The Zoo Crew is spinning "Hot Girls In Love" by Loverboy, a track from their 1983 album Keep It Up, not Get Lucky as some might assume, which pumps through the airwaves for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Mainstream Rock chart in June 1983, became a staple of Loverboy’s high-energy sound. In a 2012 interview, frontman Mike Reno shared that the song’s infectious vibe was inspired by the band’s love for blending raw rock with catchy hooks, aiming to capture the electric atmosphere of their live shows. The music video, a hit on MTV, featured the band’s signature red leather pants and a playful narrative that leaned into the era’s larger-than-life aesthetic, making it a visual time capsule of 1980s rock culture.
Delving into the song’s trivia, guitarist Paul Dean revealed in a 2013 interview that “Hot Girls In Love” was one of the fastest tracks they recorded for Keep It Up, with the band nailing the core instrumental in just a few takes. Dean noted the song’s riff came from a late-night jam session after a show, fueled by the adrenaline of performing for thousands. On social media, fans on the Loverboy Music Fan Group often share stories of blasting the song during road trips, with one fan recalling how it was their go-to anthem for summer cruises in the ‘80s. The track’s lyrics, dripping with playful bravado, reflect Loverboy’s knack for crafting songs that resonate with fans seeking fun, escapist rock.
Loverboy got their start in Calgary, Alberta, in 1979, when vocalist Mike Reno, previously with the band Moxy, was introduced to guitarist Paul Dean, a veteran of Streetheart and Scrubbaloe Caine, at Calgary’s Refinery Night Club. According to a band biography on their official website, the two hit it off instantly, bonding over a shared love for hard rock and melodic hooks. They recruited keyboardist Doug Johnson, bassist Scott Smith, and drummer Matt Frenette to round out the lineup. After being rejected by multiple American labels, they signed with Columbia/CBS Records Canada and recorded their self-titled debut album in 1980, which spawned the hit “Turn Me Loose.” The band’s name, as Reno shared in a 2007 interview, came from a dream Dean had after seeing a Cover Girl ad, morphing it into “Cover Boy” and finally “Loverboy,” a name that stuck for its cheeky charm.
The band’s rise was meteoric, with their 1981 album Get Lucky selling over four million copies in the U.S. and earning them six Juno Awards in 1982, a Canadian record that still stands. Their high-energy live shows, complete with red leather pants and bandannas, became legendary, as noted in a 2016 YouTube post where Dean described stepping into a “performance bubble” on stage. Loverboy’s music, blending arena rock with pop sensibilities, resonated with fans across North America, leading to over 10 million albums sold worldwide.
For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Loverboy’s official website for tour dates and merch. Connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwback posts. Fans can join the vibrant Loverboy Music Fan Group on Facebook to share stories and rare photos. Another great spot is the fan-run Loverboy Songs site, packed with discography details and song insights. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let “Hot Girls In Love” keep the party going!
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