Video Games Vista: Starcastle - Lady of the Lake - In memory of Gary Strater Videos

Added: Nov 23, 2008

From: unvarnisheddefacto

Duration: 10:31

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.

Channel: Music

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