BY JEFF ELBEL | FOR THE SUN-TIMES
MTV-era rockers Loverboy built an enduring crowd through savvy songwriting and marathon touring. “I used to joke that we were gone so long that when I’d come home, the dog would bite me,” says vocalist Mike Reno.
The band remains in high gear, supporting 2014’s “Unfinished Business.” The bluesy romp “Doin’ it the Hard Way” is a modern answer to the 1981 single “Working for the Weekend,” with a hint of BTO’s “Takin’ Care of Business” included.
LOVERBOY with The Romantics When: 8 p.m. Feb. 14 Where: Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles Tickets: $49-$89 Info: (630) 962-7000; oshows.com
Despite ample fresh material, the band has the fortunate quandary of fitting its many popular hits into a set. “If we were to break into those new songs, 99 percent of the people would look at us like we’re crazy,” says Reno. “They want the hits. We love our fans more than anything, but it’s our band and we can do what we want. So, who knows?”
“Turn Me Loose,” “Lucky Ones” and “Hot Girls in Love” are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, but Reno has his own top choice. “’When it’s Over‘ is my favorite to sing,” he says. “The guys’ groove is so great. You don’t find musicians like this every day. I’m a lucky guy.”
Loverboy established a signature look during the ’80s, and you can still purchase your own bandana at the merchandise stand. “They sell like hotcakes,” says Reno with a laugh. “You can’t take yourself too seriously. I throw a few into the audience every night. I started wearing those just keep the sweat out of my eyes. When you’re under the lights, you sweat like a dog — especially with those red leather pants.”
Loverboy and the Romantics share a perfectly curated bill on Valentine’s Day. Cupid couldn’t have made a better match for ’80s rock buffs. “I don’t think that was an accident,” says Reno. “I love the Romantics. Those hits take you right down memory lane. They’re priceless.”
Chicago’s Brad Elvis has been the Romantics’ drummer for 11 years, while leading local rockers The Handcuffs alongside singer Chloe F. Orwell. Elvis’ resume boasts decades of touring, but he says that a Romantics show in his backyard is special. “That doesn’t happen too often,” he says. “It’s nice for friends to see me on my own turf playing those classic songs.”
Elvis remembers first hearing the Romantics in 1980. “My band Screams was playing in Detroit,” he says. “I heard ‘What I Like About You’ on the jukebox and my first impression was that it jumped out of the speakers.”
Jeff Elbel is a local free-lance writer. Email: elbel.jeff@gmail.com
