Roadstar
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Predecessor | Hurricane Party |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Defunct | April 2007 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Studio albums: Grand Hotel (2006), Glass Mountain (2007); EP: Get This (2004, as Hurricane Party) |
Roadstar was a British rock ensemble established in 2002 under the original name Hurricane Party, and they dissolved in April 2007. In 2008, some former members joined forces with Sid Glover to create Heaven's Basement. Richie Hevanz, an ex-member, later became the lead singer for Fragile Things in 2016 and Misery's Smile in 2021.
As Hurricane Party (2002–2004)
The group was initiated in 2002 by guitarist Jonny Rocker alongside manager Laurie Mansworth, who helped recruit members such as Rob Randell via advertisements. Their musical approach was heavily inspired by 1970s hard rock and heavy metal icons like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Deep Purple.
On 9 November 2002, Hurricane Party opened for Paul Di'Anno's Killers and Zodiac Mindwarp at Camden Underworld. Original frontman Steve Pipe departed following a London performance in July 2003; he later became the vocalist for Carmen Pimps and appeared on ITV1's Superstar in 2012. A short-lived replacement named Cherry was soon succeeded by Richie Hevanz in October 2003, who made his first appearance at JB's Dudley.
In 2004, A&R representative John Kalodner—renowned for collaborating with Aerosmith and Whitesnake—discovered the band, which then released their initial EP titled Get This. The following year, they co-headlined Nokia's 'New School of Rock' tour alongside The Glitterati and The Black Velvets.
After several significant hurricanes struck the United States including Katrina, the band adopted the new name Roadstar.
As Roadstar (2004–2007)
Roadstar shared stages with notable artists such as Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, Thunder, Status Quo, Meat Loaf, Nickelback, and The Darkness. They performed at major rock festivals including the 2004 Download Festival and 2006 Monsters of Rock.
Their first full-length album, Grand Hotel, produced by Kevin Shirley—known for work with Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith—was released in 2006. To support this release, Roadstar embarked on a co-headlining tour with The Answer from October through November, comprising 23 shows. Prior to this tour, guitarist Robin "Kreepy" Hirschfeld left the band and was replaced by Sid Glover.
At the 2006 Classic Rock Magazine Awards, Roadstar earned the title of 'Best Newcomers', beating out Australian group Wolfmother. Their sophomore album, Glass Mountain, was launched on 16 April 2007.
On 24 April 2007, Roadstar announced their breakup and plans to pursue different projects without providing specific reasons. They also revealed losing control of their MySpace profile. Speculation arose about conflicts with Magic Hat Records regarding the promotion of Glass Mountain. Despite disbanding, both albums remained accessible.
According to a statement from Classic Rock, Roadstar parted ways with manager and co-writer Laurie Mansworth after seven years together. Mansworth expressed regret but avoided negative remarks. This split occurred shortly after their second album’s release.
Band members
- Jonny Rocker – guitar (2002–2007)
- Rob Randell – bass (2002–2007)
- Chris Rivers – drums (2002–2007)
- Richie Hevanz – vocals (2003–2007)
- Robin "Kreepy" Hirschfeld – guitar (2003–2006)
- Steve Pipe – vocals (2002–2003)
- Cherry – vocals (2003, no live performances)
Studio Albums
- Grand Hotel (released in 2006)
- Glass Mountain (released in 2007)
Extended Play
- Get This (EP) (issued under the name Hurricane Party) (2004)