Thomas Lee Howell aka Tom Lazer (laser)formed the original rock and roll band Dark Star January 13, 1976. He registered two subsequent trademarks; a 3d star and pyramid combination and a skeleton man holding a Fender guitar above his head. Tom Lazer began a record label Dark Star records the same month.

Thomas Lee Howell composes for seven musical instruments. 1977-present. He is the founder, lyricist, and composer for the original music group DARK STAR. Tm. Professional drummer from age 11 to 19 before playing guitar for the past 34 years. Tom Lazer's band Dark Star has traveled throughout the U.S., also playing in Holland, Norway, and London England.

Dark Star has changed lineups several times as the band grew and musical influences varied.The current team includes Wayne Hanning on lead guitar and back up vocals. Slipstik Klutz on drums, grunts and groans, Drake Mallard on bass and vocals. Tom Lazer plays lead guitar, writes and arranges all their music and sings lead vocals.

Band Trivia: During the recording of the second album 'Razor Of Madness' Wayne Hanning had a finger broken on his left hand, Tom broke his left hand, their left handed drummer broke his left wrist. The bassist had the end of his ring finger lost as a kid. The album cover has a long haired skeleton man holding a Fender guitar in his left hand above his head. He is about to hit it with a scythe held in the right hand. This is to symbolize sacrificing their left hands to Fender guitar gods and rock and roll.