StarZero / Members

Jeff 'Poppy' Poppenhagen

Bassist

StarZero’s roots reach back to the early 1990s, when Paskowitz, bassist Jeff ‘Poppy’ Poppenhagen, and drummer Bernie Sanchez were all members of popular San Clemente outfit Jesus Chrysler(that also once featured late Foo Fighters legend Taylor Hawkins).

Billy Murphy

Background Vocalist Guitarist

StarZero, which is completed by guitarist and accomplished backing vocalist Billy Murphy, remain infectiously unbowed in their love for the big-voiced, tuneful, and harmony-heavy guitar music that they feel the world is lately lacking.

Bernie Sanchez

Drummer

StarZero’s roots reach back to the early 1990s, when Paskowitz, bassist Jeff ‘Poppy’ Poppenhagen, and drummer Bernie Sanchez were all members of popular San Clemente outfit Jesus Chrysler(that also once featured late Foo Fighters legend Taylor Hawkins). While Paskowitz was enjoying an MTV-era rock star role in Hollywood with The Flys, whose ’98 hit “Got You (Where I Want You)” dominated airwaves, O’Brien was touring hard with UK post-grunge Fred Durst prodigies Score (Flip/Flawless Records). In 2018, after countless life and musical adventures, the duo connected in California and, with Sanchez, began what would three years later become StarZero.

James O)'Brien

Guitarist

“It was literally one of those moments where you walk into a room – no planning, no real music to play – and we just f*cking went at it,” recalled StarZero guitarist James O’Brien of the SoCal quintet’s first rehearsal. “It was magical. I just felt that fire … I was a teenager again.”“We’re not trying to imitate – it’s just what comes out of us,” enthused O’Brien, whose effervescent energy would shame most teens. “I’m baring my f*cking soul with this music.” StarZero uncannily recaptures that sensation of hearing your future favorite rock band for the first time ever.

Joshua Ben Paskowitz

Vocalist

Based in the surfers’ paradise of San Clemente, StarZero are unabashed ‘90s grunge/alt-rock flagbearers creating original music that’s firmly for the here and now. Centered upon the soaring, Chris Cornell-esque vocals of Josh Paskowitz, former co-frontman of The Flys alongside his brother Adam, they channel the hefty yet melodic and uplifting aura of Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, and Stone Temple Pilots with utter authenticity and zero compromise. “The strength is the brotherhood that we have in the band, and the genuine admiration and interest in one another’s artistic expression,” said Paskowitz, who sold a million records and toured the world, including opening for the Rolling Stones, with The Flys. “When these guys are doing their thing it’s liberating, it’s invigorating, it’s empowering.”