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Planes Mistaken for Stars

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Planes Mistaken for Stars
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1997 in Peoria, Illinois, U.S.
Headquarters
Denver, Colorado
,
United States
ProductsAlbums, EPs, singles

Planes Mistaken for Stars was a rock group originating from Peoria, Illinois in 1997, later relocating to Denver, Colorado in 1999. Throughout their career, they collaborated with multiple record labels, producing three full-length albums and four EPs before disbanding in 2008. Their sound, rooted in post-hardcore and emo genres, incorporated elements from heavy metal and classic rock and roll. After reuniting in 2010, the band released their fourth studio album, Prey, in 2016.

Formation (1997–1999)

The band was established in 1997 by vocalist and guitarist Gared O'Donnell alongside guitarist Matt Bellinger, bassist Aaron Wise, and drummer Mike Ricketts. They independently released a self-titled EP in 1998 before Jamie Drier replaced Wise on bass. Deep Elm Records reissued this EP in August 1999. That same year, they issued the 7" single Fucking Fight through Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak Records.

Intermediate years (1999–2006)

Following their move to Denver in 1999, the group recorded Knife In The Marathon, their second release with Deep Elm. In 2001, they signed with Gainesville-based No Idea Records to launch the album Fuck with Fire. The subsequent year saw the release of the EP Spearheading the Sin Movement as well as their contribution to the tribute compilation Black on Black: A Tribute to Black Flag.

Jamie Drier departed in 2003 and was succeeded by Chuck French from Peralta. That year, they worked with producer A. J. Mogis on Up in Them Guts, which No Idea released in 2004. To support this album, Planes Mistaken for Stars toured extensively across North America and Europe, sharing stages with acts such as The Ataris, Cursive, Against Me!, Dillinger Escape Plan, Hot Water Music, and High on Fire. They also performed at prominent festivals including Skate and Surf Fest and Hellfest. In 2005, the band completed three headline tours throughout the UK and US.

Early in 2006, original guitarist Matt Bellinger left to focus on projects like Ghost Buffalo and Il Cattivo. Although there were rumors about signing with Relapse Records—a label specializing in metal—they instead announced a contract with Abacus Recordings late in 2005. Their album Mercy, produced by Matt Bayles (known for his work with Mastodon and Isis), was released on October 3, 2006 following a short delay from its initially planned June launch.

Dissolution (2007–2008)

Just one week after releasing Mercy, Abacus Recordings ceased operations. The parent company Century Media Records offered Planes Mistaken for Stars a new contract reportedly worth significantly less than before, which discouraged the band. In July 2007, they declared their breakup and held a farewell show on February 16, 2008 at Denver’s Marquis Theater.

Reunion, Prey and O'Donnell's death (2010–2021)

Beginning in 2010, Planes Mistaken for Stars reunited intermittently for live performances, starting with Fest 9 in Gainesville, Florida. They toured the US East Coast in 2012 followed by a West Coast tour in 2014.

After releasing enigmatic videos featuring endorsements from musicians such as Brann Dailor (Mastodon) and Nate Newton (Converge), indie label Deathwish Inc. reissued their 2006 album Mercy on July 14, 2015 alongside an East Coast promotional tour. The band also announced ongoing development of new music intended for release through Deathwish.

Their first new album in ten years, Prey, was released on October 21, 2016 via Deathwish.

On September 7, 2017, guitarist Matt Bellinger passed away; investigations concluded his death was a suicide. Prior to his death, Bellinger had encountered legal difficulties.

On November 25, 2021, the band confirmed that vocalist Gared O'Donnell had died from esophageal cancer. They also revealed that a final album containing his recorded contributions had been completed:

On September 10, 2024, the group announced the forthcoming album Do You Still Love Me?, scheduled for release on November 1, 2024. This record features material written and recorded by O'Donnell before his passing.

Musical style

The A.V. Club noted that Planes Mistaken for Stars have consistently thrived within a "zone bridging classic rock, stoner metal, and dissonant hardcore". Described by Stereogum as among the "heaviest" bands in the "post-hardcore underground of the 2000s," they received similar acclaim from Metal Hammer, which recognized them as one of the standout acts during the early millennium's "post-hardcore/emo surge," emphasizing their "gritty, raw, and discordant punk infused with melody and steeped in classic rock'n'roll ethos." According to Punknews.org, their sound is a distinct fusion of metal, hardcore, punk, and post-hardcore elements. SLUG Magazine placed them at the intersection of emo, punk, hardcore, and rock n' roll genres.

The late frontman Gared O'Donnell characterized their music as follows:

At our core, we’re simply a rock band. (...) While some might tag us as 'punk rock,' that term varies widely in meaning. I’d say we all carry a punk rock spirit because that’s what initially drew us to music. (...) Our sound is heavy. When people ask what we resemble, I tell them it’s heavy. My influences include Thin Lizzy, Black Flag, and Marvin Gaye. I try to incorporate small elements from everything I admire.[1]

Band members

Final line-up

  • Gared O'Donnell – vocals, guitar (1997–2008, 2010–2021; deceased 2021)
  • Mike Ricketts – drums (1997–2008, 2010–2021)
  • Chuck French – guitar (2004–2008, 2010–2021), bass (2003–2004)
  • Neil Keener – bass (2004–2008, 2010–2021)

Former members

  • Aaron Wise – bass (1997–1998)
  • Jamie Drier – bass (1998–2003)
  • Matt Bellinger – guitar, vocals (1997–2006; deceased 2017)

Timeline


Studio albums

Compilation albums

  • We Ride to Fight! (The First Four Years) (2007, No Idea Records) Double LP/CD

Singles and EPs

Compilation appearances

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