Loverboy

Loverboy Artistfacts

  • 1979-
    Paul DeanGuitar, vocals1979-
    Doug JohnsonKeyboards1979-
    Mike RenoLead vocals1979-
    Scott SmithBass1979-2000
    Mike FrenetteDrums1979-
    Ken "Spider" SinnaeveBass2000-
  • Paul Dean came up with the band's name while flipping through a fashion magazine in 1979. What started as "Covergirl" became "Coverboy" and, finally, "Loverboy."
  • The band maintained its original lineup until 2000, when original keyboardist Scott Smith died in a sailing accident.
  • The band's hit "Working For The Weekend" was featured in a Saturday Night Live skit. In the skit, Chris Farley and Patrick Swayze did an elaborate dance-off for a position as a Chippendale's dancer - "Working for the Weekend" was the backing music.
  • In our interview, Paul Dean explained that the first show the band performed was as an opening act for KISS. Said Dean: "We weren't tight. The bass player was looking at me, a little confused. And this was in front of 15,000 rabid KISS fans. But it was a good show."
  • Paul Dean credits Jim Kale, bass player from The Guess Who, with helping him learn to be a serious songwriter. The musician advised him to tie his lyrics together into something meaningful, rather than just string together phrases.
  • "Working for the Weekend," written by Paul Dean, was originally called "Waiting for the Weekend." Mike Reno suggested the change.
  • Loverboy released four Platinum albums - over a million copies sold for each.
  • The founding members were Paul Dean and Mike Reno. The pair met in a warehouse, where Dean was jamming with a new band. Reno stopped by with a mutual friend, belted out a few songs, and the two decided to collaborate formally on the spot.

Comments: 1

  • Allen S. from Medicine Hat AbI saw you in Medicine Hat maybe 80/81! One of the most memorable Concerts I had been to , it was Loverboy and Prism. Is Paul Dean from the Windermere Valley? Fan of Great Canadian Bands. Love your tunes.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.