Lucky Ones

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Lucky Ones" by Loverboy from their iconic 1981 album Get Lucky, and the Zoo Freaks are surely loving this classic rock anthem. One fascinating piece of trivia about the album comes from the late bassist Scott Smith’s notes on the band’s Greatest Hits album Big Ones. He revealed that another track from Get Lucky, "Take Me to the Top," was actually the demo version, complete with an out-of-tune bass, because the band couldn’t replicate the raw energy in the studio. While no specific anecdotes directly tie to "Lucky Ones," this insight reflects the band’s commitment to authenticity during the album’s creation, likely influencing the vibrant energy of the track. The album itself was a massive success, reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200 and staying on the charts for over two years, with "Lucky Ones" as one of its standout singles.

The Get Lucky album cover is another source of intriguing lore. Featuring a now-iconic image of tight red leather pants and a hand with crossed fingers, it was chosen as one of the 50 greatest Canadian album covers by CBC Music in 2014. For years, speculation swirled about who modeled those pants—some thought it was lead singer Mike Reno or guitarist Paul Dean, both of whom sported red leather pants during the album’s tour. In a 2012 interview, Reno suggested it was the photographer’s daughter, a claim confirmed in 2014 by CBC Music’s interview with photographer David Michael Kennedy. His daughter, Tymara Kennedy, then 13, modeled the pants after they didn’t fit anyone else on set. Tragically, Tymara passed away in a car accident in 1991 at age 22, making the cover a poignant memorial. This story adds a bittersweet layer to the album’s legacy, which includes "Lucky Ones."

Loverboy formed in Calgary, Alberta, in 1979, emerging from the vibrant Canadian rock scene. Lead singer Mike Reno, previously with the band Moxy under the name Mike Rynoski, joined forces with guitarist Paul Dean, who had played with Scrubbaloe Caine and Streetheart. The lineup was completed by keyboardist Doug Johnson, drummer Matt Frenette, and bassist Jim Clench, who was soon replaced by Scott Smith after one gig. The band’s name, according to Reno, came from a dream by Paul Dean, inspired by a night spent with bandmates and their girlfriends. After facing rejections from multiple American record labels, Loverboy signed with Columbia/CBS Records Canada. They began recording their self-titled debut album on March 20, 1980, with producer Bruce Fairbairn and engineer Bob Rock. The album, featuring hits like "Turn Me Loose," became a massive hit, selling over a million copies in Canada and two million in the U.S., setting the stage for Get Lucky’s success.

Throughout the 1980s, Loverboy dominated with their arena rock sound, earning four multi-platinum albums and numerous hits. Their relentless touring, including over 200 shows in 1981 alongside bands like Cheap Trick and Def Leppard, cemented their reputation as a powerhouse live act. Despite a brief breakup from 1988 to 1991, the band has continued to perform regularly and is currently based in Vancouver. Fans can connect with Loverboy through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on tours and new releases like their 2022 single "Release." For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive on platforms like the Loverboy Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memories and celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.