Starcastle

Founded in Champaign, Illinois, USA in 1972 and disbanded in 1987. Reformed in 1997 and active until 2007. Reformed again in 2018. The history of Starcastle goes back to 1968, when Steve Hagler (guitar), Mike Castlehorn (Drums) and Paul Tassler (bass guitar) formed ST. JAMES, a cover band that had some success playing in local pubs and bars. Soon after Herb Schildt joined the band and with a keyboardist they were ready for greater things, but tragedy hit them, Mike Castlehorn died in a car accident and was replaced by Steve Tassler. After years of practicing and writing new material, Starcastle released their eponymous debut in 1976, and even when they were cataloged as YES clones, the band was well received in USA and Canada. Despite having several lineup changes, Starcastle managed to release three more albums, "Fountains of Light" (1977), "Citadel" (1977) and the mainstream oriented "Real to Reel" in 1978, after that, the band disbanded, but had several reunions for short periods. In 2004 the band decided to make a tribute for Gary Strater who had pancreatic cancer since 2003. They performed together with Gary (this was his last performance with the band). Gary passed away a year later, but not before recording enough material for their last record called "Song of Times" that was released in 2007.