With the departure of Buzz Shearman from
Moxy in 1977 for medical reasons, Mike Rynosky (
Reno) was brought in as lead vocalist. In 1978, the first album with
Reno, entitled
Under the Lights, was released. This album saw a more laid-back style in the sound of
Moxy with a strong concentration on a blues styling rather than hard rock. The vocal work of
Reno was not as strong or dynamic as Shearman's and the entire album lacked the punch of the band's earlier works.
Under the Lights was the last album of original material released by the band with exception of a hits compilation in the '80s . In 1983, Buzz Shearman died as a result of a motorcycle accident and a tribute album featuring some of his best songs with
Moxy was released in the late '90s. This release of
Under the Lights by Unidisc is a straight reissue of the original Mercury/ Polydor Records album at a budget price complete with original artwork but, unfortunately, it contains no bonus tracks. In 2000,
Moxy re-formed with new vocalist Brian Maxim and released the album Moxy V for Pacemaker Records. ~ Keith Pettipas