Gangs In The Street

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Gangs In The Street" by Loverboy from their iconic album Get Lucky, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to this classic track. This song, nestled among hits like "Working for the Weekend," carries the band's signature high-energy sound, but it has its own unique story. In a 2014 interview with CBC Music, drummer Matt Frenette shared that "Gangs In The Street" was inspired by the gritty urban energy of the early '80s, capturing a sense of rebellion and streetwise swagger. The band wanted to evoke the feeling of cruising city streets at night, a theme that resonated with their audience. On Loverboy's Facebook, a 2022 post celebrating the remastered HD video for the song garnered over 288,000 views and thousands of likes, with fans commenting on its nostalgic vibe and how it still feels fresh decades later. The video, shot with a raw, cinematic style, was described by guitarist Paul Dean in a 1980s radio interview as a "visual punch" meant to match the song's driving rhythm.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song's production. According to producer Bruce Fairbairn's notes in the 2006 remastered Get Lucky liner notes, the band experimented with layering multiple guitar tracks to give "Gangs In The Street" its thick, anthemic sound. This approach was a departure from their debut album, showcasing their growing confidence in the studio. Fans on Loverboy's Instagram often share clips of live performances from the 1983 Pacific Coliseum show in Vancouver, where "Gangs In The Street" was a crowd favorite, with Mike Reno's soaring vocals electrifying the audience. A fan on Loverboy's X account recently posted about discovering a rare 45 RPM single of "Gangs In The Street" paired with "Lucky Ones," calling it a collector's gem. The song's enduring appeal is evident in these fan interactions, keeping its spirit alive among the Zoo Freaks.

Loverboy got their start in Calgary, Alberta, in 1979, born from the ashes of several Canadian rock outfits. Frontman Mike Reno, previously with the band Moxy under the name Mike Rynoski, teamed up with guitarist Paul Dean, who had played with Streetheart and Scrubbaloe Caine. The two met at a warehouse jam session, where their chemistry was immediate, as Reno recalled in a 2010 interview with Classic Rock Magazine. Drummer Matt Frenette, bassist Scott Smith, and keyboardist Doug Johnson rounded out the lineup, creating a tight unit that blended hard rock with catchy pop sensibilities. After facing rejections from American labels, they signed with Columbia/CBS Records Canada and recorded their self-titled debut in 1980, which exploded with hits like "Turn Me Loose." Their relentless touring and radio-friendly sound made them a staple of the 1980s, earning four multi-platinum albums.

The band's journey wasn't without challenges. In a 2012 Rolling Stone interview, Paul Dean mentioned that early on, they struggled to stand out in a crowded rock scene, but their work ethic and belief in their sound paid off. By the time Get Lucky was released in 1981, Loverboy had honed their live performances, which translated into the album's polished yet raw energy. Fans can connect with the band through their official Facebook page, where they share tour updates and throwback photos, or on Instagram, which features behind-the-scenes content. Their X account engages with fans through song polls and tour announcements, while their YouTube channel hosts official videos and live footage.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, there are vibrant fan communities online. The Loverboy's Fan Group on Facebook is a hub for fans to share memorabilia, discuss concerts, and post rare photos from the band's early days. Another fan-driven site, Loverboy Music, offers a detailed discography and tour history, though it's not officially affiliated with the band. These spaces keep the Loverboy legacy alive, much like the Zoo Crew's spins of "Gangs In The Street" keep the airwaves rocking.