Thinking of You

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Thinking of You" by Harlequin, a track that’s got that sweet, soulful vibe perfect for our hippie DJs’ turntables. This song, a standout from Harlequin’s 1980 album Love Crimes, was one of their biggest hits alongside "Innocence." In a 2007 interview with Winnipeg Free Press, frontman George Belanger shared that "Thinking of You" was inspired by the raw emotion of longing, written during a late-night jam session after a long tour. He described it as a song that “captures the ache of being miles away from someone who’s stuck in your heart.” The band’s keyboardist, Gary Golden, once posted on Facebook about how the song’s iconic synth riff came about accidentally when he was “messing around with a busted pedal” in the studio, giving it that dreamy, nostalgic sound we all love.

Another cool tidbit comes from a fan Q&A session hosted on X in 2013, where Belanger revealed that the band almost scrapped "Thinking of You" because they thought it was “too soft” for their rock edge. Thankfully, producer Jack Douglas, who’d worked with legends like Aerosmith, insisted it stay, believing it had crossover appeal. Fans on the Harlequin Fanatics Facebook group often share stories of hearing the song on late-night radio in the ’80s, with one user recalling how it was their go-to slow dance track at high school proms. The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its frequent play at Canadian classic rock festivals, as noted in a 2017 Instagram post where the band shared a clip of a crowd singing along word-for-word.

Harlequin’s story began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1975, when bassist Ralph James brought together a group of talented musicians, including vocalist George Belanger, guitarist Glen Willows, keyboardist Gary Golden, and drummer David Budzak. According to their bio on harlequinband.ca, the band started jamming in local bars, honing their mix of hard rock and melodic hooks. Their big break came in Toronto when reps for producer Jack Douglas caught them playing a small gig after failing to get into a sold-out show downstairs. This led to a deal with CBS/Epic Records in 1979, and their debut album, Victim of a Song, went Gold, cementing their place in Canadian rock history. Harlequin’s relentless touring and raw energy helped them build a loyal fanbase, especially in Western Canada.

Over the years, Harlequin has stayed true to their roots, even after a brief split in the mid-’80s. Their 2006 induction into the Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame, as mentioned in a Facebook post, celebrated their lasting impact. Belanger, who kept the band active while running a business for 18 years, returned full-time to music with albums like Waking the Jester in 2007. Fans can connect with Harlequin on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks who want to dive deeper, check out the Harlequin Fanatics Facebook group, a lively community sharing memories, rare photos, and updates about the band’s latest gigs.