SHOOTING STAR TO BE FEATURED AT UK’S FIREFEST 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Kansas City-based band to debut new singer at international music festival
(Newswire.net — July 17, 2013) KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For more than 40 years, the legendary rock band Shooting Star has entertained people around the world. Now, the band is proud to celebrate the induction of a new singer, Todd Pettygrove. He will join them for the first time on stage at Moondance in Minnesota with Motley Crew. The celebration will continue later this year, on Oct. 19, the band will show Pettygrove to the world at the 10 year Anniversary Firefest music festival in Nottingham, United Kingdom.
“We did not want his first show with us to be in front of 100,000 people,” the bandmates say. “We may do a couple of these so stay tuned. Come welcome Todd to the Shooting Star family!”
THE NEW GUY
Pettygrove comes to Shooting Star, establishing his own sound and developing a great following as lead vocalist. His passion for music and incredibly smooth sound make him an asset to Shooting Star.
“We did not want his first show with us to be in front of 100,000 people,” the bandmates say.
Come welcome Todd to the Shooting Star family!”
THE BEGINNING
Childhood friends Ron Verlin and Van McLain formed the band in suburban Kansas City. The boys were next-door neighbors and instantly became good friends. That friendship eventually sparked the fire behind Shooting Star. Early on, they were playing gigs at local schools, fraternities and country clubs. By the late 1970’s, bassist Verlin and vocalist/guitarist McLain were joined by guitarist Gary West, violinist Charles Waltz and drummer Steve Thomas.
The group was an instant hit, with three record companies begging to sign the band. The group eventually signed to Virgin Records, a small British recording label at the time.
By January 1980, the band released its first album, the self-titled Shooting Star. Later, the started a national tour, opening for Robin Trower and Triumph. The band found much radio success with “You Got What I Need,” “Tonight,” “Bring It On” and “Last Chance.”
THE FALLOUT
The group found much success, but after 10 years of touring and five albums, in 1987, Shooting Star went on hiatus. Yet, it wouldn’t last for long.
Two years later, the guys were able to rekindle their musical taste buds. Now, under the leadership of Enigma Records, Verlin, McLain and Thomas returned with new members. The found success with their song “Touch Me Tonight,” which landed on Billboard’s Hot 100. The song also appeared in the movie I Come in Peace.
THE RICH HISTORY
Shooting Star has made an incredible mark on the music community. They’ve toured with ZZ Top, Heart, Bryan Adams, REO Speedwagon, John Mellencamp and dozens of others. They’ve also released eight studio albums, including Shooting Star (1980), Hang On for Your Life (1981), Ill Wishes (1982), Burning (1983), Silent Scream (1985), It’s Not Over (1991), Leap of Faith (2000) and Circles (2006). Now, with the addition of Pettygrove, the music family is anxious to entertaining people around the world.
News Media Contact:
Terry Moore
E-mail – 1moorewebsite@gmail.com