Matt Starr

Matt Starr

Starr performing with Ace Frehley in Detroit, MI 2012
Background information
Origin New York, United States
Genres Rock
Occupation(s) Singer, drummer, guitarist, songwriter, producer
Instruments Drums, vocals, guitar
Labels Spitfire, Eagle Rock
Associated acts Ace Frehley, Kevin DuBrow, Beautiful Creatures, Dizzy Reed, Bang Tango, Hotel Diablo
Website www.mattstarrmusic.com

Matt Starr (born October 25) is an American born rock drummer, singer and producer. He currently touring with Mr. Big (American band) filling for drummer Pat Torpey on the band's "...Stories We Could Tell" (Frontiers Records) World Tour.[1] In 2012 Starr joined guitarist and founding KISS member Ace Frehley.[2][3] He played drums on Ace Frehley's 2014 release "Space Invader"(eOne Records). Starr was asked to play on the record after performing a few shows with Frehley in 2012. He is the only drummer other than Late Night With David Letterman drummer Anton Fig, to play on the entirety of one of Frehley's records. The 2014 release drew comparisons to 70's KISS and Frehley 1978 solo album. While remaining with Frehley, in 2013 Starr began playing with Burning Rain which was formed by Whitesnake guitarist Doug Aldrich and Montrose vocalist Keith St John. He also toured the UK and U.S. with Love/Hate. In 2004 Starr toured with Quiet Riot front man Kevin DuBrow in support of DuBrow's solo release "In For The Kill". In 2005 Matt co-wrote and recorded Beautiful Creatures sophomore release "Deuce" (Spitfire Records) and toured with the band the same year. The song "Freedom" was placed in the 2009 Sandra Bullock film "The Proposal".[4] "Anyone", also from Deuce was placed in the FX series "Sons Of Anarchy" that aired on October 8 at 10:00 p.m.[5] In late 2004, Starr formed the band Hookers & Blow with Dizzy Reed (Guns N' Roses) and current Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi. The band toured the U.S. in 2004.[6] He also played with Bang Tango and recorded the CD "Ready To Go" (Shrapnel 2004). The album was produced and mixed by Anthony Focx (Aerosmith, Taylor Hawkins).[7] In 2007 Starr stepped away from drumming and formed The Automatic Music Explosion as a singer and spent the next 2 years recording with multi-platinum producer Mike Chapman.[8] The two met after Starr showed up the producer's east coast home and asked him to produce the record.[9] Due to lack of label support the record never saw a proper release, however several of the tracks were licensed to various cable television shows and movies including SpongeBob SquarePants. In the summer of 2012 Starr co-produced the debut release of the hard rock band Hotel Diablo's "The Return To Psycho California" along with Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke.[3]

In early 2013, Matt was asked to join the rock band Burning Rain for their 2013 release "Epic Obsession".[10] The band features Whitesnake guitarist Doug Aldrich, former Montrose singer Keith St John and Dokken bassist Sean McNabb. This also lead to Starr touring with Aldrich's other band Steamroller which included bassist/singer Michael Devin also of Whitesnake.

In Fall of 2013 Ace Frehley announced on Eddie Trunk's radio show that he had signed a deal with eOne Entertainment and that Starr would be the drummer on the record.[11] This is the first time that a drummer other than Late Night With David Letterman drummer Anton Fig would play on the majority of one of Frehley's records since his 1978 solo LP.

Equipment

Starr is endorsed by Aquarian Drumheads[12]

Starr is endorsed by Ludwig drums[13]

(Vintage 60/70's 3-ply wood shells or 1976 clear Vistalites)

Starr is endorsed by Paiste cymbals[14]

Starr is endorsed by Vater Percussion[15]

References

  1. http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mr-big-taps-ace-frehley-drummer-matt-starr-for-upcoming-tour/
  2. Lafon, Mitch. "Hot Flashes". Bravewords. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Lafon, Mitch. "Drummer MATT STARR Joins Legendary KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley; Produces HOTEL DIABLO Debut". Puregrainaudio.com. Retrieved October 3, 2012.
  4. IMDB. "The Proposal Soundtrack List". IMDB. Retrieved 2009.
  5. Price, Christopher. "BEAUTIFUL CREATURES Track Licensed For FX Program Sons Of Anarchy". Bravewords.com. Retrieved 23 September 2008.
  6. Rao, Deb. "DIZZY REED RETURNS TO LUCKY DOG THIS FRIDAY NIGHT". wormtown.org. Retrieved September 1, 2004.
  7. CD UNIVERSE. "Bang Tango Ready to Go CD". Ready To Go. CD UNIVERSE. Retrieved June 2004.
  8. Baskin, Richard. "Modern Times: Mike Chapman Today". Classic Tracks. Media House, Cambridge UK. Retrieved June 2008.
  9. Wolfman, Jeff (October 30, 2008). "AUTOMATIC FUN with The Automatic Music Explosion". All Access Magazine: 32–36. Retrieved October 30, 2008.
  10. http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2013/04/burning-rain-epic-obsession-cd-review/
  11. http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ace-frehley-signs-with-eone-music/
  12. http://www.aquariandrumheads.com/artists/matt-starr
  13. http://www.ludwig-drums.com/profile.php?aid=167
  14. http://www.paiste.com/e/endorser_det.php?page=bio&endorserid=5681
  15. Brandolini, Chad. "Artist". Vater Percusison. Retrieved October 2012.

External links