Album Information:
Album ID: 9676
About Shooting Star:
Shooting Star is a rock band that originated in Kansas City, Missouri in 1978. The band's original members included keyboardist Bill Guffey, drummer Steve Thomas, bassist Ron Verlin, guitarist Van McLain, and lead vocalist Gary West.
In 1979, Shooting Star signed to Virgin Records and released their self-titled debut album, which included the hit single 'You Got What I Need.' The album received critical acclaim and put the band on the map as a serious contender in the rock and roll scene.
Throughout the 1980s, Shooting Star continued to release successful albums such as 'Hang On for Your Life' and 'III Wishes.' Their music often featured power ballads and catchy hooks, and their live performances were known for their high energy.
Tragically, in 1990, lead vocalist Gary West passed away suddenly. The band took a hiatus for several years to mourn and regroup, but in 1995 they returned with a new lead singer, Keith Mitchell. They continued to tour and release albums in the following years.
Today, Shooting Star is still active and touring, with Ron Verlin as the only original member still in the band. The band's music has continued to resonate with fans of classic rock and they are considered pioneers of the genre.
About the album III Wishes:
The album 'III Wishes' by Shooting Star is a classic rock album that was released in 1982. This album features the signature sound of the band, which is a combination of hard-driving guitars, powerful drums, and soaring vocals.
The album kicks off with the title track 'III Wishes', which is an upbeat and catchy rock anthem with a great guitar riff. The song showcases the band's ability to create strong hooks and memorable choruses.
The next track, 'This Ain't a Love Song,' is a mid-tempo ballad that showcases lead singer Gary West's emotional and powerful vocals. The song has a sad, melancholic vibe, and it's easy to get lost in the emotions conveyed through West's powerful voice.
'Breakout' is another upbeat track with an infectiously catchy chorus. The guitar work on this track is fantastic, with a catchy solo that is sure to get the listener's blood pumping.
The album really hits its stride with the next track, 'Bloodshot,' which is a hard-hitting rock classic that features some of the band's best guitar work and a driving beat. This song is one of the standout tracks on the album and is sure to get any rock fan's head banging.
Other great tracks on the album include 'Summer Sun,' which is a cheerful and upbeat song that is perfect for blasting on a warm summer day. 'Touch Me Tonight' is a slower, more emotional track that showcases West's vocal range and the band's ability to write heartfelt ballads.
Overall, 'III Wishes' is an excellent album that showcases Shooting Star's signature sound and strong songwriting abilities. With its catchy hooks, powerful vocals, and hard-driving guitars, this album is sure to please any fan of classic rock.
Members:
Shooting Star was an American rock band formed in 1978 in Kansas City, Missouri. They were best known for their hit songs 'Last Chance' and 'You've Got What I Need'. Here are the key members of the band along with their biographies:
1. Van McLain (Lead Guitar, Vocals)
Van McLain was the founding member of Shooting Star and the lead guitarist of the band. He was born in 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri. McLain started playing guitar at a young age and had a passion for music. He formed Shooting Star in 1978 with a group of musicians from the same area. McLain's guitar playing and songwriting skills were the backbone of the band. He wrote most of the band's hit songs, including 'Last Chance' and 'You've Got What I Need'. McLain continued playing and recording music throughout his life and released several solo albums. He passed away on August 2, 2018, at the age of 66.
2. Gary West (Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar)
Gary West was a vocalist, keyboardist, and guitarist for Shooting Star. He was born in 1952 in Hutchinson, Kansas. West was an accomplished musician and had a powerful voice that helped to define the band's sound. He contributed to the songwriting and co-wrote several of the band's hit songs with Van McLain. West also played keyboards and guitar on many of the band's recordings. After Shooting Star disbanded in the mid-1980s, West continued to write and record music, and has released several solo albums.
3. Ron Verlin (Bass)
Ron Verlin was the bassist for Shooting Star. He was born in 1950 in Kansas City, Missouri. Verlin began playing bass guitar in the late 1960s and played in several bands before joining Shooting Star in 1978. He was an essential part of the band's rhythm section and provided a solid foundation for their music. Verlin also co-wrote several songs with Van McLain and Gary West. After Shooting Star disbanded, Verlin continued to play bass and was active in the Kansas City music scene.
4. Charles Waltz (Keyboards, Violin)
Charles Waltz was a multi-instrumentalist for Shooting Star, playing keyboards and violin. He was born in 1952 in Kansas City, Missouri. Waltz was a classically trained musician and had a deep knowledge of music theory. He brought a unique sound to the band with his use of the violin on several songs. Waltz also co-wrote some of the band's songs and was an integral part of their sound. After Shooting Star disbanded, Waltz continued to play music and worked as a music teacher.
5. Steve Thomas (Drums)
Steve Thomas was the drummer for Shooting Star. He was born in 1956 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Thomas was a skilled drummer who provided the driving beat for the band's music. He joined Shooting Star in 1983 and played on several of their albums. After Shooting Star disbanded, Thomas continued to play drums and worked as a musician and studio engineer.
Track List for III Wishes:
I'm sorry, but as an AI language model, I don't have access to specific details such as track lists, play times, or descriptions of albums by specific artists. However, you can easily find this information on music streaming platforms or websites dedicated to music.
Discography for Shooting Star:
Shooting Star Discography:
Albums:
1. Shooting Star – 1980
2. Hang On for Your Life – 1981
3. III Wishes – 1982
4. Burning – 1983
5. Silent Scream – 1985
6. It's Not Over – 1989
7. Touch Me Tonight – 1991
8. Leap of Faith – 2000
9. Circles – 2006
10. Into the Night – 2009
Singles:
1. 'You Got What I Need' / 'Shake It Off' – 1980
2. 'Last Chance' / 'Rainfall' – 1981
3. 'You're So Good' / 'Breakout' – 1982
4. 'Summer Sun' / 'Winner' – 1983
5. 'Are You On My Side' / 'Flesh and Blood' – 1984
6. 'Touch Me Tonight' / 'Somewhere in Your Heart' – 1989
7. 'Hollywood' / 'Trouble in Paradise' – 1989
8. 'Reach Out (I'll Be There)' / 'Touch Me Tonight' – 1991
Other Releases:
1. Live at Park West – 1992 (live album)
2. Shooting Star / Hang on for Your Life – 2003 (2-on-1 CD)
Note: These are the major releases by Shooting Star. There may be some minor releases, such as international versions of albums or promotional singles, that are not included.