Nearly five decades after what seemed like not only the beginning but also the end of the story, The Hollywood Stars continue the momentum of 2024’s Starstruck with another infectious dose of bubblegum glam, power pop, and classic rock ‘n’ roll. When you hear singer Scott Phares (one of the founding members in 1973) sing I Survived 27, you realize that this is not only the understatement of the century, but also that the humor is spot on. It’s the standout track of Hey! LA!, a new long-player that is also a love letter to their home base of Los Angeles. The remaining nine songs are packed with everything the band does best: hip-shaking guitars, big hooks, and sing-along choruses that demand audience participation. This kind of timeless sound doesn’t grow old, it may survive 97 too.

Hey! LA! is out digitally, on CD and vinyl LP, through Rum Bar Records. Featuring Scott Phares (vocals, guitar), Terry Rae (drums, percussion, background vocals), Michael Rummans (bass, background vocals, cello), Jeff Jourard (guitars), and George Keller (guitars), with Loren Molinare (guitars) and Steve Bartek (cello arrangement) guesting on This Moment.

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