Loverboy still delivers their classic sound
Loverboy brought the Eighties back to life for nearly two glorious hours Saturday night at the Enmax Centre and a large, vocal crowd were lovin’ every minute of it.
Loverboy, the Calgary-formed band that swept to worldwide fame in the MTV era with a string of multi-platinum albums, showed the band still is at the top of its game after all these years.
Singer Mike Reno, sporting his signature headband, put on a vocal performance that was absolutely powerful as the band played a range of hits from its extensive catalogue. Reno may be 62 years old but his voice still has an enormous range.
Lead guitarist Paul Dean, who formed Loverboy with Reno after meeting the B.C. native in Calgary in 1979, is still one of the best axemen in the business and he proved it with scorching solos. Bassist Spider Sinnaeve, a veteran of the Canadian rock scene, drummer Matt Frenette and keyboardist/saxophone player Doug Johnson all were given a chance to showcase their immense talents in solo performances that had the crowd roaring.
To a huge roar, Loverboy opened the show with their hit ‘Notorious’ and after Reno asked the crowd “Anybody wanna get lucky tonight?” segued into the song “Lucky One.”
The performance was a galloping ride through the Eighties with the band performing such hits as “Queen of the Broken Hearts” —which Reno said sparked his favourite video — as well as songs like “Take me to the Top” which led into extended gutar and sax solos.
Midway through the show, Loverboy played its first hit “The Kid is Hot Tonight” from the band’s debut album in 1980.
After well more than 90 mnutes, the band closed the night with an encore and the song “Lovin' Every Minute of It” — perhaps the best tune to end a night of rock nostalgia for a diverse crowd.
With their performance, Loverboy asserted itself as it did so many years ago as a band with immense musical chops. This is no oldies act; their musicianship and performance skills are top-notch and Reno’s vocals are in a league of their own.
The show was opened by Lethbidge band Scotch Whisky Limousine, winners of a Rock 107 contest.
Formed in 2015, the band was a revelation with its deep bluesly rock sound. The band just released its first EP in 2016 and their polished performance was a signal this foursome has a bright future ahead.
Vocalist and lead guitarist Josh Weadick was the consummate frontman, his voice having a grizzled tone that belies his years. Like fine Scotch, with aging this band could be a force to be reckoned with. In its brief set, the band gave audiences a taste of its talent and originality. With strong musical talents and confidence, this Limousine will be going places. The foursome made the stage their own and quickly had the audience in their hands.