About
The original members of The Romantics—Wally Palmar, Jimmy Marinos, Mike Skill and Rich Cole—formally became a band on Valentine’s Day, 1977. Bred on the mean streets of Detroit’s east side, they were inspired by the British punk invasion and their hometown rock scene. Nearly 30 years later they are still known for having created some of the most influential and beloved rock and roll of all time.
The Romantics cut their teeth on the Detroit sound characterized by the MC5, the Stooges, Bob Seger and the Last Heard, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, the Rationals, SRC, the Underdogs, and infused it with sincerity, irony, spontaneity and, of course, volume. They favored short hair, short songs and popularized red leather suits.
Their musical credo, then and now, was a simple, joyful affirmation, epitomized by the "Hey!...uh-huh!"
intro to "What I Like About You," the unforgettable, high-energy track that still bridges generations,
times and musical genres.
