The hard rock group Alpha Centauri came together in 1971, in the unlikely place of Greeley, Colorado. It was a three-piece band in those first years, consisting of keyboardist/vocalist Randy Thompson, guitarist/vocalist Jess Redmon, and drummer Kurt Smith. In 1975, Garth Hannum joined, bringing his skills as both a singer and bassist. Alpha Centauri toured across the United States the next couple of years, opening for numerous big rock acts. By 1977, Alpha Centauri turned its attention toward Canada. That same year, the band finally released a debut album. The self-titled offering was recorded under the Salt Records label. The next year there was a television special and a number of live performances, but no sophomore album was completed for waiting fans. After those peak years of 1977 and 1978, things just never took off again for Alpha Centauri. By 1983 the guys cut out the lights and went home. The band's one and only album was re-released in 1996. ~ Charlotte Dillon