Starz:
Back In Action - Live In 2003 (DVD-Video/Concert)
Picture: B-
Sound: B- Extras: D Film: B
Starz is perhaps one of the most overlooked and underrated
hard rock bands of the late 70s.
Managed by Bill Aucoin (who had found success managing another little
band called KISS), Starz released four albums and played the Arena Rock circuit
as the opening act for KISS, Aerosmith, and Blue Oyster Cult.
Lead singer Michael Smith's vocals were powerful, backed
by lead guitarist Richie Ranno. Their songs were hard and driving yet melodic
and hook-laden. Their lyrics were smart
and, in those days, a little bit dirtier than most, a sure appeal to the
adolescent male audience who were their target demographic.
In spite of having all the elements that should have
assured success in that market Starz never caught on. It's hard to tell if they were influential or simply on the
cutting edge of a movement that would only catch on after their demise. Only a few years later bands like Motley
Crue, Poison, and the whole glam/Trash Hair Metal movement would be plastered
over MTV and radio playing rock that sounded a lot like Starz.
The Back In Action DVD captures a live performance
from the Starz reunion in 2003. Though they have aged they have lost none of
their power. Michael Smith in
particular is portly and balding, a stunning contrast to his thin Mick
Jagger-like 70's swagger. His voice
still soars. Their set-list spans their
career:
1. (She's Just A) Fallen Angel
2. Monkey Business
3. Detroit Girls
4. Rock Six Times
5. Subway Terror
6. Nitecrawler
7. Tear It Down
8. She
9. Any Way That You Want It
10. Cherry Baby
11. Pull The Plug
12. Violation
13. Cool One
14. Waiting On You
15. Coliseum Rock
16. It's A Riot
17. So Young, So Bad
18. Outfit
19. Boys In Action
The DVD opens with a collage of images of them setting up
for the show, interspersed with still photos of their past. The small club is filled with a loyal
audience (you can see they know all the words), but it quite a contrast with
the Arenas they used to fill. Their
energy is great; it’s obvious the band is really enjoying playing together
again. While it would have cost more to
produce, some sort of documentary would have been nice. There is really no information about the
band or their history anywhere in the package.
If you don't already know about Starz this DVD will not help. It's a great chance for old fans to see a
live performance and for new fans to discover what the fuss is about.
- Wayne Wise
Wayne saw Starz open for Rush at the Civic Arena in
Pittsburgh in January 1979. At the time
he thought he was the only person there who knew who they were. He was probably wrong. Go to www.wayne-wise.com
for more.
