STARZ, originated in 1974 after the band Looking Glass had become a five piece act, adding a new guitarist, Brendan Harkin. Shortly after Brendan joined the band, their lead singer Elliot left and in came powerhouse vocalist, Michael Lee Smith. The group called themselves the Fallen Angels, recording an album's worth of material and beginning their deal with Aucoin management. Only one piece of the puzzle was missing, a hard rock guitarist, with edge. In 1975, their search began only to find just what they were looking for; Richie Ranno. The band changed their name to STARZ, were signed to Capitol Records, and in 1976 released their debut, self-titled album, which was followed by three more studio albums and multiple live performance records. Since the 70s, STARZ, having toured with Kiss, Ted Nugent, Rush, and so many others, have influenced a variety of artists, including members of Mötley Crüe, Poison, Guns N' Roses, Bon Jovi, Skid Row, and Slash’s Snakepit to name a few.

“This band's songwriting was a big influence on me early on. If you like 70’s rock music mixed with melody and crunchy guitars you just might love them too. Think Aerosmith meets Kiss…#PullThePlug”

- Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe)

“These songs helped shape a lot of what became later on. It's not the only_stuff that inspired me, but it's an era that was very. inspirational”

- Rikki Rockett (Poison)