Starz: The Cult Legends of American Hard Rock
Starz is a legacy American hard rock band that emerged in the mid-1970s, forged from the ashes of two chart-topping acts—Looking Glass (famous for “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)”) and Stories (“Brother Louie”) Formed in 1975, the original lineup featured Michael Lee Smith (vocals), Richie Ranno (guitar), Brendan Harkin (guitar), Pieter “Pete” Sweval (bass), and Joe X. Dubé (drums)
Though they never achieved massive commercial success, Starz carved out a fiercely loyal cult following in the U.S. and abroad. Their blend of hard rock, power pop, and glam metal earned them a devoted fanbase and the admiration of future rock icons like Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Poison, and Twisted Sister.
Managed by Bill Aucoin (of KISS fame), Starz released four albums on Capitol Records between 1976 and 1978, including the standout “Violation”, which featured their hit “Cherry Baby.” Their music was raw, melodic, and often ahead of its time—balancing arena-ready riffs with introspective lyrics and theatrical flair.
Despite lineup changes and industry setbacks, Starz has continued to perform and record, maintaining their status as one of rock’s great arena performers. Their influence remains undeniable, and their live shows still deliver the same electric energy that first put them on the map.
