In 1980, the Romantics were riding a wave of success following the release of their smash hit, “What I Like About You.” The band was formed in 1977 in Detroit, and built a national following slugging it out in bars and clubs across the United States, building their fan base one sweaty show at a time. By the early ‘80s, they were in heavy rotation on MTV and playing arenas with the top artists of the era. What started it all—the Romantics’ pink suits on the cover of Strictly Personal. The band was particularly popular with musicians—probably because most could relate to their stripped-down style and gritty bar-band vibe. Drummers were drawn to Romantics drummer, Jimmy Marinos, who sang lead on the band’s biggest hit, “What I Like About You.” His oversized drums were set up near the front of the stage, where his energetic and animated persona could be […]

February 2022 Issue