If there’s a fountain of youth in rock ‘n’ roll, Mike Reno has clearly found it.
Loverboy stormed into the sold-out Prairie Band Casino on July 24th with a full head of steam and a catalog of anthems that continue to resonate more than four decades after they first hit the airwaves. Taking the stage promptly at 7:00 PM, Reno and company wasted no time diving into a set packed with the band’s signature blend of polished pop-rock.
Reno’s vocals were as sharp and vibrant as ever, cutting through the crowd with ease and enthusiasm. Backed by longtime members who played with the kind of chemistry you can’t manufacture, the band delivered each song with precision and energy. While early-set tracks like “Notorious” and “Queen of the Broken Hearts” were warmly received, the real ignition point came when the familiar synth-guitar opening of “Turn Me Loose” echoed through the venue.
Image courtesy of Prairie Band Casino
That moment triggered a rush of energy unlike anything seen prior in the night — hundreds of fans, mostly middle-aged women, surged toward the front of the stage, turning aisles into spontaneous dance floors. It was one of those electric, communal experiences that only live music can deliver — a highlight that underscored just how deeply these songs still resonate.
Our songs are 45-years old and people still know every word.” Mike Reno recently said in and interview with On the Road to Rock. “It’s unbelievable really, it’s the greatest thing.”
The final stretch of the night was essentially a jukebox of 80s rock perfection. “Lovin’ Every Minute of It,” “Working for the Weekend,” and the surprise closer “Jump” (a lively, unexpected twist to end the night) brought the crowd to their feet once again, singing every word like it was 1985.
Loverboy’s performance wasn’t just nostalgia — it was a reminder of how enduring good songwriting and passionate performance can be. The band sounded tight, Reno sounded ageless, and the crowd? Well, they were absolutely loving every minute of it.
