Shooting Star

by John BushMuscular '80s rockers Shooting Star formed in Kansas City late in the 1970s with vocalist/guitarist Van McLain, guitarist Gary West, violin player Charles Waltz, bassist Ron Verlin, and drummer Steve Thomas. The group signed to Virgin before the end of the decade and delivered their self-titled debut album late in 1979; the single "You've Got What I Need" was a modest hit, as was "Hollywood" from 1981's Hang on for Your Life, but Shooting Star disbanded by 1985. Four years later, McLain and Verlin were present at the formation of another edition of the band, with vocal duties being handled by newcomer Keith Mitchell. The new Shooting Star debuted in 1989 with the single "Touch Me Tonight," which became their biggest hit (a not-quite awe-inspiring number 76); the group's sixth album overall, It's Not Over, was released in 1991.