was initially available as a free download at the band's website. During this time period, Van McLain, Dennis Laffoon and Steve Thomas, in addition to their Shooting Star duties, had also performed in the Overland Park, Kansas area as a trio – The Star Blues Band. In September 2015 McLain experienced "flu-like" symptoms that became increasingly worse. After experiencing slurred speech, he was taken to the emergency room where he began to show severe symptoms of encephalitis. He was diagnosed with West Nile fever (only the second confirmed case of West Nile in Kansas in 2015). After several weeks of treatment for West Nile, Van began to move past the initial virus stage, but the virus had weakened him to such a point he had been hospitalized for over 8 months while dealing with a variety of respiratory and pulmonary issues that resulted from his condition. On September 24, 2017, a special Shooting Star Relief Fund concert was held in Kansas City to assist McLain with his continuing recovery from West Nile fever. The concert featured members of the KC music scene including The Elders, 2nd House, members of The Rainmakers, and a Shooting Star Past & Present performance with Steve Thomas, Dennis Laffoon, and Todd Pettygrove performing with guests Gary West, Ron Verlin, Norm Dahlor, Janet Jameson, and Pettygrove's former bandmate Chet Galloway, handpicked and standing in for Van, on guitar. Shooting Star had remained inactive since McLain's illness began in 2015. McLain died on March 2, 2018, from complications of his West Nile virus infection, at age 62. Shooting Star announced in late 2018 they would play a concert on January 19, 2019, in Kansas City with a revamped lineup to include former violin player Janet Jameson and new guitarist/vocalist Chet Galloway. According to the band's official website, McLain's family fully supported a reforming and continuation of Shooting Star, and the current lineup planned to announce additional shows. Personnel Current members Steve Thomas – drums (1977–1987, 1989, 2003–present) Dennis Laffoon – keyboards, bass, backing vocals (1989–present) Janet Jameson – violin, vocals (2008–2013, 2018–present) Todd Pettygrove – lead vocals (2013–present) Chet Galloway – lead vocals, guitars (2018–present) Former members Bill Guffey – keyboards (1977–1981; died 2007) Van McLain – lead vocals, guitars (1977–1987, 1989–2018; his death) Ron Verlin – bass (1977–1983, 1989–1991, 1994–2009) Charles Waltz – violin, keyboards, backing vocals (1977–1987) Gary West – lead vocals, guitars, keyboards (1977–1987)