Almost A Dirty Dozen with DAVID K STARR – October 2025

According to a recent press release: “Veteran Metal guitarist/bassist David K. Starr (WildeStarr, Vicious Rumors, CHASTAIN) returns with a slamming new track and video. “NOT DEAD YET” is Dave’s own testimony of life’s twists and turns after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020. “NOT DEAD YET” was directed by London Wilde, and features Dave singing lead vocals for the first time, as well as playing all the guitars. Backing up Dave on this new track & video are Rich Gray on bass (Annihilator, Aeon Zen) and drummer Fabio Alessandrini (Annihilator, Bonfire). David K. Starr was the bassist with Vicious Rumors from 1984 – 1993, and again from 2005 – 2007. David played bass for CHASTAIN from 2001 – 2005. More recently, David K. Starr released 3 albums with WildeStarr: ARRIVAL (2010), A TELL TALE HEART (2012), and BEYOND THE RAIN (2017) with David K. Starr on Guitars and Bass,  London Wilde on vocals, and Josh Foster on Drums.” We get David to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest single release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the song or video or that only diehard fans might find?

“Not Dead Yet”, my new single / video is based on my feelings and experiences after being diagnosed with Parkinson 5 years ago. I guess I made it an anthem for anyone out there who’s dealing with life changing situations, whatever they may be. Fight to your last breath, make each day count.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

As a kid, I was a big music fan and listener growing up in the 60’s and 70’s. My sister and I collected 45’s of the current pop hits. A friend loaned me his KISS ALIVE! album back in 75 or 76. That changed my whole life and made me want to pickup up the guitar. My dad said it ruined my life!

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

KISS again. I saw them in concert for the first time in 1977. I was blown away!

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Maybe Rob Halford or Paul Stanley. 2 of my favorite singers from 2 of my favorite bands.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

Relaxing at home watching movies, mainly SCI-FY and Horror. Riding my Harley Davidson. Writing songs.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made thatmade you cringe or you disagreed with?

I dont really like to describe my music, but I guess you would call it metal. Im 64, so I’m old school. My music reflects that. I don’t cringe very easily, as long as people are listening to my music and talking about it, it all good with me.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I don’t really have a “real” band anymore, pretty much everything I have done over the last 30 years is studio work.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I met Paul Stanley back in 1989, my band at the time opened for him on his solo club tour. He was very friendly and great to hang out with backstage. I met Ace Frehley in 1990. He was cool, but very drunk. I’ve met alot of famous musicians over the years, but those two stand out.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

I love making music and connecting with people through my music. Its always great when someone tells me that the music I have made over the last 40 years, is part of the soundtrack of their life! If I wasn’t a musician, I probably would have gone into the NAVY like my dad. That was my plan growing up, but music changed all that.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Interesting question. They can ask me anything, I don’t think there is anything thats ever been left out. I do get tired of answering questions about my old band “Vicious Rumors” aka VR. Dont get me wrong, we made alot of great albums and it was a great run, amazing memories….. but it was a long time ago. I usually tell interviewers that I only want 1 or 2 VR related questions, if any.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Not really. Ive had alot of setbacks, frustrations, and heartbreaks in my life and career… just like anyone else. But you cant change history. Everything thats happened to me good or bad has lead me to where I am now in life. And my life today is great!

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Category: Interviews