Music industry speculation would be rife in January of 2002 that the JOURNEY pairing of guitarist NEAL SCHON and drummer Deen Castronovo were all set to create a 'supergroup' in league with legendary 'Red Rocker' and former MONTROSE and VAN HALEN frontman SAMMY HAGAR. Rumours that even ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash and Hagar's erstwhile VAN HALEN compatriot bassist Michael Anthony, a man who had remained loyal to his priority act for over two decades, might be involved. Hagar and Schon had previously paired up with the mid 80s project H.S.A.S.

Indeed, within days of the leak this superstar collective, PLANET U.S. albeit minus the involvement of Slash, would be confirmed officially with surprising rapidity. Two songs, 'Vertigo' and 'Peeping Through A Hole', would be recorded for a projected inclusion on the 'Spiderman' movie soundtrack but these songs were apparently deemed too heavy! Throughout the 2002 Hagar, Schon and Anthony would foster fans anticipation for a new record by putting in numerous special guest appearances at shows nationwide.

PLANET U.S. reportedly began recording their debut record, a conceptual affair, in January 2003. Later reports had JOE SATRIANI installed in the ranks. However, the band would fold before this project got underway. By early 2004 Hagar and Anthony were back with VAN HALEN whilst Schon and Castronovo announced the formation of a brand new venture. The duo would be working with former TALISMAN, TAKARA, HUMAN CLAY and AXEL RUDI PELL vocalist JEFF SCOTT SOTO and the THIN LIZZY, TED NUGENT and WHITESNAKE credited bassist Marco Mendoza. January would be spent in Jonathon Cain's studios laying down tracks. Included in the material would be a re-work of the PLANET U.S. track 'Peephole'.

In May this union took on the band title of SOUL SIRKUS for an album entitled 'World Play', first released as an online release in December.