Straight Ahead

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Straight Ahead" by Shooting Star from their 1982 album III Wishes, a track that captures the Kansas City rockers' knack for blending hard-hitting riffs with melodic hooks. One piece of trivia about the song comes from its production: it was crafted with Journey’s producer Kevin Elson, who helped the band sharpen their sound for a broader audience. In a 1980s interview archived on FeeNotes, lead vocalist Gary West shared that "Straight Ahead" was written to embody the band's relentless touring spirit, reflecting their grueling schedule opening for acts like REO Speedwagon and Jefferson Starship. The song’s driving rhythm and optimistic lyrics were meant to resonate with fans—Zoo Freaks included—who were chasing dreams against the odds. On Reddit’s 80s music community, a 2023 post by user No_Policy_146 praised the song’s high-energy vibe, calling it a quintessential AOR anthem that still gets airplay among retro rock enthusiasts.

Another tidbit about "Straight Ahead" surfaced in a fan discussion on the Shooting Star Official Fan Group on Facebook, where a longtime Zoo Freak recalled seeing the band perform it live in 1983 at a Kansas City club. The fan noted that Van McLain’s guitar solo was improvised differently each night, making every show a unique experience. The song also appeared on the band’s 1989 compilation Touch Me Tonight – The Best of Shooting Star, which was notable for being one of the first albums to chart on Billboard’s pop albums list without a vinyl release, as mentioned in a Wikipedia entry. This digital-forward move was a bold step for a band rooted in classic rock, showing their adaptability in a changing industry.

Shooting Star began in the late 1970s in Kansas City, Missouri, when childhood friends Ron Verlin and Van McLain (born Van Allen McElvain) decided to channel their love for rock into a band. According to their bio on AllMusic, the duo started jamming in suburban garages, eventually recruiting Steve Thomas (drums), Bill Guffey (keyboards), Charles Waltz (violin, keyboards, vocals), and Gary West (vocals, guitars). Their early years were spent playing local gigs under various names, honing a sound that mixed hard rock with AOR polish. By 1979, their persistence paid off when they became the first American act to sign with Virgin Records, a deal that led to their debut album recorded in London with producer Gus Dudgeon. The band’s big break came with national exposure on album-oriented rock radio, as tracks like “You’ve Got What I Need” gained traction, setting the stage for their later hits like "Straight Ahead."

The band’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. As noted in a FeeNotes bio, their rigorous touring schedule in the early 1980s, supporting acts like ZZ Top and Cheap Trick, built a loyal fanbase but strained the band. Bassist Ron Verlin left in 1984, frustrated with the music industry, though he later rejoined for their 1991 album It’s Not Over. Despite lineup changes, Shooting Star has kept rocking into the 2010s, with their music still celebrated by fans on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Their X account occasionally shares throwback photos and tour updates, keeping Zoo Freaks engaged.

For fans wanting to dive deeper, the Shooting Star Official Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant hub where Zoo Freaks swap stories, rare photos, and vinyl finds. Another fan-driven site, Rate Your Music, offers detailed discography reviews and fan ratings, with III Wishes often praised for its balance of grit and melody. The band’s official store at shootingstarofficial.com/store sells merch like T-shirts and CDs, perfect for Zoo Crew listeners looking to rep their favorite rockers. Whether you’re spinning "Straight Ahead" at THE ZOO or catching up on the band’s legacy online, Shooting Star’s story is one of resilience and rock ‘n’ roll heart.