Take Me to the Top

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Take Me to the Top" by Loverboy from their iconic album Get Lucky, and the Zoo Freaks are surely loving this hard-rock anthem. One fascinating piece of trivia about this song comes from Scott Smith’s notes in the band’s Greatest Hits album Big Ones. He revealed that the version of "Take Me to the Top" on is actually the demo version, complete with an out-of-tune bass. The band struggled to recapture the raw energy of that demo in the studio, so they stuck with the original, imperfections and all, giving it a gritty, authentic vibe that fans still adore. This choice highlights Loverboy’s commitment to capturing the right feel over polished perfection, a trait that resonates with their high-energy performances.

Another intriguing story tied to "Take Me to the Top" and the Get Lucky album revolves around its iconic album cover, which features a person in tight red leather pants with a hand crossing fingers in the foreground. For years, speculation swirled about who modeled those pants. Both lead singer Mike Reno and guitarist Paul Dean, who often wore red leather pants during the Get Lucky tour, were rumored to be the model, with Reno sometimes playfully going along with the claim. In a 2012 interview, Reno suggested it was the photographer’s daughter, a story he repeated in 2013. The truth came out in a 2014 CBC Music interview with photographer Steven Keller, who clarified that his stylist found a single pair of red leather pants in New York City. None of the band members or models on set could fit into them, but when Keller’s daughter came home from school, she tried them on, and they fit perfectly. She became the unexpected star of the now-iconic cover, which even inspired an homage by Joan As Police Woman for her 2020 album Cover Two.

Loverboy got their start in 1979 in Calgary, Alberta, when guitarist Paul Dean, fresh from his time with bands like Scrubbaloe Caine and Streetheart, began jamming in a warehouse with a new group. One night, Mike Reno, who had previously fronted the band Moxy under the name Mike Rynoski, dropped by with a mutual friend. Reno jumped in to sing a few songs, and the chemistry between him and Dean was immediate. They decided to form a band on the spot, later joined by keyboardist Doug Johnson, drummer Matt Frenette, and bassist Jim Clench, who was soon replaced by Scott Smith after just one gig. The band’s name, Loverboy, came from a dream Paul Dean had after a night out with bandmates and their girlfriends, inspired by a moment of creative clarity. Initially rejected by major American record labels, they signed with Columbia/CBS Records Canada and recorded their self-titled debut album in 1980, which exploded with hits like "Turn Me Loose." Their relentless touring schedule—over 200 shows in 1980 alongside bands like Cheap Trick and Def Leppard—cemented their reputation as a powerhouse live act, setting the stage for the massive success of Get Lucky in 1981.

Fans of Loverboy can stay connected with the band through their official social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and X. The band also shares updates, tour dates, and exclusive content on their official website. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper into the Loverboy community, there are dedicated fan spaces like the Loverboy Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories, discuss the band’s discography, and celebrate their enduring legacy. Whether you’re rocking out to "Take Me to the Top" or reminiscing about the red leather pants era, Loverboy’s music continues to bring fans together with its infectious energy.