Rock Star Supernova
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted, Gilby Clarke |
| Headquarters | United States / Canada |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Rock Star Supernova was a supergroup created through a reality television format, comprising drummer Tommy Lee, bassist Jason Newsted, guitarist Gilby Clarke, and vocalist Lukas Rossi. The ensemble was formed during the second installment of the Rock Star franchise, titled Rock Star: Supernova, which aimed to find a frontman.
History
The foundation of the group was laid by Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted, and Gilby Clarke as part of the second season broadcast on CBS. The season launched online on July 3, 2006, with its television premiere following on July 5. Audience participation through voting on the Rock Star website ultimately led to Lukas Rossi being chosen as lead singer on September 13, 2006.
Naming conflict
Initially called "Supernova," the band encountered legal challenges from an established California-based pop punk trio also named Supernova, which had been active since 1989. On June 26, 2006, the original group initiated litigation against Mark Burnett Productions, Rockstar Entertainment, CBS, and members Lee, Newsted, and Clarke for trademark infringement and sought damages. Among the evidence was a MySpace communication indicating that the defendants were aware of the pre-existing band's rights but proceeded nonetheless.
By late August, Lee, Newsted, and Clarke were removed from the list of defendants. On September 12, 2006, a San Diego court issued a preliminary injunction barring the CBS-assembled band from performing, recording, or marketing music under the name "Supernova" until the case was resolved. This injunction prevented them from touring or selling merchandise bearing that name once it took effect; meanwhile, the original band was obligated to post a bond.
Following these proceedings, all promotional content adopted the name "Rock Star Supernova," including their official MySpace profile.
Debut album
The group's self-titled debut album was produced by songwriter and performer Butch Walker and released on November 21, 2006. It reached number 101 on the Billboard 200 chart and climbed to number four on the Canadian Albums Chart.
Critical reception was predominantly unfavorable. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic described it as "gloriously bad," highlighting a disconnect between highly skilled instrumentalists and a less proficient vocalist. Christian Hoard from Rolling Stone acknowledged some standout moments but characterized most songs as either uninspired or retrogressive.
The band's first music video for "Headspin" was filmed in October and made public in January 2007.
On October 23, 2006, bassist Jason Newsted sustained severe shoulder injuries necessitating surgery and rehabilitation. During his convalescence, former The Black Crowes bassist Johnny Colt filled in temporarily, including for their national television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! aired November 21.
Their tour featured support acts such as Dilana, who was runner-up on Rock Star: Supernova, Juke Kartel, which included contestant Toby Rand, and The Panic Channel.
In January 2007, Gilby Clarke released a compilation album containing his solo work alongside two tracks by Col. Parker and a re-recorded version of "Black" featuring vocals by Rock Star: Supernova runner-up Dilana. Although rumors surfaced in April 2007 about Clarke's departure from the band, these claims were later refuted.
June 2007 saw Rossi release "The Love and Lust EP," an acoustic collection of four songs, followed by a summer tour across the U.S. and Canada. In April 2008, Rossi announced he was leaving due to dissatisfaction with other members engaging in side ventures such as DJing after only one tour. Nonetheless, Rock Star Supernova briefly reunited in May 2008 for an appearance on the TV show Battleground Earth.
Albums
| Album Title | Release Information | Highest Chart Positions | Certification Status | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | AUS | CAN | NZ | |||
| Rock Star Supernova |
|
101 | 87 | 4 | 6 |
|
Singles
| Year | Song Title | Associated Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | "It's All Love" | Rock Star Supernova |
| 2006 | "Be Yourself (and 5 Other Cliches)" | |
| 2007 | "Headspin" | |
| 2007 | "Can't Bring Myself to Light This Fuse" |
Band members
- Gilby Clarke – lead guitar (2006–2008)
- Tommy Lee – drums (2006–2008)
- Jason Newsted – bass guitar (2006–2007)
- Lukas Rossi – lead vocals and rhythm guitar (2006–2008)
- Johnny Colt – bass guitar (2007–2008)