Loverboy Rocks the Beach
Northwell Health At Jones Beach Theater
Wantagh, NY
August 2, 2023
By Mike Perciaccante
It’s been over 40 years since Loverboy introduced themselves to the world with “The Kid Is Hot Tonight,” the opening track on its eponymously titled debut album. Since that time, the band has toured the globe while racking up an impressive number of hit singles--including the arena-rock staples “Notorious,” “Working For the Weekend” and “Turn Me Loose.”
The Canadian band was formed in 1979 in Calgary, Alberta by founding members lead singer Mike Reno on lead vocals; Paul Dean on guitar; keyboardist Doug Johnson on keyboards; Jim Clench on bass and Matt Frenette on drums. Clench was almost immediately replaced by Scott Smith. After spending its first year of existence trying to get a record deal, Loverboy signed with Columbia/CBS
Records Canada. It released the Loverboy album on that label in August of 1980.
Over the years, Loverboy has earned four multi-platinum albums, sold millions of records, been the recipient of numerous Juno Awards, performed at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Currently comprised of Reno, Dean, Johnson, Frenette and Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve (who replaced the late Scott Smith), Loverboy continues to be a force to be reckoned with.
On a pleasant, cool Wednesday evening in early August, Loverboy graced the stage at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater and set the intimate Long Island venue on fire. The show began on a high note as the band rocked the crowd with a great version of “Notorious” from 1987’s Wildside. Performing at the top of its game and playing with passion, the band members were each on fire and playing tightly while lead singer Mike Reno’s spot-on vocals got the audience to its feet to singalong.
The short set was highlighted by powerful versions of “Take Me To The Top,” “The Kid Is Hot Tonite,” “Hot Girls in Love,” “Queen of the Broken Hearts,” and “Lovin’ Every Minute of It.” The band closed with the hits “Hot Girls In Love,” “Turn Me Loose” and “Working For the Weekend.” Prior to its ending number, Reno called for some cowbell and Frenette responded by sounding the cowbell opening of “Working For The Weekend,” and all hell broke loose. The audience, which was already on its feet, bopped and danced up and down the aisles.
It’s safe to say, that more than 40 years into its career, Loverboy is still rockin’ ‘n’ rollin’ and its fans still love them.
