The Romantics are an American rock band often put under the banner of power pop and new wave from Detroit, Michigan, United States, formed in 1976. The band’s first show was on Valentine’s Day at My Fair Lady Club, in Detroit, opening for the New MC5 in 1977. They were influenced by 1950s American rock and roll, Detroit’s MC5, The Stooges, early Bob Seger, Motown R&B, 1960s North American garage rock as well as the British Invasion rockers. For three years the band was on the road, playing in famous places like Boston’s Rathskeller, CBGB in NYC’s Bowery, Philadelphia, Pa., Hot Club and Cleveland’s Agora, and subsequently were signed to Nat Weiss’ Nemperor independent Epic/Portrait record label.
The Romantics achieved popularity in the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, parts of Asia, Australia, Europe, and Hispanic America on the strength of the band’s well-crafted pop songs and high energy shows as well as noted for their look; black vinyl to red leather suits in their music videos. some new power pop band with a new wavey name showing up, like The Shoes, The Beat, The Records, who had at least one deliriously catchy single, skinny ties, and proto-mullet haircuts. The Romantics’ “What I like About You” might just make the top spot of all of those great songs, and they had some staying power compared to those others.
See if this gives it away…. ‘What I like about you’ is ‘when I look in your eyes’ I know you’re going to ‘tell it to Carrie’…..
The Romantics released their debut LP. It was a great shot in the arm for everyone who loved Detroit Rock and Roll.
The Fat Angel Sings 