Burning in Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Burning in Love" by Honeymoon Suite from their self-titled debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This song, a staple of 1980s Canadian rock, carries a raw emotional edge with its tale of a love gone cold. One piece of trivia that stands out is how the band recorded this track under tight deadlines for their 1984 debut. In a 2016 interview on boom 97.3, guitarist Derry Grehan shared that the pressure to deliver a polished album led to intense studio sessions, with "Burning in Love" capturing the band’s urgency and passion. The song’s driving guitar riffs and Johnnie Dee’s emotive vocals were crafted to hit hard, making it one of four singles from the album that went gold in Canada.

Another tidbit comes from fan discussions on Honeymoon Suite Fan Club on Facebook, where longtime listeners recall the song’s heavy rotation on Canadian radio stations like Q107, which helped it become a defining anthem for the band. Social media posts from the band’s official Instagram often highlight throwback photos from the era, with captions reminiscing about the energy of performing "Burning in Love" live during their early tours. The song’s lyrics, which speak of a relationship turning to stone, resonated with audiences, and its music video, as noted on boom 97.3, showcased the band’s gritty, heartfelt style, cementing its place in AOR (album-oriented rock) history.

Honeymoon Suite got its start in 1981 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, a city famously known as the unofficial honeymoon capital, which inspired the band’s name. Founded by Johnnie Dee (vocals and guitar), Brad Bent (keyboards), and Mike Lengyell (drums), the group initially played local gigs, honing their sound in the vibrant Canadian music scene. By 1983, the lineup shifted, with Dee as the sole original member, joined by Derry Grehan on lead guitar and Dave Betts on drums. Grehan’s songwriting became pivotal, especially with the track "New Girl Now," which won a Q107 radio contest for unsigned bands. This victory caught the attention of WEA Canada, leading to a record deal and the release of their debut album in 1984, featuring "Burning in Love." The band’s blend of hard rock and melodic hooks drew comparisons to acts like Journey, and their early success laid the foundation for a career that’s spanned decades.

Today, fans can connect with Honeymoon Suite through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, nostalgic posts, and news about their latest album, Alive, released in 2024. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, the Honeymoon Suite Fan Club on Facebook is a lively hub for sharing memories and discussing the band’s legacy. Another fan-driven space, Heavy Harmonies, offers detailed discography info and fan reviews, keeping the spirit of "Burning in Love" alive for new and longtime listeners alike.