Single flashback

Honeymoon Suite - New Girl Now [1984]

Hailing from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls [hence… Honeymoon Suite], Johnnie Dee [vocals] and Derry Grehan [guitar and principal songwriter] met in the early 80s and before long were winners of the Q107 Homegrown Contest.

Their debut single - ‘New Girl Now’ - won them the contest, and was the first of eight Top 40 singles for their band during the decade.

Recording their debut with producer Tom Treumuth [Helix, Spoons] led to four singles and a long touring cycle at home and abroad.

Now, sadly, their backwards ass record company won’t let me post their video. But, thankfully, the lads were recently captured performing on an 80s Cruise [which I am now booking] and sounding pretty good indeed.

New Girl Now [live] - peaked #23, 1984

Honestly, this song would win any damn contest you could mention. It is flawless 80s pop.

A little glam, a little new wave, robust drums, and Derry’s crunchy guitar [not to mention his solo] all combine here in energetic fashion.

Not sure if Johnnie is giving us a little British accent here, too? It was the style at the time…

And wait for that first wave of synth on the pre-chorus. Damn!

Hands down one of the top tracks of the decade - CanCon or otherwise.

Behind The Vinyl | Boom 97.3

Marvel at Derry tryna get the needle to drop. On side one, track one. lol

The boys tell the story of their bar band days, covering Flock of Seagulls and Billy Idol while trying to sneak in some originals.

Derry is too modest to mention, but it wasn’t long after that they were opening for Idol.

Meanwhile, Johnnie reveals that some tape magic was used to adjust the tempo and pitch [back in the two-inch days, kids] of the track and that he’s tried and failed to recreate this live for more than forty years now.

By the way, Honeymoon Suite are recording again, with new records in 2024 and 2025. And if you ever see their debut at your record shop, pick it up - you won’t be disappointed!