Patio Lanterns

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Patio Lanterns by Kim Mitchell, a track from his 1986 album Shakin' Like a Human Being that’s pure Canadian summer vibes. This song almost didn’t make it to your airwaves. Kim revealed in a 2019 interview with PNI Atlantic News that recording it was a slog—taking days to nail the vocals and mix. Frustrated, he pushed to cut it from the album, but his producer insisted it stay, and thank goodness, because it became a timeless hit. Kim shared on CBC Radio’s Cross Country Checkup in 2021 that the song’s spark came from a moment with co-writer Pye Dubois, who handed him lyrics as he stepped out of Kim’s van in Toronto. Right there, Kim grabbed his guitar and started crafting the melody, capturing that nostalgic backyard party feel.

Here’s a wild tidbit for the Zoo Crew to spin: Kim’s not totally in love with Patio Lanterns. In a 2012 SOCAN Words and Music piece, he admitted he’s still unhappy with the vocal take and found the song too poppy compared to his usual rock zone. Yet, it struck a chord, rocketing him to Top 40 fame and helping Shakin' Like a Human Being snag a Juno Award for Album of the Year in 1987. The CBC called it “quintessentially Canadian,” and by 1996, it had racked up over 100,000 radio plays in Canada. Fans on Reddit’s TheTikiHut community recently shared their love for its summery nostalgia, with one post raving about its patio-party energy. Kim even laughed about fans who are sick of it, saying on CBC, “I don’t blame you,” but he’s grateful for those who keep it spinning.

Let’s rewind to how Kim Mitchell became the rock legend Zoo Freaks adore. Born in Sarnia, Ontario, on July 10, 1952, Kim kicked off his musical journey as a teen, jamming with local bands. According to his Wikipedia bio, he played in various groups before forming the band Zooom, which took him to Toronto. When Zooom fizzled, Kim took a soul-searching trip to the Greek islands, returning to co-found Max Webster with Pye Dubois in the mid-1970s. Max Webster built a cult following with hits like A Million Vacations, blending progressive rock with quirky lyrics. After the band split in 1981, Kim went solo, dropping his self-titled mini-album in 1982. His 1984 single Go for Soda from Akimbo Alogo cracked the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, but it was Patio Lanterns that cemented his Canadian legacy.

Stay connected with Kim’s vibe, Zoo Freaks! Check out his official website at kimmitchell.ca for tour dates and news. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes snaps and updates. Kim’s also active on X, sharing thoughts and engaging with fans. For those craving more, join the Kim Mitchell Fan Club on Facebook, where fans swap stories and celebrate his music. There’s also a dedicated Max Webster fan site for those wanting to dive into Kim’s earlier work. Keep those patio lanterns glowing, and let’s keep the party rockin’ at THE ZOO!