New Girl Now

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, we're spinning the classic track "New Girl Now" by Honeymoon Suite from their self-titled debut album. This song, written by guitarist Derry Grehan, was inspired by a real-life breakup and his move to college, giving it that raw, heartfelt edge. It won a Toronto radio station Q107 contest for unsigned bands, which was the big break that landed them a record deal with WEA Canada. Picture this: the band, exhausted from an all-night drive from a gig in Elliot Lake, rolled into Toronto and recorded a sleep-deprived demo of "New Girl Now" the next morning. That gritty determination paid off, as the song hit No. 23 in Canada and No. 57 in the U.S., and in 2015, Grehan snagged a SOCAN Classic Award for over 100,000 Canadian radio plays. You might’ve caught its vibe in shows like Miami Vice’s "One Eyed Jack" episode or the horror flick Gutterballs. Fans on Reddit still rave about it—one Zoo Freak shared how it was the perfect anthem for a post-breakup date at a 1989 Honeymoon Suite concert.

Back in 1981, Honeymoon Suite kicked off in Niagara Falls, Ontario, a nod to the city’s “honeymoon capital” nickname. Johnnie Dee (vocals, guitar), Brad Bent (keyboards), and Mike Lengyell (drums) were the original trio, but by 1983, the lineup shifted to Dee, Derry Grehan (lead guitar), and Dave Betts (drums). Grehan, who became the band’s main songwriter, brought in his experience from the new wave scene with Steve Blimkie and the Reason. They started as a cover band, sneaking originals like "New Girl Now" into late-night bar sets. After their Q107 win, they signed with WEA Canada and dropped their debut album in 1984, produced by Tom Treumuth, with hits like "Burning In Love" and "Wave Babies" alongside "New Girl Now." Their classic sound still rocks today, with their latest album Alive released in 2024.

Want to keep up with Honeymoon Suite? Check out their official website for tour dates and news. They’re active on Facebook, sharing updates and throwback pics, and on Instagram, where you’ll find behind-the-scenes shots. Follow their X account for quick updates and fan chats. Zoo Freaks can also join the Honeymoon Suite Fan Club on Facebook to connect with other diehards and swap stories about epic concerts and favorite tracks.