Progressive Pomp Rock band formed by the nucleus of guitarist Stephan Hagler, keyboard player Herb Schildt and bassist Gary Strater in 1972, vocalist Terry Luttrell joined the group after his departure from REO SPEEDWAGON. An early recording of the classic Pomp epic 'Lady Of The Lake' led to a deal with Epic Records, the track having been heavily hyped by Champaign, Illinois based Rock station WPGU. The band signed to Epic Records in 1975 and the following year saw the self-titled debut album in the stores.

Taking their cue from the work of earlier British pioneers of the genre, but fuelling such influences with a certain Mid-West Rock panache, STARCASTLE never quite broke it into the big league but maintained the support of Epic nonetheless. With the continued backing of Epic, STARCASTLE managed to unleash three more albums up until the end of the decade. In fact, the second and third albums ('Citadel' and 'Fountains Of Light') were produced by the esteemed Roy Thomas Baker.

Towards the end of their lifespan and, reportedly, with only Gary Strater remaining from the original band, STARCASTLE had guitarist Mark McGee in the line-up. Alameda, California born McGee would make a name for himself in the late 80's with the Power Metal band VICIOUS RUMORS before teaming up with the ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND then founding LUVPLANET.

In 2001 a retrospective album 'Chronos- Volume I' proved the staying power of the STARCASTLE legend. The album comprised of early outtakes and demos. The legacy of STARCASTLE persevered into 2002 with Sunsinger Records announcing a solo CD from drummer STEVE TASSLER entitled 'Alive Beyond Recognition'. The album apparently included material projected for use by STARCASTLE.

In 2004 the band made a return to live action, putting in benefit shows for Gary Strater. The bassist would be undergoing chemotherapy and surgery to combat liver cancer. Sadly, Strater passed away on 19th September. He was 51 years old.