Viva Saturn is an offshoot of the neo-psychedelic pop band, Rain Parade, which was a pivotal group in Los Angeles' Paisley Underground in the early to mid-'80s. In 1988, founding member David Roback left Rain Parade to form Opal with the Dream Syndicate's Kendra Smith, which later evolved into Mazzy Star. The rest of the band, led by David's brother Steven, metamorphosed into Viva Saturn.

Viva Saturn relocated to San Francisco and shifted its sound from dreamy atmospherics to psychedelic-influenced guitar pop. They took a textured guitar approach with singer Steven and ex-Rain Parade members Matt Piucci and John Thoman on guitar. A shifting rhythm section included Billy Blaze and Continental Drifter Carlo Nuccio on drums and Ross Inden, Kurt Kummerfelt and Gary Eaton on bass.

The final Viva Saturn album, Ships of Heaven, was delivered to Restless Records in fall of 1998, but the label had no scheduled release plans. Viva Saturn disbanded, and founding member Steven embarked on a solo career. ~ Tracy Frey, Rovi