Hot in the ‘80’s, they will be hotter in the second decade of the 21^st century!  Who?  Well, none other than those kids we know as Loverboy!

Photo: Contributed

An exciting press release came across my desk just the other day, one that got me excited, one that promises grand things to come for 2012 and 2013.  Loverboy is releasing a brand new album!  “Rock n’ Roll Revival”, and that is not all.  The group will commence on a massive tour with Journey and Pat Benatar in the latter part of July and running through to December!  Truly, this is the Rock Event of the year. 

The group has reunited with Producer Bob Rock and have recorded three brand new songs, which appear on the new record, and it gets better:  The group have re-recorded some of their classics, “Turn Me Loose”, “Lucky Ones”, “When It’s Over”, and more.  Now what makes this so interesting and electrifying is the fact that “Rock n’ Roll Revival” is not a compilation or greatest hits album, it is fresh takes on unforgettable songs that became part of our life’s soundtrack!  The versions recorded here have more meat on them than the South Fork cattle ranch in Texas!

Worldwide release of ‘Rock n’ Roll Revival’ is August 24^th, and none other than the stellar label Frontiers Records are holding court.  Now, this is not just another kick at the can, this is a renewed commitment from one of Canada’s finer bands. 

One listen and you will agree. 

The songs are tougher, and sound fresh as the morning dew.  One could not realise how much more these guys could improve upon such musical gems as “The Kid Is Hot Tonight” and “Hot Girls In Love”, but they do. 

The new material?  Produced by Bob Rock, who engineered their first album back in 1980, exercises a sonic brilliance.  The opening cut, the somewhat autobiographical “Rock n’ Roll Revival”, is a call to arms and sets the tone for the entire musical journey.  This is ‘Loverboy’ at their hardest, this collection just simply ROCKS!  A  leaner, and more thoughtful exercise, this album displays a group that is definitely here to stay!  Now, if only the business side of music would only get alongside, as this is not just a Classic Rock re-issue, this is some serious music!  Having Frontiers Records involved is also a sure sign of the longevity intended. 

The group is backing up this enormous effort with an equally massive tour.  Beginning July 21^st, Loverboy will share the boards with Journey and Pat Benetar.  Starting Stateside, the group intends to continue well into December, with dates all across North America. 

No Canadian dates have been announced, however they are forthcoming.  At the time of this writing, the closest gigs to us would be The Gorge in Seattle, and Spokane Washington: Saturday July 28^th and Sunday July 29^th respectively. 

Loverboy is celebrating their thirty-second year as a musical force, turned loose in 1980 and  haven’t looked back since!  The kids were hot in the ‘80’s, and they will be hotter in the 21^st Century!  Canada’s ‘Loverboy’?  It’s Not Over!!

UPDATE: Kelowna is among the dates for the Canadian tour of Loverboy, Pat Benetar and Journey:  It will be December 1st at Prospera Place.

Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

Pheasant & Quail Pub:  Rann Berry:  June 29^th and 30^th   

97 Street Pub:   Aerosmith Rocks:  June 30^th

The Blue Gator:   Zamboni Brothers:  June 29^th/30^th  Jimmy Leguilloux:   July 6^th/7^th   Young ‘Uns:  July 13^th/14^th

Lake City Casino:  Diamond Road: June 29^th/30^th  Rann Berry:   July 6^th/7^th

Minstrel Café:    Blue City Trio:  June 30^th       

WestSide Daze:  Blaze Of Glory:  June 30^th      

Notable Concerts:  

Merritt:   Harlequinn  July 12^th

 Kenny Shields & Streetheart:   July 14^th  Dancin’ Barefoot Music Festival  in Peachland

Sturgis North 2012-Vernon: July 18^th to 22^nd  Rick Derringer  Jerry Doucette  Blue Oyster Cult  Foghat  Nick Gilder & Sweeney Todd  The Guess Who  Stampeders  Brian Howe Snake Oil Sinners  Jasmine Cain

Rock The Peach Music Festival: July 27^th / 28^th/29^th : Kings Park (Penticton) Collective Soul Good For Grapes  Sam Roberts Band  The Steadies  Glass Tiger  Jesse Cook  Ronnie Dunn

‘Notes & News’: 

An important reunion happened in 2008, Canada’s premiere Power Trio “Triumph” laid it on the line.  The place: The Sweden Rock Festival, a brand new live documentation is about to be unleashed:  “Live At Sweden Rock Festival”; a double CD/DVD set has an August release date-look for it in your favourite music shop!

 ……if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  fbainternational@telus.net  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!.....