Decatur, Illinois, USA • 1970-1971

Heavy Gun was a hard-rock power trio from Decatur, Illinois, who had a short career taking up less than two whole years, 1970 to 1971. Comprised of Joe Cooke-guitar/vocals, Gary Starnes-bass, and Randy Luckenbill-drums, all previously playing in the local group Darwin's Theory. Formed with the vision to create loud, heavy, and forceful rock that their name bespoke, they became a high school dance/teen club/local bar staple in both Springfield and Decatur.

In the spring of 1971, Heavy Gun recorded their only 7-inch single at Golden Voice Studios. Comprising the tracks “High Class Woman” and “You're on My Mind”, the record was a real showcase for the band's raw energy and tight musicianship. Before the release, the songs had already gained traction on local radio, helping build their reputation.

The name came from a friend of Gary’s, who jokingly suggested “Heavy Gun” one morning—and it stuck, perfectly encapsulating their sound. Heavy Gun broke up not long after the record was released, Joe Cooke moving on to join Hot Ice. They weren't around all that long, but Heavy Gun's single is a nice document of the early 1970s rock scene in Decatur.