Loverboy – Casino NB – 08/27/16 ~ Refrain Photography
Casino NB welcome 80’s rock staple Loverboy to the stage tonight and to say that there is a bit of nostalgia is an understatement. The Canadian quintet from the hairdays of the ’80s are now pushing there 60’s, but they all play with the joy of doing something they love, relishing the retro spotlight that brings out their fans and the fans relish it too. Mixed with a weekend ‘classic car show’ in the Casino parking lot it was a great recipe for a classic night of music.
Mike Reno & Paul Dean – Loverboy – Casino NB – 08/27/16 ~ Refrain Photography
Bassist Ken Sinnaeve owned his many solos, and the riot of sound he waged with drummer Matt Frenette was a rhythmic sensation in the middle of the night. Both pulled out rapid rounds of electrifying beats that exploded into “Turn Me Loose,” the song that launched the band’s career in 1980 and the crowd loved every second of it.
Ken Sinnaeve – Loverboy – Casino NB – 08/27/16 ~ Refrain Photography
Matt Frenette – Loverboy – Casino NB – 08/27/16 ~ Refrain Photography
A full house at the casino, sang along with the classic lyrics of an era gone by with fervor and enthusiasm. Guitarist Paul Dean was on his game like the other musicians in the band hammering out solo after solo and highlighting the guitar laden rock of the 80’s. Mixed with the keyboards of Doug Johnson that were so synonymous with 80’s rock music things sounded fantastic.
Paul Dean – Loverboy – Casino NB – 08/27/16 – Refrain Photography
At 61 lead singer Mike Reno may not be sporting the red leather pants anymore, but with bandanna, black shirt, and black jeans sporting a looped chain, his mojo’s intact, as he simply wails on the high notes from the start to the end.
A strong 75 minute set complete with two song encore brought us flying back to red leather pants, big hair and great music. Thanks to Loverboy, Casino NB, and PPRL for another great night of music.