Album flashback

Loverboy - self-titled [1980]

Not long after the album cycle for Streetheart’s 1978 debut ‘Meanwhile Back In Paris…’ guitarist Paul Dean found himself unemployed. The old ‘musical differences’ trope raises its head once again.

Meanwhile, another musician was also looking for work - Mike Rynoski. Mike is a singer [and drummer] who himself got turfed out of his gig with a band called Moxy.

Dean originally feels he should front his own new project, then balks at that idea. So he arranges a meeting in a Calgary warehouse, where he connects musically with Rynoski [aka Mike Reno]. A writing partnership is agreed.

Adding another exiled Streetheart member in drummer Matthew Frenette, alongside former Dalbello bassman Scott Smith for a solid rhythm section, and why not a classically trained keyboard player in Doug Johnson, and a Canadian Music Hall of Fame band that we now know as Loverboy is born.

Not long after, they find themselves at Little Mountain Sound in Vancouver with the late and legendary Bruce Fairbairn behind the desk.

The album drops in summer 1980, and once the dust has settled on their first three albums there are more than 10 million sold, massive US success and a record that still stands at the JUNO awards - six trophies in one year.

And for fans of ‘30 Rock’, we will never forget that line producer Pete Hornberger was once fictionally Loverboy’s third guitarist.

The Kid Is Hot Tonite - peaked #30 [1980]

Imagine that this is your debut single!

Honestly, not much I can even write here - the hooks are plentiful and there’s no way you’re not shouting along to this in an arena.

Behind the Vinyl [shoutout Boom 97.3]

Great story from Mike Reno about getting their demo in the right set of ears, followed by a beautiful wave of nostalgia.

Turn Me Loose - peaked #7 1981, year end #48, #6 USA

All your fave early 80s elements are in one place.

Sartorial splendour, including the famous Reno leather bands and sweat band combo. The wonder of an early music video whose concept borrows from silent film.

But again, the music just knocks you out! The synth, the dancing high hats and that bass line. Damn.

Settling in? Just wait, because Reno hits a high note at around 1:33 that will stay with you for good.

This gets my Dad Rock seal of approval, not that Loverboy need it…

Behind the Vinyl [shoutout Boom 97.3]

Here Reno tells the story of the album art, as well as how a dispute with Columbia’s street team may have prevented ‘Turn Me Loose’ from being bigger than it was in the USA.

And remember that high note? There’s some lore there, too.

Lady of The 80’s - peaked #43

I have a long-held theory that Canadian bands are better live than most because of the sheer logistics of touring in our country.

The distances are long and the markets are not always the biggest - so when you get an audience in front of you, it’s time to deliver.

This video takes the above argument and makes the case. The band we’re watching has been together for less than two years - yet they are dynamic and engaging.

If they came to my town again after giving me this performance I would damn sure buy another ticket and take my friends.

Loverboy are special, and it’s here for all to see. Again and again.

RIP Bruce Fairbairn [1999] and Scott Smith [2000]