Not long after the release of Focus, long-time drummer, Dino Meo, was ejected the band due to creative differences. Fortunately for Simple Simon, another Chicago band, Absolute, had just parted ways leaving guitarist Barry Hoffman and drummer Tim Zimmerman without a band. Both joined Simple Simon. After not too long, Barry left the band, bring the Simons back to their original 3-piece set-up of one guitar, bass and drums, with Mark and Tony still swapping vocals. Tim stayed with the band and Superstar was recorded on a farm in rural Michigan. The rap aspect of Simple Simon was pretty much left in the dust with Superstar, a nearly pure rock album and a sign of things to come. The release of Superstar was celebrated with a near sold-out show at Metro in Chicago. After a short but fruitful stay, Tim left the band due to scheduling conflicts, leaving Mark and Tony with the burden of having to find a new drummer and tech said drummer all the songs before gigs that were already scheduled. Then along came Kris Gutrich, a long time fan of the band and fantastic drummer.