on it 😂
I wish I got to see them live...!!! Glad to come across these vids. I friggin love this band...!!!
Old school...Cheers 🍻
Awesome band. Loved them in the 80s, love them now.
Such a Great Band ! Its a shame never Made it to SUPER BAND !!! To this day, I turn people on to Shooting Star, their jaws drop !
Yeah i know I'm late but had to reply. This band is great, used to listen to them in 80's but still do, coming from a man who was born in 66'
Early days in St Joe, MO, great band
Great band!! guitar player is Awesome!! no two handed tapping, no neo classical scales, just good ole soulfull lead playing!!!!! love it!!!!!
hey I saw these guys in Boston at the Channel thye rocked then and always will!
Hell yea
Saw them as an opening act and first place just had come out! They were awesome so I went out and bought the album. And every one after that too
Great song!!!
My boss held up the album cover at a used vinyl store about four years ago and I said “WHO???”
Oh, you should have seen the look he gave me ! 😂😂
Since then, this is one of my favorite albums!
Saw these guy's at the Rib-Fest in louisville,Ky. They put on one hell of a show, Opend up for Kansas, the show was free and the Ribs were unbelivable, it was a picture perfect night for an outside gig.
love seeing Van smiling
they had MANY bad ass songs....reminds me of high school back in michigan
Best band ever
Wow! I'm so glad i found these vids!
used to rock to these guys in high school!!!! in the 80's!
Probably in top most underrated bands ever.
Shooting Star rocks!
These guys were huge in Cincinnati. Sold out the places they played all the time. Miss them big time.
palace theater cincy. last show there. they tore down that historic building the very next day. one of the best live bands. yes...they were loved by the 'nati'. .. and st. louis. things that make you go hmmm.
That outro solo.... face melter. Such an underrated band.
I had no idea Van McLain died.... he was an excellent guitarist.... RIP ....
Very cool extended live version of "Breakout" >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
2021 🍻
Gr8 band that was underrated and didn’t quite get the exposure they needed.nonetheless,one of the best from middle America St Louis, Mo I believe..thanx guys for the music and memories 👌🏽👍🏽😎 ps oh yeah I’m in and from California so we know about SS ✨
Do your homework son they are from Kansas City and always have been
Saw them live at troutaire when I was a kid awesome band
Yeah troutaire open air in minnesota,!!
If I could go back in time.......
R I P Van, one hell of a fret eater!
awesome band very underrated
Wish I had been there! Excellent sound.
Gary West retired several years ago after getting frustrated with the music business because SS kept getting screwed. I've been told that he's completely out of music and now makes a living as a home inspector, believe it or not.
I SAID MOST OF ALL I HAD TO SAY ON "LAST CHANCE"& YES!THE MOST UNDERRATED BAND OF MY 50 YEARS?
I agree. They were our Hometown Boys. Miss them I have to get my daily Shooting Star fix,or the day is wasted.
saw them last night at the firefest festival awesome still.
I have to agree !! Shooting Star is AWESOME !!
You Rule !! Best song is "Teaser"
Hell Yeah, they're better than ever as it sounds
Muy queridos en Puerto Rico
Bad asssssss !!!!!!! Put the Damn peddle to floor !
Looks like this is Keith Mitchell. From what I can tell on their MySpace website this singer was after Gary West and current singer Ronnie Platt. Still, there are some vocal similarities between West and Mitchell, and any singer that can cover SS and keep this band performing is talented. Very tough songs, musically and vocally.
got to hang out at vans house one time with daughter .we worked together. got to hold thatsunburst kc memories what rock composistions sad for gary
Love Shooting Star. Saw them '85 with Survivor...outdoor Twin Cities concert. They were better than Survivor for sure.
Freaking-A! Thanks for sharing.
This is one of the best bands I’ve ever seen they blew Jefferson Starship off the fucking stage
@popachubby13 Hell Yeah Bro reminds me when I was 16 when that came out then i just the video for the first time and they still fuckin kick ass
Come to the Catalyst Santa Cruz Ca
Ok cool I remember this song too.... Ok two hit wonder band! LOLOLOL...
@bqsplit I agree he is definitely a good...
MUCH BETTER VERSION LIVE THEN THE STUDIO....
ogrebattle22763 I can't say I agree with ya.
J Shep It's cool... To each his own...
It sounds great here, but remember when they were in the studio that was technology 30 years old, cant compare really with this here JMO
they are comingback to kc sandstone saturday aug 4th 6pm one ticket admits your car load GO! I'm there!
The American Bad Company!
Anyone know the lyrics to breakout?
Tired of crying all to myself
trooper was a great band in its time good band don't get radio air time because its a lousy place to here good music
Where's Gary?
Does anyone know where to get this DVD? The website listed above is not valid anymore!
Dude, try Ebay. :ots of their stuff is outta print now. I just bought the 3rd CD brand new for like 12 bucks
Where can one get a CD at
iTunes has their music. If you want a physical CD, try eBay first. You might get a vinyl pressing.
Someone in comments got the CD for $12 on eBay.
i saw them 4 times in about 20 years time an they totally rocked the house down --- i didn`t know that gary west played in missouri-- now that was another great band-- just didn`t get enough publicity i guess
Gary's brother Ron was lead singer.