Love Changes Everything

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track Love Changes Everything by Honeymoon Suite from their 1988 album Racing After Midnight, and Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibes. This song, a standout single that climbed to #9 on Canada’s RPM Magazine charts, carries a heartfelt message about love’s transformative power. According to a 2017 feature on Vancouver Pop Music Signature Sounds, the lyrics reflect a journey from emotional guardedness to vulnerability, with the protagonist’s “heart on a string” symbolizing trust in a new romance. The song’s creation faced challenges, as lead vocalist Johnnie Dee suffered a serious accident before the album’s recording, breaking his leg in multiple places after being hit by a car at Los Angeles International Airport. Despite this setback, Dee’s recovery and the band’s dedication resulted in a polished, melodic hit that resonated with fans, showcasing their resilience and chemistry.

Behind the scenes, Love Changes Everything benefited from the production expertise of Ted Templeman, known for his work with Van Halen, which gave the track its crisp, radio-friendly edge. In a 2008 interview with Canadian Classic Rock, guitarist Derry Grehan shared that the band aimed to recapture the raw energy of their debut album while incorporating a more mature sound. The song’s catchy guitar riffs and soaring vocals made it a staple of their live shows, with fans on the Honeymoon Suite Facebook page often citing it as a highlight of their 1988 tour. A lesser-known tidbit: the track was briefly considered for a Hollywood soundtrack but ultimately remained exclusive to the album, a decision Grehan later said preserved its “pure Honeymoon Suite vibe.”

Honeymoon Suite began in 1981 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, a city famously dubbed the “honeymoon capital,” inspiring the band’s name. Founded by Johnnie Dee (vocals, guitar) alongside Brad Bent (keyboards) and Mike Lengyell (drums), the group saw early lineup changes before solidifying with Dee, lead guitarist Derry Grehan, and drummer Dave Betts by 1983. Grehan’s songwriting prowess shone when their track New Girl Now won a Toronto radio station Q107 contest for unsigned bands, catching the attention of WEA Canada. This victory led to their self-titled debut album in 1984, which spawned four Canadian top-ten hits, including New Girl Now and Burning in Love. The band’s blend of AOR and hard rock, infused with catchy hooks, quickly earned them a loyal following, setting the stage for their later successes like Racing After Midnight.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Honeymoon Suite through their official channels. The band’s Facebook page is active with tour updates and fan interactions, while their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses and throwback photos. On X, they share news about upcoming shows and music releases. Fans can dive deeper into the community via the Honeymoon Suite Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts swap stories, memorabilia, and concert experiences. For more on the band’s history, check out fan-curated sites like Canadian Classic Rock, which chronicles their journey alongside other iconic Canadian acts.