The Romantics

The Romantics Bio

The Romantics are an American rock band whose original lineup was Wally Palmar (vocals, guitar), Mike Skill (vocals, guitar), Rich Cole (bass), and Jimmy Marinos (lead vocals, drums). Starting out from the Great Lakes region, they peddled a garage-band rock sound around the Midwest until their self-titled 1980 debut studio album on the Nemperor Records label. They have become recognized as one of the central bands defining the “Detroit sound” and cite as influences the bands MC5, the Stooges, Bob Seger. Drummer Clem Burke, from the band Blondie, joined the group in 1990.

The Romantics are the power pop band best known for the hit singles “What I Like About You” (1980, Billboard Hot 100 #49), and “Talking in Your Sleep” (1983, Billboard Hot 100 #3). They put out six studio albums between 1977 and 1985. Their 1983 album “In Heat” included the latter single, and the album itself was certified gold in the US and Canada. Throughout the 1980s, their music videos were a staple on MTV, while their numerous singles of their charted worldwide.