ASTRA Status Update 2017

First off, I have to apologize for just dropping off the map for so long. You all deserve much more than that and since so many of you have been nice enough to write and ask "What's going on with ASTRA?" I wanted to give you all a status update.

Back when our drummer David Hurley left ASTRA in 2013, no one could really foresee the difficulties ahead. We knew carrying on without Dave would be a hard road to travel but we had no idea just how much of an impact his departure would have on us. The 5 of us had an undeniable chemistry that just worked so well in every aspect, but especially when it came to songwriting. After Dave left, I think we were all pretty bummed out and while we were working on writing material for our 3rd album, our frustrations slowly started cropping up. We decided to take a short break which turned into a long break, which turned into a longer break, which happens to be where we're at now. Because of this long hiatus some of the guys have become extremely busy with their own musical projects which, unfortunately, now leaves very little time for ASTRA.

However, I do have some good news! I just recently spoke with all of the original ASTRA members, including Dave, and everyone is down to record a 3rd ASTRA album if we can get enough material together. Another bit of good news is that Stuart and I have been playing and writing together and we're hoping that we can eventually make this 3rd album a reality.

Now, none of this is a guarantee but I think it is a step in the right direction. ASTRA will always be my baby and my first love when it comes to music and I don't want to give up on her so I'm going to do all that I can to make this happen. This will most likely take quite some time since everyone is so busy but I will try to keep you all updated as best I can. I will also try to be much more diligent in responding to your emails and messages in the future.

Lastly, a huge THANK YOU is long overdue, so, thank you all for sticking with ASTRA through the years and for being such amazing fans. I love you all more than words can say and I'm going to do my best to bring some new ASTRA music to your ears as soon as possible.

Be seeing you,
-Richard Vaughan

18 comments

Alexis Tours, France
Jun 30 2017 1:52 PM

We were talking about songs that summon tears, I said that to me it was "The black chord" eponym track, by Astra. So, after listening to it (the piano melody, as powerful and emotional as in my memories..), I came here to see what's new and stumbled upon this 3rd album announce. What a pleasure, really, The black chord is a masterpiece to me, and will always have this special place in my heart. Keep up the good work, I would love to see you on stage someday.

We were talking about songs that summon tears, I said that to me it was "The black chord" eponym track, by Astra. So, after listening to it (the piano melody, as powerful and emotional as in my memories..), I came here to see what's new and stumbled upon this 3rd album announce. What a pleasure, really, The black chord is a masterpiece to me, and will always have this special place in my heart. Keep up the good work, I would love to see you on stage someday.
Lee H
Jul 7 2017 10:02 AM

Excellent news, the first album was an incredible piece of work. The Black Chord improved on its predecessor in every way, a truly amazing album. Looking forward to possibly hearing some new music from you.

Excellent news, the first album was an incredible piece of work. The Black Chord improved on its predecessor in every way, a truly amazing album. Looking forward to possibly hearing some new music from you.
Davey Los Angeles
Jul 7 2017 10:38 PM

I hope your wonderful band records the hoped for 3rd album. I bought The Weirding several years ago but somehow only got to hear it today in the car on a long road trip today. It popped up in my iPod and I felt compelled to listen. What a fantastic album, guys. Of course I kept it in mind to look up more music and found The Black Chord on Spotify this same evening. Again, what amazing music! I wish you well and would love more of Astra. Keep the momentum going and hope to hear from you soon.

I hope your wonderful band records the hoped for 3rd album. I bought The Weirding several years ago but somehow only got to hear it today in the car on a long road trip today. It popped up in my iPod and I felt compelled to listen. What a fantastic album, guys. Of course I kept it in mind to look up more music and found The Black Chord on Spotify this same evening. Again, what amazing music! I wish you well and would love more of Astra. Keep the momentum going and hope to hear from you soon.
JL NH
Aug 21 2017 2:43 PM

it's good to hear from you again i was worried for so long the band may be defunct. keep the music alive, your fans can't wait to hear more. truly keeping the prog-rock spirit alive is no easy task and we thank you for it. i hope for anything more that we can get from ASTRA

it's good to hear from you again i was worried for so long the band may be defunct. keep the music alive, your fans can't wait to hear more. truly keeping the prog-rock spirit alive is no easy task and we thank you for it. i hope for anything more that we can get from ASTRA
Buster London UK
Sep 4 2017 7:42 AM

Thanks for the update, last two albums were the nuts. You guys along with Steven Wilson, Opeth, Colour Haze and the Ozric Tentacles are my favourite artist. I've been a sucker for a guitar solo, ever since the original Allman Brothers Band, and not enough bands these days seem to have real virtuosity especially live.... hope i dont have to wait too long for the third album.

Thanks for the update, last two albums were the nuts. You guys along with Steven Wilson, Opeth, Colour Haze and the Ozric Tentacles are my favourite artist. I've been a sucker for a guitar solo, ever since the original Allman Brothers Band, and not enough bands these days seem to have real virtuosity especially live.... hope i dont have to wait too long for the third album.
Boxfish Under the sea
Sep 8 2017 4:26 PM

You played live in Bristol, UK when touring The Weirding. It was the gig of the year for me. So glad I got to see you play. It would be great to hear more Astral compositions, but either way I am grateful for your first two albums. Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

You played live in Bristol, UK when touring The Weirding. It was the gig of the year for me. So glad I got to see you play. It would be great to hear more Astral compositions, but either way I am grateful for your first two albums. Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
Sukram Germany
Sep 21 2017 1:21 PM

So good to hear that. Honestly: There are so much bands who would give their left arm to get together such brilliant albums and get fans willing to wait sooooooo loooong. Do you realise that "we" are still here here? Waiting for new music. Loyal fans after all this quiet years!. Guys, that a gift, really. Don't waste ist!

So good to hear that. Honestly: There are so much bands who would give their left arm to get together such brilliant albums and get fans willing to wait sooooooo loooong.
Do you realise that "we" are still here here? Waiting for new music.
Loyal fans after all this quiet years!.

Guys, that a gift, really. Don't waste ist!
Alex Robinson London
Sep 29 2017 8:10 AM

Yes please! A whole load of us here in London have been itching for a new Astra album for years. Please record a new record!

Yes please! A whole load of us here in London have been itching for a new Astra album for years. Please record a new record!
Thad McKraken Seattle
Oct 4 2017 9:48 PM

Was just searching for a new Astra album and this came up. Make this thing happen.

Was just searching for a new Astra album and this came up. Make this thing happen.
ken meyer jr corona, ca
Oct 12 2017 5:52 PM

Good to hear...I loved those first two albums a ton and was hoping there was going to be a third. Dunno if any of the members go to the Comicon, but I am always in my spot in artist alley every year...stop by and let me give you a few prints or something!

Good to hear...I loved those first two albums a ton and was hoping there was going to be a third. Dunno if any of the members go to the Comicon, but I am always in my spot in artist alley every year...stop by and let me give you a few prints or something!
Dr Space Portugal
Oct 22 2017 2:01 AM

I have heard both your albums again recently and was so lucky to catch you at Roadburn in the midi theatre.. I love your records.. I need a new Astra record after the tragedy we have had over here with the fires... Fingers crossed and best of luck my friends. peace. dr space (Scott)

I have heard both your albums again recently and was so lucky to catch you at Roadburn in the midi theatre.. I love your records.. I need a new Astra record after the tragedy we have had over here with the fires... Fingers crossed and best of luck my friends. peace.
dr space (Scott)
Pedro Madrid
Nov 20 2017 4:22 AM

Oh men! just some good big news there! Just let it flow and show the world your magic!!

Oh men! just some good big news there!

Just let it flow and show the world your magic!!
Stu Favill Wolverhampton, UK
Dec 14 2017 4:55 PM

Still remember seeing you guys in Wolf Town with Purson! A fab nights music. Would be great to hear a third & hopefully see you again - but whatever the outcome, thanks for two fab albums!! best wishes, Stu

Still remember seeing you guys in Wolf Town with Purson! A fab nights music. Would be great to hear a third & hopefully see you again - but whatever the outcome, thanks for two fab albums!! best wishes, Stu
Sukram Germany
Dec 30 2017 4:03 PM

I know, its not of my business. You're right. Nevertheless (Forgive me): WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR? We're living in a time with a splendid Classical Rock Revival. I just bought new remastered records of YES, ASIA or Gentle Giant in Deluxe - Versions. Bands with an classical Rock sound are selling quite big (again). There are new bands like Rival Sons, Blues Pills, Vintage Caravan, Orchid, Jess and the Ancient ones.... AND SOME OF THEM CHART! And you still - after all these Years - have the loyalty of your fans. Or what do you think brings an 57-year old man to research ASTRA nearly monthly in the WWW? O. K:.: If you don't have the means to release (no record contract): Understandable. BUT: Any other excuse is irrelevant. How many years and years shall we wait? If you don't really want so succeed: I'm o. K. with it. Maybe success comes in your sleep. Oh, sorry. I apologise. It´s obviously a matter of bad Karma or any other excuse you may have not to SHINE.

I know, its not of my business. You're right.

Nevertheless (Forgive me): WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

We're living in a time with a splendid Classical Rock Revival. I just bought new remastered records of YES, ASIA or Gentle Giant in Deluxe - Versions. Bands with an classical Rock sound are selling quite big (again). There are new bands like Rival Sons, Blues Pills, Vintage Caravan, Orchid, Jess and the Ancient ones.... AND SOME OF THEM CHART!

And you still - after all these Years - have the loyalty of your fans. Or what do you think brings an 57-year old man to research ASTRA nearly monthly in the WWW?

O. K:.: If you don't have the means to release (no record contract): Understandable.
BUT: Any other excuse is irrelevant. How many years and years shall we wait?

If you don't really want so succeed: I'm o. K. with it. Maybe success comes in your sleep.

Oh, sorry. I apologise. It´s obviously a matter of bad Karma or any other excuse you may have not to SHINE.
Mark T.
Mar 8 2018 5:34 AM

I can only say that I am so glad to hear that the third album may (no WILL!) happen, and I cannot wait. Hope you all can find the time to please your obviously very loyal fans.

I can only say that I am so glad to hear that the third album may (no WILL!) happen, and I cannot wait. Hope you all can find the time to please your obviously very loyal fans.
Skanf Italy
May 31 2018 2:16 AM

recently I've bought your albums and I love them! I thought after the '70s no one could produce good music like in that age, but I've discovered ASTRA and I can't stop listening you! I understand your feelings but... stand up your fuckin' ass and play again with ASTRA!!!

recently I've bought your albums and I love them! I thought after the '70s no one could produce good music like in that age, but I've discovered ASTRA and I can't stop listening you! I understand your feelings but... stand up your fuckin' ass and play again with ASTRA!!!
Nigel Reo-Winterburn Japan
Aug 10 2018 4:38 AM

I am a fat farmer and can't wait for a new album.

I am a fat farmer and can't wait for a new album.
Sam F. Derache France
Dec 27 2018 6:16 AM

Hey there Richard! It's been a while since we had news from Astra. How are you guys doing? Is the new album still in the pipes? I can't wait to hear some new music from you! Do you plan to play gigs in France again someday? I attended to your show in Lille on Oct.31 2012 and I was amazed. One of the best Prog shows I've seen. You litterally outshone the main act, in my eyes! Hope you you guys are doing okay! Best regards from France!

Hey there Richard!

It's been a while since we had news from Astra.
How are you guys doing? Is the new album still in the pipes?
I can't wait to hear some new music from you!
Do you plan to play gigs in France again someday?
I attended to your show in Lille on Oct.31 2012 and I was amazed. One of the best Prog shows I've seen. You litterally outshone the main act, in my eyes!
Hope you you guys are doing okay!

Best regards from France!

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