Starry Eyed and Laughing

**Starry Eyed and Laughing** were a jangly British rock band active in the mid-1970s, often celebrated for their Byrds-inspired guitar sound and melodic sensibilities. Formed in 1974 by Tony Poole (guitar/vocals) and Ross McGeeney (guitar), the group leaned into harmony-rich tunes and 12-string textures, earning them a cult following in the UK’s pub rock scene. Their self-titled debut album (1974) showcased their knack for blending folk-rock warmth with a proto-power-pop edge, but despite critical praise, commercial success eluded them. They disbanded by late 1975, leaving behind a small but influential catalog. Decades later, their music found new life through reissues like *All Their Best…* and archival live recordings such as *Live at Rockpalast 1976*, cementing their legacy as unsung heroes of the 1970s guitar-rock revival.

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