Thinking of You

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin the classic track "Thinking of You" by Harlequin from their 1980 album Love Crimes. This song, a staple of Canadian rock radio, became one of Harlequin’s defining hits, known for its catchy riffs and heartfelt lyrics. According to a post on the band’s Facebook page from 2020, "Thinking of You" was inspired by the raw emotion of longing, with frontman George Belanger sharing in a rare interview clip that the song captured "a moment of vulnerability we all feel but don’t always say out loud." Fans on the Harlequin Fan Club Facebook group often cite its driving beat as a highlight of their live shows, with one member recalling a 1981 concert where the crowd sang along so loudly it drowned out the band.

Another piece of trivia comes from a 2019 Instagram post by the band, where they revealed that "Thinking of You" was almost left off Love Crimes due to time constraints in the studio. Producer Jack Douglas, famed for his work with Aerosmith, pushed for its inclusion, believing it had the potential to resonate with a wide audience. The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its frequent airplay, as noted on Harlequin’s X account, where they recently shared that it still gets requests at their live performances. Fans on the Harlequin Rock Fan Site have also pointed out that the song’s lyrical simplicity makes it relatable, with one user quoting Belanger from a 1980s radio interview: "It’s about missing someone so much it hurts, but you keep going."

Harlequin got their start in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1975, when bassist Ralph James formed the band with vocalist George Belanger, guitarist Glen Willows, keyboardist Gary Golden, and drummer David Budzak. As detailed on their official website, the group honed their craft by recording demos and playing gigs in Toronto’s small bars and clubs. Their big break came by chance when representatives of producer Jack Douglas caught their set at a tiny venue after being turned away from 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, setting the stage for their rise in the Canadian rock scene.

The band’s persistence paid off with their second album, Love Crimes, which went Platinum, driven by hits like "Thinking of You" and "Innocence." Their Facebook page highlights their relentless touring during this era, sharing stages with bands like Triumph and Heart. Despite a split in the mid-1980s, Belanger kept Harlequin alive, and they reformed in the 2000s, releasing new music like Waking the Jester in 2007. Fans can connect with the band on Instagram, where they post tour updates, or on X, where they engage with Zoo Freaks and share nostalgic photos. For those wanting to dive deeper, the Harlequin Fan Club on Facebook and the Harlequin Rock Fan Site offer spaces to swap stories and celebrate the band’s legacy.