Breakout

The song "Breakout" from Shooting Star's album Hang On for Your Life is a high-energy track that captures the raw emotion and frustration the band felt during a tumultuous period. Recorded at Randy Bachman’s Legend Studios in Washington State, the album was fueled by the band’s anger toward their management and record label, Virgin Records, for distribution issues that hampered their debut album’s success. In a 2007 interview with Strutter Magazine, bandleader Van McLain revealed that this frustration translated into a harder-edged sound for Hang On for Your Life, with "Breakout" receiving significant airplay on American AOR radio stations. The track’s driving rhythm and anthemic quality made it a standout, debuting on Billboard’s Rock Tracks chart in early 1982, reflecting its resonance with fans.

Another piece of trivia about "Breakout" ties to the album’s recording environment. McLain shared in the same Strutter interview that the band was isolated near the Canadian border, which intensified their focus and channeled their emotions into the music. The song’s inclusion on the 1991 CD re-release, Shooting Star/Hang On for Your Life, by the band’s own label, V&R Records, ensured its accessibility to new generations, though two tracks from the original albums were omitted due to time constraints. Fans on the Shooting Star Fan Club Facebook group often cite "Breakout" as a live performance highlight, praising its ability to energize crowds during the band’s tours with acts like ZZ Top and Jefferson Starship.

Shooting Star began in the late 1970s in Kansas City, Missouri, born from the childhood friendship of Van McLain and Ron Verlin, who lived a block apart in the suburbs. As detailed on their official website, the two started playing music together in the early 1960s as part of a garage band called The Shooting Stars, which included their brothers. After parting ways, they reunited in high school at Shawnee Mission South, reforming the band and playing local gigs at country clubs and sock hops. By the mid-1970s, Van’s songwriting led them to record a demo, which they shopped in London, catching the attention of Arista Records. Though their initial deal with Arista fizzled, the addition of Gary West and a name change to Shooting Star paved the way for their historic signing as the first American band with Virgin Records.

Their 1979 debut album, recorded in England with legendary producer Gus Dudgeon, marked their entry into the national scene, with songs like "You’ve Got What I Need" gaining moderate radio play. Despite setbacks, including a six-month distribution dispute that limited their debut’s reach, the band’s resilience shone through. Their Facebook page often shares throwback photos from these early days, showcasing their Kansas City roots and the vibrant 1970s rock scene that shaped them. The band’s Instagram account highlights their continued connection with fans, posting updates about live performances and vinyl reissues, while their X account engages with followers about their legacy in AOR rock.

Beyond their official channels, Shooting Star’s fanbase thrives online. The Shooting Star Fan Club on Facebook is a hub for Zoo Freaks and other devotees, where members share concert memories and rare vinyl finds. Another fan-driven space, the FeeNotes page, chronicles the band’s history and discography, celebrating their enduring popularity in Kansas City and Cincinnati. These communities keep the spirit of Shooting Star alive, with "Breakout" remaining a beloved anthem for fans spinning records at THE ZOO.