The Kid Is Hot Tonite

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious The Kid Is Hot Tonite by Loverboy, a track from their self-titled debut album that captures the raw energy of their early days. This 1981 single, while not as chart-topping as Turn Me Loose, hit number 20 in Canada and 55 in the United States, becoming a staple of their arena rock sound. According to Songfacts, guitarist Paul Dean co-wrote the song with Bernie Aubin, the band’s original drummer, crafting a narrative about a rising rock star whose fame might be fleeting. The song’s live debut at a rough gig in Chilliwack, about 60 miles outside Vancouver, proved its crowd-pleasing potential, with Dean noting it got the best reaction of the night, even before Working for the Weekend was born. Some fans speculate the song references fellow Canadian Bryan Adams, though this remains unconfirmed. Its enduring appeal is evident in its cover by Canadian punk band Chixdiggit for the FUBAR soundtrack, and its lyrics, like “The Kid is hot tonight / Whoa so hot tonight / But where will he be tomorrow?” resonate with the transient nature of rock stardom.

Loverboy’s journey began in 1979 in Calgary, Alberta, when vocalist Mike Reno, previously with Moxy under the name Mike Rynoski, met guitarist Paul Dean, a veteran of Streetheart and Scrubbaloe Caine, at Calgary’s Refinery Night Club. The duo, joined by keyboardist Doug Johnson, bassist Scott Smith, and drummer Matt Frenette, honed their sound in Canada’s bar circuit after facing rejection from major U.S. record labels. Their persistence paid off when they signed with Columbia/CBS Records Canada, recording their debut album with producer Bruce Fairbairn and engineer Bob Rock. Released in 1980, the album, featuring The Kid Is Hot Tonite, sold over a million copies in Canada and two million in the U.S., launching them into tours with heavyweights like Journey, Cheap Trick, and Def Leppard. Their high-energy performances and catchy hooks earned them a record-breaking six Juno Awards in 1982, cementing their status as Canadian rock icons.

Fans can connect with Loverboy through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and nostalgic posts. The band’s official website, loverboyband.com, offers tour dates, merch, and news on recent releases like their 2022 single Release. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online, including the Loverboy Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memories, concert photos, and vinyl finds. Another hub, Rock Candy Records, celebrates Loverboy’s legacy with reissued albums and detailed liner notes, perfect for fans craving more of that classic arena rock vibe.