Few bands have etched themselves into the soundtrack of a generation quite like Loverboy. For over four decades, their catalog of hits has remained a staple on radio airwaves, instantly recognizable and undeniably catchy. With a brand new single, “Release,” and a highly anticipated summer tour alongside Styx and REO Speedwagon on the horizon, Loverboy continues to prove their enduring appeal. Recently, original keyboardist Doug Johnson offered a unique and insightful journey through the band’s storied past and exciting future in an exclusive interview.
Listen to the full MisplacedStraws.com Conversation with Doug Johnson below:
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The Genesis of “Release”: A New Loverboy Song for a New Era
Reflecting on the creation of their latest single, “Release,” Johnson shared the organic process behind it. “We have a library of parts and pieces and lyrical snippets that are all sitting in this ether of possibility,” he explained, highlighting the band’s collaborative songwriting approach. Guitarist Paul Dean took the initiative, assembling a compelling arrangement that resonated with the current global sentiment. “‘Release’ being the kind of the universal sentiment right now with everybody being locked down,” Johnson noted, emphasizing the song’s timely message of liberation and return. “I thought, ‘What an appropriate way to announce that we’re going to be coming back out again’.”
The creative process for “Release” was a testament to modern collaboration. Due to the limitations of in-person gatherings, the band members exchanged tracks online. Johnson elaborated on his keyboard contributions: “I said, ‘Well, I think we could probably do a pretty modern treatment of this, and I’ve got a few ideas’.” This remote collaboration allowed for a dynamic back-and-forth, with band members adding their individual touches. The final mix, as Johnson described, was a careful selection of the most impactful parts, resulting in a fresh Loverboy song that retains their signature sound while embracing a contemporary feel.
The accompanying video for “Release” further connects Loverboy’s past and present. It cleverly incorporates archival footage from their iconic 1980s tours, offering fans a nostalgic trip back to the band’s golden era. Johnson acknowledged Loverboy’s evolution into a “nostalgia band” for many, a role they embrace wholeheartedly. “We are happy to play our songs for people and look out in the audience just so you can see them being transported in a musical time machine,” he said, capturing the powerful connection Loverboy Songs create with their audience, evoking cherished memories and emotions.
Singles vs. Albums: Evolving Strategies for Loverboy Songs
The conversation shifted to the evolving landscape of music releases, specifically the choice to release singles rather than full albums. Johnson reflected on the traditional album-centric approach of the 1980s, where a collection of songs aimed to create a cohesive listening experience. “The strategy for putting together a whole record was that, ‘Okay, we have the songs, there will be some songs that probably won’t get as much airplay, but these songs may or may not get lots of airplay and will draw interest to the rest of the songs’,” he explained.
However, in the current music climate, Loverboy finds the singles model more appealing. While not ruling out a full album entirely, Johnson admitted it’s “kind of unlikely.” He elaborated, “Being able to just release a few singles, as you say, sporadically through the years, seems to be a better model for us.” This approach allows the band to satisfy their creative urges and offer fans new Loverboy songs in a digestible and timely manner. It reflects a pragmatic approach to music creation in the modern era, focusing on impactful releases rather than the extensive commitment of a full album project.
Integrating New Material: The Delicate Balance with Classic Loverboy Songs in Live Sets
The challenge of incorporating new material into a live set, especially for a band with such a beloved catalog of hits, is a delicate balancing act. Johnson shared a past experience with a song called “I’m Alive,” which, despite the band’s enthusiasm, was eventually pulled from their setlist. “There was just a visceral change in the audience sort of enjoyment level,” he observed, highlighting the audience’s strong preference for familiar Loverboy songs.
Johnson empathized with the fan perspective, drawing on his own experiences as a concert-goer. “I’ve gone to see bands and what I consider to be vintage bands, and they’ve got a pedigree and they’ll throw in a new song and I’m like, ‘Why are you doing this? I paid good money to see the songs that I know’.” This understanding underscores Loverboy’s commitment to delivering a show that resonates with their fanbase. While the band might occasionally feel the urge to introduce something new for their own creative stimulation, the priority remains giving fans the Loverboy songs they know and love.
He acknowledged that for a new song to earn a place in their setlist, it needs “special merit.” Whether “Release” will make the cut remains to be seen, especially after a two-year hiatus from live performances. The band’s excitement to return to the stage is palpable, and their focus remains on delivering a high-energy show filled with the classic Loverboy songs that have defined their career.
Missing the 40th Anniversary: Celebrating Loverboy’s Enduring Legacy
The missed opportunity to celebrate Loverboy’s 40th anniversary live was briefly touched upon. Johnson mentioned the initial disappointment of not being able to commemorate the milestone with fans in person. However, he maintained a positive outlook, humorously noting, “But we just move forward and the whole 40th anniversary, yeah, that would have been kind of fun to say, but I think 42 is not bad either so we’ll stick with that.” This lighthearted approach reflects the band’s resilience and focus on the present and future, rather than dwelling on missed celebrations. The enduring legacy of Loverboy songs speaks for itself, regardless of specific anniversary markers.
The Early Days: Testing the Waters with Original Loverboy Songs
Reflecting on the band’s early recording experiences, Johnson described a sense of hopeful pragmatism. “You’re always hopeful,” he stated, emphasizing the band’s grounded approach. He highlighted the extensive live testing of their songs in nightclubs prior to recording. “We had played those songs a lot in the nightclubs, and we had really kind of trimmed the fat and found out what worked. So we tested them dutifully on a live audience.” This rigorous process of audience feedback shaped the selection of songs for their initial recordings, ensuring they were capturing material that resonated with listeners.
Loverboy’s very first live performance was a trial by fire, opening for Kiss in 1979 before a crowd of 14,000 unfamiliar with their original music. “Opening up for Kiss in 1979, I think it was November the 23rd or the 30th something. So that was our first exposure in front of 14,000 people who didn’t know who we were, didn’t know our songs because we played all original music opening up for Kiss, how insane is that?” Johnson recounted, highlighting the audacity and confidence of their early approach. This experience, followed by honing their craft in local nightclubs, solidified their setlist and prepared them for the studio.
Producer Bruce Fairbairn played a crucial role in shaping Loverboy’s early sound. Johnson described him as a mentor figure who “knew how to play to our strengths.” Fairbairn’s diplomatic and communicative approach fostered a productive studio environment, guiding the band to refine their songs and capture their energy effectively. The overall feeling during those early recording sessions was one of excitement and anticipation. “Okay, we’ve got a record deal, this is so exciting, and let’s just put these songs down, certainly there’s gonna be some people that like it, and let’s see what happens,” Johnson recalled, capturing the blend of optimism and uncertainty that characterized their initial foray into the recording industry. The subsequent success of singles like “The Kid Is Hot Tonite,” “Turn Me Loose,” and “Lady of the 80s” validated their approach and propelled Loverboy into the spotlight, establishing their signature sound and solidifying their place in rock history with iconic Loverboy songs.
The Pressure to Keep It Up: Maintaining Momentum After Initial Success
With the success of their first two albums, the pressure mounted for Loverboy to Keep It Up. Johnson acknowledged this expectation, stating, “There is pressure because now you’ve become something that there’s a great expectation and you wanna live up to what you’ve done previously and also maybe surpass it.” This pressure, however, also served as a positive force, driving their creativity. Johnson emphasized the importance of internal validation: “Originally, it came from a place of, ‘Do I like it? Do I think this is good?’ So if you can stick to that core ‘Do I think this is good?’ Yeah, that’s great.”
He described the creative process as an “alchemy,” influenced by experiences on the road and exposure to new music. This constant evolution and self-assessment fueled their songwriting and ensured that Loverboy songs remained fresh and relevant, while still retaining their core identity. The band approached each new release with a blend of hope and uncertainty, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the music industry. “You put music out there and you hope somebody can resonate with it or in some ways, empathize with what the music is about. At the end of the day, that’s all you can do, and that’s what we try to do,” Johnson articulated, highlighting the genuine connection they strive to create with their audience through their music.
The financial aspect of record deals also played a role in their creative process. Johnson likened record companies to banks, providing advances based on past successes. This increased financial backing for subsequent albums allowed for more studio time and greater creative exploration. However, he emphasized that the core of songwriting remained a personal and often challenging process. He fondly recalled early songwriting methods using a Fostex multi-track cassette machine, highlighting the evolution of technology in music creation. Despite technological advancements, the democratic and collaborative nature of Loverboy’s songwriting process remained constant, with band members contributing ideas and collectively shaping the final Loverboy songs.
Changing Producers and Writers for Lovin’ Every Minute Of It: Embracing Collaboration and Fresh Perspectives
The discussion turned to the album Lovin’ Every Minute Of It and the decision to bring in external songwriters and a new producer. Johnson candidly attributed this shift to a sense of burnout and creative fatigue within the band. “You have to be humble. You have to kind of be open to other possibilities,” he reflected, acknowledging the band’s willingness to adapt and seek fresh perspectives. He explained a personal phase of exploring soundtrack writing, indicating a temporary shift in creative focus away from traditional Loverboy songs.
He noted a “visible drop in energy in terms of creative output” within the band, prompting the decision to collaborate with external writers. This openness to collaboration led to working with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, who contributed the hit song “Notorious,” as well as Billy Wray and other pop writers. Johnson viewed this experience positively, stating, “I wouldn’t say I have a negative view of that process. It’s just what was required because everybody was pretty, I would say depleted, creatively and probably physically too, I know I was.” This willingness to embrace collaboration revitalized their creative process and resulted in commercially successful Loverboy songs that broadened their appeal while retaining their signature energy.
Four Decades, Same Lineup: The Enduring Brotherhood of Loverboy
One of the most remarkable aspects of Loverboy’s career is their consistent lineup over four decades. Johnson offered a humorous yet insightful explanation for this longevity: “Possibly because we’re completely unemployable in any other realm. I don’t know. We’re suckers for punishment.” Beneath the humor lies a deep sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. He described the band members as “like brothers,” emphasizing their shared history and enduring bond. “We’ve all been through four weddings and a funeral together on our journey, and we know that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, I guess you could say.”
This collective understanding of their shared musical identity and the unique experience they offer fans is a key factor in their enduring success. “What we have to offer collectively is an experience for people to really enjoy, and I think the fact that we can still do this and enjoy the experience together, says a lot, and I think that we still got some good miles ahead of us too,” Johnson concluded, highlighting the strength of their bond and their continued enthusiasm for creating and performing Loverboy songs together.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Focusing on the Fans, Not the Accolades
The interview concluded with a discussion about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the omission of bands like Loverboy, Styx, and REO Speedwagon. Johnson expressed no animosity towards the Hall of Fame’s choices. “I have no animosity about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s choices. They have criteria that I guess they use and all the power to them. I mean, that’s just life.” He emphasized that external accolades are secondary to the intrinsic rewards of creating and performing music. “At the end of the day, it comes down to, Do you like what you do? And we do, and we get a lot of enjoyment out of it, whether or not we qualify to be members of this group, to me, that’s almost irrelevant.”
For Loverboy, the true reward lies in the connection with their fans. “It’s always nice to get the accolade, we’ve certainly been bequeathed many accolades along the way, and for that, we’re grateful, but you don’t do it for that. You do it because there’s some meaningfulness in the experience of your music and how it impacts your fans when you go out on stage and to look out, as Bon Jovi says, the sea of faces, and to see people singing along with your music, that’s the reward right there.” This sentiment underscores Loverboy’s fan-centric approach and their deep appreciation for the enduring impact of their songs. Johnson’s closing remarks reinforce the band’s humility and gratitude, emphasizing that the lasting legacy of Loverboy songs is measured not in halls of fame, but in the hearts of their fans.
