Gary Strater: Gone But Not Forgotten

**Winston TK** · #1 02-06-2007, 01:24 PM

Gary Strater, the brilliant and Chris Squire-like bassist for progressive band Starcastle, may no longer be with us. But, he has left one hell of a posthumous testimonial to his immense talent on bass. The very latest (and perhaps last) Starcastle effort, "Song Of Times", is teeming with bass guitar excellence on practically every track. Standout Strater tracks include "Red Season" and "Babylon".

If you are already a fan of this band, or if you like your prog on the melodic/symphonic side (Yes, Genesis, ELP, etc.), check out "Song Of Times".

8guy · #2 02-06-2007, 06:56 PM

Gary Died!!!!! How!!! When!!!!
Starcastle was one of my favorites as a teen, I usded to try and learn "True To the light" with my old Iby Rick copy.
Yeah some said a Chris Squire want to be but his use of Harmonics was phenominal

**Winston TK** · #3 02-06-2007, 08:36 PM

Hey, 8guy.

All the Gary Strater info you seek can be found at Starcastle's official website, www.starcastlemusic.com.

In brief, Gary passed away in 2004 after a taxing bout of liver cancer. The band staged a wonderful benefit show for his health costs prior to his death, however. This brought many of the classic faces back into the fold.

The band also managed to complete the recording of "Song Of Times" prior to his passing. The collection of tracks features a killer roster of musicians from basically all of Starcastle's incarnations over the years. The CD is truly excellent, and if you like his harmonics usage, you really must hear this CD! He does some amazing stuff! Details on how to order this CD before it hits the regular retailers are available on their site.

Pleased to meet another fan!

8guy · #4 02-07-2007, 12:11 AM

Thanks Winston, yeah I found the website and read,,,,Im so bumed I kind of gave up on them after the 4th lp.(name escapes me) but Fountains Of Light is one of my all time favorities. A must hear for all 70s prog fans !!!!!
I will be ordering Song of times shortly.

May you be resting in peace Gary, Your Ric sound was always like the Harp of an angel to me when I was young.

The Owl · #5 02-10-2007, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winston TK

Gary Strater, the brilliant and Chris Squire-like bassist for progressive band Starcastle, may no longer be with us. But, he has left one hell of a posthumous testimonial to his immense talent on bass. The very latest (and perhaps last) Starcastle effort, "Song Of Times", is teeming with bass guitar excellence on practically every track. Standout Strater tracks include "Red Season" and "Babylon".

If you are already a fan of this band, or if you like your prog on the melodic/symphonic side (Yes, Genesis, ELP, etc.), check out "Song Of Times".

I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with Gary at NEAR Fest in 2001, I'm thinking this was before he was diagnosed. Really great guy and he will be missed!