After more than four decades of constant Australian radio airplay, Loverboy are finally heading Down Under. In this exclusive Noise11.com interview, Paul Cashmere speaks with Loverboy frontman Mike Reno about the band’s first ever Australian performances, set for Wanstock in March 2026.
Mike admits that skipping Australia for so many years was a “colossal mistake”, despite Loverboy’s early 80s albums producing major hits locally, including Turn Me Loose, The Kid Is Hot Tonight and the ever present anthem Working For The Weekend. Reno reflects on hearing how the song became a Friday ritual on Australian radio and why it continues to be used in sport broadcasts, movies and advertising decades later.
The conversation also explores Loverboy’s soundtrack legacy, including their global success with Footloose and Top Gun. Mike reveals he even wrote a song for the recent Top Gun sequel with Survivor’s Jim Peterik, although it ultimately missed the final cut.
Australian fans will also be pleased to hear that Almost Paradise from Footloose is likely to appear in the Wanstock set, with Reno’s wife joining him on vocals.
Mike speaks candidly about the loss of bassist Scott Smith in 2000 and how fan support convinced the band to continue. He explains how long time member Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve became part of Loverboy, preserving both the sound and spirit of the band.
The interview also touches on why Loverboy haven’t released a new album since 2014, with Reno explaining his desire to record the old fashioned way, with the band playing together in the same room.
This is a must watch interview for Australian fans ahead of Loverboy’s long overdue debut shows at Wanstock 2026.
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