Starclub
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | early 1990s |
| Headquarters | Rotherham , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Starclub was an English rock group from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, active in the early 1990s. The lineup consisted of Owen Vyse (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Steve French (guitar, backing vocals), Julian Taylor (bass, backing vocals), and Alan White (drums, percussion).
History
The origins of the band trace back to Vyse, French, and Taylor performing as the Shoes in Maidstone, Kent, drawing inspiration from the Beatles. Initially formed as a four-piece with Alan Ware on drums, they established a local following through gigs at venues like the Hazlitt Theatre. Upon securing a contract with Island Records, they adopted the name Starclub, paying homage to Hamburg's renowned Star-Club, famously associated with the Beatles.
Their 1993 debut album, titled Starclub and produced by Chris Hughes—recognized for his work with Tears for Fears and Adam and the Ants—featured multiple drummers before Alan White became the permanent drummer for touring purposes. The album also included contributions from Georgie Fame on the tracks "Forever" and "The Question."
The single "Hard to Get" found commercial success in the United States, climbing to number 10 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart. Critical response was favorable; Mike Joyce of The Washington Post praised its energetic guitar work and rich harmonies, comparing Vyse’s vocal style to that of Paul Rodgers and highlighting the band's diverse musical approach.
Despite these achievements, Island Records unexpectedly dropped Starclub from their roster, resulting in the band’s dissolution in 1994.
Later projects
Following Starclub’s breakup, Vyse and White joined forces with Julian Taylor to form Paint. White eventually departed to become a member of Oasis, with Tam Johnstone stepping in as drummer for Paint. Although Paint recorded material for the Sacred label, Sony withdrew their single prior to release. Vyse also worked alongside Echo & the Bunnymen and contributed music to various film and television projects such as The Crush (1993), Still Crazy (1998), and Channel 4’s The Young Person's Guide to Becoming a Rock Star (1998).
Alan White remained with Oasis from 1995 until 2004, participating in four studio albums, two compilations, and one live album. Since then, his musical activity has been limited to a guest appearance in 2008 with Trio Valore, a band led by his brother Steve White.
Steve French collaborated with Gin Blossoms frontman Robin Wilson to release an album under the name the Longshadows in 2006. Meanwhile, Julian Taylor was a member of Rialto between 1997 and 2000.
Members
- Owen Vyse – lead vocals, guitar, Hammond organ, keyboards
- Steve French – guitar, backing vocals
- Julian Taylor – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Alan White – drums, percussion
Studio albums
- Starclub (1993, Island Records)
Singles
- "Let Your Hair Down" (1992, Island) AUS: #147
- "Hard to Get" (1993, Island)