Frank C. Starr
1958 – June 18, 1999
Frank C. Starr was a charismatic lead vocalist for hard rock bands, Alien, SIN, and most famously, the Four Horsemen. Raised on Long Island, NY, Starr eventually landed in Los Angeles to take his shot at the big time. After a short run in a band called Alien, Starr began to make a name for himself fronting a band called SIN through the mid ’80s, but struggled to get noticed in the same Sunset Strip scene that gave us Guns ‘n Roses, Ratt, and Great White. After the band called it quits in 1984, Starr landed in the Four Horsemen, a rock band that took its cue more from ’70s rockers like Lynyrd Skynyrd or AC/DC than such contemporaries as Poison or Faster Pussycat. After self-releasing a four-song EP in 1989, the band were snatched up by Rick Rubin’s Def American label and went into the studio with Rubin producing. The resulting album Nobody Said It Was Easy, garnered enough critical praise and fan support to land them on the road touring with the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Black Crowes as well as regular video rotation on MTV. But all this wasn’t enough to translate into significant album sales. At the same time, word was getting around that Starr was developing a reputation for his drug use and subsequent run-ins with the law, reportedly leading to a stint in jail on drug charges forcing the label to drop the band. But all were false claims according to the band, the only reason they were dropped was because of poor record sales. The sudden rise of grunge as well as some internal fighting seemed to be the end of the Four Horsemen, but after some personnel changes, they regrouped and began working on a new album in 1994. But after losing original drummer, Ken “Dimwit” Montgomery, to a drug overdose in September of 1994, the band suffered another serious blow on November of 1995 when Starr was struck by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle along Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles. He went into a coma and never recovered and eventually died from those injuries on June 18, 1999.
I knew him well from about 1989-1992. He was a really good hearted person. I never saw him touch drugs or alcohol. He had a gruff exterior ,but it was just his way. His passing was a big loss to his friends and relatives. His band was just not “Hollywood” enough for what the market was after at the time. He was a down to earth person and always used to say he could live on $10 a day.A beautiful man.
He was the best friend a person could have-wish heaven didn’t need him so soon.
the four horsemen will live forever in my heart !!!!!!
saw these guys open up for Skynyrd… what a great band, they truly rocked. very sad that the singer and drummer are both gone. "Nobody said it was easy".
saw em in turlock california , blew me away it was in a bar called the club couple days after I seen em I heard an interview of the band by I think some radio station the dj asked frank hey why you guys called the" four horsemen" when there is five guys there was silence for a minute….then they all busted out laughin I m not sure they realized it my kinda band! rip Frank C Starr.
I lived with frank his last year of life he was on his way to pick me up from work at the troubadour when he was hit she had been drinking but was never charged with DUI go figure.I will miss him forever but the person whom truly missed out on him was his daughter Britney Love you forever frank — Beverly
Hi Beverly, that is so sad, I didn’t know Frank had a daughter. And sad for you being that close to him. Brutal and unfair. I remember hearing their song Shelly on the radio when I was a teenager and was hooked. They got better and better. I google Frank and Dave once in a while for updates and stories. Thanks for sharing your story, please email me sometime. Take care.
My band opened for the Four Horsemen In Albuquerque in ’92 and Frank was a funny, great guy and treated us like brothers. RIP Frank, sail on.
I saw them at a little club in the bay area. He had great stage presence, perfect lead singer. Always check to see if there is a new bit of information about his life. Always been sad about the way his life ended. RIP
Man the first time I heard Nobody said it was easy…..I went out the next day and bought the cassette! I hadn’t heard such heart and soul in hard rock in a long, long time….all the FOUR HORSEMEN CD’s yes I now have them all on CD LOL visit my rotation on a regular basis. RIP Frank Starr…..you rock the fuck out and the world is better for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Frank was the lead singer of my band Warlok back in the late 70’s or early 80’s? not sure what year it was. I co-wrote several songs with Frank, he was a good singer and friend. RIP
Frank was my best friend, my lover, the one who cared more for me than anyone else. He loved me like no other, and I cherished his heart, his kisses and his love and always will. I still cry today when I see his picture, He was my protector, my Angel…. and still is. I miss you Frank… more than words can ever explain… you were truly a man among men… a true gentleman. Love Awlays, Jessie.