The Starfighters

This UK hard rock/boogie quintet was formed in 1980 by ex-Suburban Studs vocalist Steve Burton and guitarist Stevie Young (cousin of AC/DC’s Angus Young). With Pat Hambly (guitar), Doug Dennis (bass) and Steve Bailey (drums, ex-Holly And The Italians) completing the line-up, they were picked up by Jive Records in 1981, after having toured with AC/DC. Produced by Tony Platt, their debut album was characterized by raunchy rock ‘n’ roll, with abrasive, up-front guitar work from Young. However, at best they were a poor man’s AC/DC, specializing in second-hand riffs, hackneyed vocals and a predictable backbeat. On In Flight Movie, they tried desperately to move away from this approach, concentrating instead on more traditional blues-based hard rock. Unfortunately this new style had even less to commend it, and they broke up soon after the record’s release.