The Farr Side: Starship takes us on an out-of-this world journey

Starship delivered a fun night of music, memories and good times last Friday night in Amish country. The show featured a slew of the iconic band’s hits dating back to the 1960s.

Starship featuring Mickey Thomas lit up the Blue Gate Performing Arts Stage in Shipshewana performing before a multi-generational audience of their fans. Concert-goers from as far away as Wisconsin, Kentucky and Pennsylvania were there to rock.

I was pretty stoked to see the band, particularly because I became of the band during its '80s revamped image and sound. And, it was Thomas who lead the way.

The show opened with “Layin’ It On The Line,” from the band’s album, “Nuclear Furniture.” It was the perfect way to bring fans out of their seats and get the party started.

Thomas, now 73, showed no signs of slowing down any time soon. The singer’s vocals were spot on as he delivered the lyrics like he did back when the song was a hit in 1984. However, it was “Jane” that received hoots and hollers from diehard fans.

I can’t lie — when Thomas began talking about the next song I may have gotten goose pimples. He was explaining to the crowd that Starship was asked to record a song that was totally different than anything they had ever recorded before. The song was to be like a duet, he said. Of course, he was talking about the single, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop s Now.” The song featured Thomas and Grace Slick on vocals and was the love theme from the 1987 movie, “Mannequin.”

Slick is retired, but singer Cian Coey has stepped up to fill the Slick’s role in the band. Coey completely dazzled. The two captivated the crowd performing the Oscar-nominated song that gave the band its third No. 1 single.

I was in awe of the moment simply because it was beautiful. Never in a million years would I have ever thought I would be sitting in a venue in Shipshewana and hear that song live.

The goose pimples returned when the familiar chords to one of my most favorite 80s songs began to play – “Sara.” The song was the band’s second single from their album, “Knee Deep In The Hoopla,” to make it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Thomas owns that song. For a moment I was back in my teens and playing my cassette tape of the song. I find it poignant to mention that it was 37 years ago to the weekend that the song was No. 1.

“Set The Night To Music” followed, which again, put Coey and Thomas in duet. What a beautiful song for the band who later lent it to Roberta Flack and Maxi Priest for a ht of their own.

“It’s Not Over (‘Til It’s Over)” kicked the tempo back up and set the tone for an amazing medley of hits that included “White Rabbit,” “Miracles,” “Count On Me” and “Somebody To Love.” Again, Coey channeled Slick to deliver killer versions of “White Rabbit” and “Somebody To Love.”

Before Thomas assumed lead for the band, he fronted The Elvin Bishop Band and recorded the No. 1 song, “Fooled Around And Fell In Love.” It was a nice surprise to be treated to the '70s classic.

The songs “Stranger” and “Find Your Way Back” were received well, but the night belonged to the song, “We Built This City.” Thomas shared that it’s his favorite of all the songs they’ve ever done.

What a cool moment to witness! Several fans made their way toward the stage and rocked out with the band. For just a few minutes no problems existed in the world, just happy memories to be made. That truly is what good music is all about!

— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com. 

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: The Farr Side: Starship takes us on an out-of-this world journey