When It's Over

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "When It's Over" by Loverboy from their iconic album Get Lucky, and the Zoo Freaks are surely loving this synth-heavy gem. This song, released in 1981, is a standout on the album, blending moody power ballad vibes with a catchy midtempo rock edge. According to AllMusic, Mike Reno delivers a "show-stoppingly emotional vocal performance," making it a fan favorite. The track features Nancy Nash on background vocals, adding a rich layer to its sound. Interestingly, "When It's Over" climbed to number 17 on Canada's RPM Top Singles chart and hit number 26 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in June 1982, showcasing its cross-border appeal. Billboard praised it as a "catchy midtempo rocker," highlighting its reliance on synthesizers, which gave it a distinct '80s flavor.

One piece of trivia tied to the Get Lucky album, which includes "When It's Over," revolves around its iconic album cover. The cover features a pair of tight red leather pants, and for years, fans speculated about the model's identity. Both Mike Reno and Paul Dean, who wore red leather pants during the album's tour, playfully fueled the mystery. In a 2012 interview, Reno suggested it was the photographer's daughter, a claim clarified in a 2014 CBC Music interview. Photographer Steven Keller revealed his 13-year-old daughter, Tymara Kennedy, modeled the pants after they fit no one else on set. Tragically, Tymara passed away in a car accident in 1991 at age 22, making the cover her only modeling credit. The cover, credited to "T.K.," remains one of the most recognizable in Canadian rock history.

Loverboy got their start in Calgary, Alberta, in 1979, born from a chance meeting between guitarist Paul Dean and vocalist Mike Reno. Dean, formerly of Scrubbaloe Caine and Streetheart, was jamming in a warehouse when Reno, previously with Moxy under the name Mike Rynoski, dropped by with a mutual friend. The two hit it off instantly, belting out songs and deciding to form a band. They recruited keyboardist Doug Johnson, drummer Matt Frenette, and bassist Jim Clench (later replaced by Scott Smith after one gig). According to Wikipedia, the band's name came from a dream Paul Dean had after a night out with bandmates and their girlfriends. Initially rejected by major U.S. labels, they signed with Columbia/CBS Records Canada and recorded their self-titled debut album in 1980, produced by Bruce Fairbairn and Bob Rock. The album went platinum in Canada, and their single "Turn Me Loose" became a hit, launching them into stardom.

By the time Get Lucky dropped in 1981, Loverboy was a force, opening for Journey and later touring with giants like Def Leppard and ZZ Top. The album sold over 4 million copies in the U.S. alone and earned them six Juno Awards in 1981, a record that still stands. Their energetic mix of arena rock, hard rock, and pop rock resonated with fans, and they’ve since released eight studio albums and continue to tour. You can catch up with them on their official website, follow their updates on Facebook, check out their posts on Instagram, or see what they’re tweeting on X. Fans, or Zoo Freaks looking to connect, can join the Loverboy Fan Club on Facebook or explore fan-driven content on sites like Songfacts, where devotees share trivia and stories about the band’s legacy.