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PRE-STARBYRD
The original idea was to form a band consisting of Robert Wiersma (Holland), Horst-Peter Schmidt (Germany) and Graham Allman-Talbot(England). This band should be called WSG. As Robert decided not to take part in this project, Graham and Horst-Peter started the project without Robert. They called their new band "STARBYRD".
Two musicians and
composers - each successful in their own right, working together to produce a
unique style of music that will make you listen again and again.
Horst-Peter Schmidt and Gat have had success as solo artists or with other
bands, or both!
So this is
Starbyrd - individuals working together as equals, bringing all their
influences into one pot and producing music that will stand the test of time.
Horst-Peter enjoys massive success with The Different Faces, the Köln based
band. Their albums 'The More Things Change' & “Signature” have been
described as 'more Rickenbacker than McGuinn with a voice to match' and Chris
Hillman of The Byrds is one of many fans. Horst-Peter (also described by one
reviewer as 'The Crown Prince of the Rickenbacker 12 String') has also released
solo albums, most notably 'In The Jingle-Jangle Morning' and 'The Six Seasons'.
Horst-Peter plays 6 and 12 string Rickenbacker guitars as well as a limited
edition Roger McGuinn Martin 12 string acoustic guitar.
Gat (first name
Graham) has been a solo artist for many years producing music that has been
described as 'Roger McGuinn meets George Harrison'. Gat's influences obviously
include The Byrds and The Beatles as well as many of the West Coast bands, some
well known, some not so well known. Gat plays numerous instruments including
acoustic guitars, 6 string Fender and 12 string Rickenbacker guitars, bass,
piano/keyboards and percussion.
2003
STARBYRD HATCHES:
Graham and Horst-Peter met when Graham entered a competition that the Different
Faces were organising - the chance to win a free copy of their CD 'The More
Things Change'. Graham was one of the lucky winners and was blown away by the
quality of the songs and the musicianship of the band. Graham wanted to record
a version of one of the tracks - 'Back To The Roots' - for his own up and
coming CD and wrote to Horst-Peter to ask for permission. Horst-Peter not only
gave permission to use the song, but loved the version that Graham did so much
that he suggested it would be good to team up sometime and work together.
Graham jumped at the chance and Starbyrd was born.
2003-05-13 Horst-Peter meets Chris Hillman in Utrecht/Holland
(http://users.skynet.be/fa409087/utrecht2003.htm)(see Photo Gallery)
2004
A NEW STARBYRD JOINS THE BAND
As the band started recording their first CD (On The Other Side Of Mad) they
asked a good friend to help out on some harmonies on a couple of tracks. That
help expanded to include some guitar work as well as a stint on lead vocals on
a couple of songs as well as doing all the artwork for the CD. As the CD was
about to be released, it was decided to ask him to join the band as a full
member. That good friend is Ritchie Dunlop who is also a member of the
Different Faces with Horst-Peter.
2004-06-11 Starbyrd are invited backstage by Camilla & Roger McGuinn backstage in Turnhout/Belgium
(http://users.skynet.be/byrdmaniax/turnhout2004.htm)
(see Photo Gallery)
2004-08-21 THE FIRST STARBYRD CD
“On The Other Side
of Mad” released
2005-01 A STARBYRD FLIES AWAY In January Graham Allman-Talbot leaves the band.
2006 Graham temporarily rejoins the band.Starbyrd records "Lover of the Bayou" for the Byrds Tribute Project.
2007
Gat and HPS release their new solo CDs "Then to Now" & "Jingle Jangle Journey"
12-2007 Starbyrd's cover version of "Lover of the Bayou" for the Byrds Tribute Project (Vol.4) released (for further information please go to:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/timelessflyte4
07-13-2009
Horst-Peter invited backstage to celebrate Roger McGuinn's birthday after an outstanding show at the "Alte Pfandhaus" in Cologne. Thanks Camilla & Roger !
2009-GAT's new solo CD "Eclecticity" released
2010- HPS's new solo CD "Phoenix" realeased
