What I Like About You

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track What I Like About You by The Romantics, a power pop anthem from their 1980 self-titled debut album. This song, written by band members Wally Palmar, Mike Skill, and Jimmy Marinos, was built around a driving guitar riff by Skill, inspired by classics like Van Morrison’s Gloria and The Kingsmen’s Louie, Louie. The iconic “Hey, uh-huh-huh” refrain draws from the Yardbirds’ Over Under Sideways Down and Chuck Berry’s Back in the U.S.A., giving it a raw, retro edge. Recorded at Coconuts Recording Studio in Miami Beach, Florida, the song was a staple in the band’s live sets before its release, but it only hit #49 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. Its real breakthrough came later in the decade when a Budweiser commercial catapulted it into rock anthem status, though the band later discovered their management had licensed it without their approval, sparking a lawsuit.

Another juicy tidbit: the song’s music video, shot at the University of Michigan Dearborn’s recreational center, was a frequent flyer on MTV when the network launched in 1981. Its simple performance style fit MTV’s early criteria for American rock videos, helping cement its popularity. The song’s riff bears a slight resemblance to Neil Diamond’s Cherry, Cherry and the Standells’ Sometimes Good Guys Don’t Wear White, adding to its retro rock charm. In 2007, The Romantics filed a lawsuit against Activision over a near-identical cover of the song in Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s, claiming it could confuse fans into thinking the band endorsed the game. They lost the case, as the court ruled Activision had secured proper rights. Covers by artists like Michael Morales, who hit #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989, and 5 Seconds of Summer in 2014 kept the song alive for new generations.

The Romantics formed in Detroit, Michigan, on Valentine’s Day 1977, a nod to their romantic name. The original lineup—Wally Palmar (vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica), Mike Skill (lead guitar, vocals), Rich Cole (bass, vocals), and Jimmy Marinos (drums, vocals)—drew heavily from Detroit’s gritty rock scene, including influences like MC5, The Stooges, and Motown R&B, blended with British Invasion sounds. They honed their craft playing local and Midwest gigs, sporting matching suits inspired by Motown acts. In 1977, they released a single, Little White Lies b/w I Can’t Tell You Anything, and caught the eye of Bomp Records’ Greg Shaw during a Toronto show. This led to an EP on Bomp, featuring Tell It to Carrie, later re-released on Quark Records’ Midwest Pop Explosion. By 1979, they signed with Nemperor Records, recording their debut album in just three weeks, which included What I Like About You.

The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring, opening for acts like the Ramones, and a bold fashion sense—think bouffant hair and retro outfits—that made them as visually striking as their music. Their 1983 album In Heat, featuring the #3 hit Talking in Your Sleep, became their commercial peak, earning a gold record in the U.S. and Canada. Despite lineup changes, including Marinos’ departure in 1984 and the addition of drummer Clem Burke in 1990, The Romantics have kept rocking, releasing 61/49 in 2003 and earning awards like the 1999 Detroit Music Awards’ Distinguished Achievement. Wally Palmar even joined Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band in 2010 and 2011, showcasing their lasting influence.

Fans can connect with The Romantics through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on tours and music. The band’s official website, romanticsdetroit.com, offers a deep dive into their bio, discography, and merch. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the fandom, check out the Romantics Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group where fans share memories, photos, and news about the band. While no other dedicated fan websites stand out, the band’s social media presence keeps the community buzzing with power pop love.