Tonite (Lift Me Up)

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Tonite (Lift Me Up)" by Aldo Nova from his 1985 album Twitch, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to its infectious pop-rock energy. This track, one of the album’s standout singles alongside "Rumours of You," showcases Nova’s knack for crafting catchy hooks and melodic guitar riffs. In a 2021 interview included in the remastered Twitch CD booklet, Nova revealed that the song was born out of a desire to recapture the raw, uplifting spirit of his debut album after the more experimental Subject…Aldo Nova. He described the recording process in New York as a high-energy experience, with guest vocalists Michael Bolton and Fiona Flanagan adding a dynamic edge to the track. Nova also shared in a rare X post from 2020 that the song’s lyrics were inspired by a late-night drive through Montreal, where the city lights and a sense of freedom fueled the song’s soaring optimism.

Despite its quality, Twitch didn’t achieve the commercial success of Nova’s debut, partly due to tensions with his label, Epic Records, which pushed for a more commercial sound. Nova expressed frustration in a 2018 interview for his 2.0 album promotion, noting that the label’s interference during Twitch’s production led to creative compromises. Fans on the Aldo Nova Fan Club Facebook group often cite "Tonite (Lift Me Up)" as an underrated gem, with some sharing stories of hearing it live during Nova’s 1985 tour, where the song’s anthemic quality electrified crowds. A piece of trivia from the official website mentions that the song’s iconic guitar riff was nearly scrapped but saved after Nova fought to keep it, believing it captured the track’s uplifting essence.

Aldo Nova, born Aldo Caporuscio on November 13, 1956, in Montreal, Quebec, to Italian immigrant parents, began his musical journey at a young age. By 15, he was playing guitar and keyboards, adopting the stage name Aldo Nova to reflect his bold, multifaceted persona. His official bio on aldonova.com details how he taught himself to play by ear, drawing inspiration from rock legends like Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. Nova’s big break came when he signed with Portrait Records in the early 1980s, releasing his self-produced debut album Aldo Nova in 1982. The album, featuring the hit single "Fantasy," peaked at number 8 on the Billboard charts, cementing his status as a rising star in hard rock. His versatility as a guitarist, vocalist, and producer set him apart, leading to later collaborations with artists like Celine Dion and Jon Bon Jovi.

Today, fans can connect with Aldo Nova through his official website, where he shares updates on new music and tour dates. His Facebook page is active with posts about re-releases and fan interactions, while his Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of his studio work. On X, Nova occasionally engages with fans, sharing nostalgic throwbacks and thoughts on his career. The Aldo Nova Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can join discussions about Twitch and other albums. Another fan hub, aldonova.net, offers discographies and rare photos, keeping the spirit of Nova’s music alive for dedicated listeners.