Starchild (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1975 in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada |
| Founder | Rick Whittier, Bob Sprenger, Neil Light, Greg "Fritz" Hinz |
| Defunct | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Cambridge , Canada |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Starchild was a Canadian progressive rock ensemble that launched the album Children of the Stars in 1978 through Toronto's Axe Records, followed by the uncommon single "No Control for Rock-n-Roll."
The founding members comprised Rick Whittier (vocals), Bob Sprenger (guitar), Neil Light (bass), and Greg "Fritz" Hinz (drums). After Hinz left to join the Canadian rock group Helix, Dixie Lee—formerly with British band Lone Star and Ozzy Osbourne’s initial solo lineup—took over drumming duties.
History
Originating in 1975 in Cambridge, Ontario, Starchild formed from Gaslight members aiming to pursue a heavier rock style. Their name drew inspiration from Frederik Pohl and Jack Williamson's Starchild Trilogy, reflecting their fascination with science fiction themes. The futuristic rebranding was encouraged by producer Greg Hambleton of Tuesday Records. Following several lineup changes on drums, Greg "Fritz" Hinz joined, enabling the band to embark on full-time touring.
Their debut recording was a two-track demo produced by Daniel Lanois in 1976. The album Children of the Stars was recorded late 1977 in Toronto and released early the following year. Starchild supported prominent Canadian rock bands such as Triumph, Goddo, and Moxy during live performances. Despite receiving some national radio exposure, the album did not produce charting singles due to its lack of mainstream appeal. Their progressive rock sound, influenced by Rush and Saga, struggled to gain traction amid the dominant disco and new wave movements of the time.
In 1979, Neil Light departed for personal reasons and was replaced initially by Bill Mair and subsequently Wayne Brown. Following Hinz’s exit to join Helix, Dixie Lee became the drummer. The band maintained extensive tours across Canada; however, their recordings found greater commercial success in Europe than domestically. The track "No Control for Rock-n-Roll" was later covered by a Dutch group.
In 1982, after concluding their contract with Axe Records—which had pressured them to adopt a new wave style—Starchild recorded a two-song demo at Metalworks Studios while seeking a new label. They preferred to shift towards a heavy metal sound inspired by Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. Although Attic Records expressed interest, exhaustion from touring led to the group disbanding before any audition could take place.
Throughout their active years from 1975 to 1982, Starchild maintained an intensive touring presence across Canada.
After disbandment, Bob Sprenger and Neil Light established Thief in the Night in 1985, opening for acts such as Trooper and Platinum Blonde until they dissolved in 1990. Sprenger later recorded with the power trio Distant Thunder and reunited with Light to form Wake the Giants (2001–2014), a cover band that performed selections including material from Children of the Stars. Additionally, Sprenger collaborated with London-based singer Kathryn Marquis on two albums featuring original compositions, including his first published song since his time with Starchild.
Lead singer Rick Whittier passed away in September 2015 following a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In 2023, Greek label Sonic Age/Cult Metal Classics issued previously unreleased early-1980s demos under the title Steamroller on both LP and CD formats, containing eight tracks plus additional bonus content.
Original drummer Greg "Fritz" Hinz succumbed to cancer on February 16, 2024.
Members
- Lead Vocals - Rick Whittier
- Guitar - Bob Sprenger
- Bass - Neil Light, Bill Mair, Wayne Brown
- Drums - Bill Coutts, Greg "Fritz" Hinz, Dixie Lee
Demos
- "Party of the Toads" / "Tough Situation" (1976, produced by Daniel Lanois)
- "Steamroller Rock" / "I Need A Woman Tonight" / "Teaser" (1982)
Albums
- Children of the Stars (1978, released by Axe Records, with distribution through London Records of Canada)
- Steamroller (2024, issued by Cult Metal Classics, distributed by Sonic Age Records in Greece)
Single
- "No Control for Rock-N-Roll" backed with "Detroit Rocker" (1981, Tuesday Records)