Lady Of The 80s (Live 1983 / Wildcard Remaster)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-energy track "Lady Of The 80s (Live 1983 / Wildcard Remaster)" by Loverboy, taken from their Live in Vancouver DVD, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, originally from Loverboy’s 1980 self-titled debut album, captures the band’s signature catchy, anthemic rock sound. The live 1983 version, performed at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, showcases the band’s electrifying stage presence, with frontman Mike Reno’s soaring vocals and Paul Dean’s blistering guitar riffs. A notable piece of trivia comes from a 2024 earMUSIC press release, which highlights that this performance was meticulously restored by Paul Dean from his personal archive of 16mm film, preserving a moment of pure 80s rock magic. The accompanying music video for the 2024 single release of the live track features a nostalgic montage from Loverboy’s 1983 Keep It Up tour program, paying tribute to their late bassist Scott Smith, adding an emotional layer to the song’s legacy.

Another interesting tidbit about "Lady Of The 80s" is its enduring appeal among fans, as seen in social media buzz. On Loverboy’s official Facebook page, fans frequently share memories of attending the band’s early 80s concerts, with one fan commenting in a 2023 post about how the song’s infectious energy defined their youth. The track’s live rendition, remastered for the Live in ’82 release, has been praised for capturing the band at their peak, with Dean noting in a 2007 interview that the internet allows them to share such “gems” directly with fans, bypassing traditional album cycles. This DIY approach, as Dean described, reflects Loverboy’s commitment to keeping their music accessible and vibrant for both longtime Zoo Freaks and new listeners.

Loverboy got their start in 1979 in Calgary, Alberta, when vocalist Mike Reno, previously with the band Moxy, was introduced to guitarist Paul Dean, a veteran of Streetheart, at Calgary’s Refinery Night Club. The two hit it off, quickly forming a band with drummer Matt Frenette, keyboardist Doug Johnson, and bassist Jim Clench, who was later replaced by Scott Smith. According to a band bio on Wikipedia, their name came from a dream Paul Dean had after flipping through fashion magazines with bandmates and their girlfriends, transforming a Cover Girl ad into “Cover Boy” and ultimately “Loverboy.” After facing rejections from American labels, they signed with Columbia/CBS Records Canada and recorded their debut album in 1980, which included hits like “Turn Me Loose” and “The Kid Is Hot Tonight.” Their big break came opening for Kiss at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum in 1979, arranged by manager Bruce Allen, setting the stage for their rise to fame with four multi-platinum albums in the 1980s.

Fans can stay connected with Loverboy through their official website and social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share tour updates, throwback photos, and new releases. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Loverboy’s Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant space where fans swap concert stories, share rare photos, and discuss favorite tracks like “Lady Of The 80s.” Another fan-driven site, Concert Archives, offers detailed tour histories and setlists, perfect for reliving Loverboy’s live legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, these platforms keep the band’s spirit alive and rocking.