1980's Hit-Makers The Romantics Celebrate 40th Anniversary With Release Of Two New Singles and Major US Tour!

The Romantics celebrate “4 Decades In Music” with three original members and still touring strong

Detroit - 1980's music legends The Romantics, (featuring Wally Palmar, Mike Skill, Rich Cole and Brad Elvis), best known for their mega hit singles “What I Like About You” and “Talking In Your Sleep,” are releasing two new singles and touring the US in celebration of their 40th Anniversary!

The Romantics have been busy in the studio recording new music since 2015. The first two songs released that year was an original song titled “Coming Back Home” and a first time holiday recording for the band - a rock and roll rendition of the holiday favorite “Deck The Halls.” 2016 ushered in two more releases - remakes of some of the band's favorite songs, “Daydream Believer” and “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place.”

For 2017, much to the excitement of Romantics fans worldwide, the band released two new singles on June 16th - “Hush” and “I Fought The Law.” These releases will be available to fans first as digital downloads, before CD and Vinyl versions will also be made available. A full original album by The Romantics will be released soon.

To purchase The Romantics new singles: 
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-fought-the-law-hush-single/id1249490639
Google Music Store: https://play.google.com/store/music/album/The_Romantics_I_Fought_the_Law_Hush?id=Bkzo4rriwky2hvp6fxlrg37kzdm&hl=en
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/I-Fought-Law-Hush-Romantics/dp/B07371FFTH

The Romantics, a high energy rock 'n' roll new wave band from Detroit, formed in 1976. The band's first show was on Valentine's Day at the My Fair Lady Club in Detroit, opening for the New MC5 in 1977. For three years following the band hit the road, performing at now legendary venues such as Boston's Rathskeller, CBGB in NYC's Bowery, Philadelphia's Hot Club, and Cleveland's Agora Ballroom to name a few.

Originating in Detroit at a time where music and culture were gritty and explosive, The Romantics were influenced by stylings ranging from 1950's American rock and roll, Detroit iconic bands such as the MC5, Mitch Ryder, The Stooges, the earlier recordings of Bob Seger, and Motown R&B laced with 1960's North American garage rock as well as the British Invasion. After signing with Nat Weiss' Nemperor record label, The Romantics achieved popularity in the United States and internationally, not only on the strength of the band's well-crafted pop songs and energetic live shows- but they were equally recognized for their look.

The Romantics
Wally Palmar – vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica, Original member
Mike Skill – lead guitar, vocals, Original member
Rich Cole – bass guitar, vocals, Original member
Brad Elvis – drums, percussion (2004–present)

The Romantics are still touring and currently feature 3 original band members on the front line up, Rich Cole, Wally Palmar and Mike Skill. Drummer Brad Elvis joined The Romantics in 2004 and has been the longest seated drummer with the band, fondly earning him the tag line as the band's “2nd original drummer.” Rich Cole rejoined the band in 2010, (after leaving in the 1980's) reviving the band's 3-part harmony allowing The Romantics to perform songs from their first two albums live for the first time since his departure.

The Romantics 2017 Tour Dates:
July 01 - Naperville, IL - Naperville Ribfest w/B52's, The Flock Of Seagulls
July 03 - Middletown, OH - Smith Park: Broad Street Bash 4th Celebration
July 04 - Sunrise, FL - BB&T Center: 4th of July celebration w/Baha Men
July 08 - Ft. Wayne, IN - Rock of The 80's Tour at Headwaters Park w/The Smithereens, The Motels, Bow Wow Wow
July 21 - Kansas City, MO - Crossroads KC: Rock of the 80's w/The Smithereens, Bow Wow Wow.
July 28 - Prior Lake, MN - Mystic Lake Casino Hotel w/Blind Melon
Aug 01 - Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall w/The Fixx
Aug 05 - Norfolk, NE - DeVent Center w/Rick Springfield, Lita Ford, Tom Keifer, Vixen
Aug 12 - Middelkerke, Belgium - Radio Nostalgie Beach Festival w/ various artists
Aug 18 - Park City, UT - Deer Valley Resort: Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater w/Smashmouth, Cracker
Aug 25 - Las Vegas, NV - Orleans Arena: KKLZ 96.3 Super Summer Bash presents the legendary Boy George w/ special guests The Romantics, Farrington and Mann feat. original members of When In Rome UK, Tiffany, Tommy Tutone, and Nu Shooz
Aug 26 -  San Jose, CA - SAP Center iHeart 80s 103.7 Birthday Bash w/ Boy George, A Flock Of Seagulls, Tiffany
Aug 30 - Reno, NV - Golden Nugget Resort BBQ Cookoff
Nov 24 - Norman, OK - Riverwind Casino
Dec 31 - Canyonville, OR - Seven Feathers Casino Resort: New Years Eve Concert

For more information: 
The Romantics Official Website: http://www.romanticsdetroit.com/
The Romantics Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/romanticsdetroit
Twitter: The Romantics https://twitter.com/romanticsrock
Bandsintown.com: The Romantics: http://bandsintown.com/TheRomantics?came_from=234
Reverbnation: The Romantics:  https://www.reverbnation.com/theromanticswhatilikeaboutyou

Reviews:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/13/concert-review-b52s-and-romantics-party-wolf-trap/
http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7597106/the-weeknd-secrets-the-romantics-mike-skill-talking-in-your-sleep

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

The Romantics Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter Michael Skill To Release New Solo Single "67 Riot"

New song evokes time when Detroit burned during “Summer of Love”

Detroit - From the man who crafted such hit singles as “What I Like About You,” “Talking in Your Sleep,” and “One In A Million,” comes a new gritty blues-rock single about the riots that forever changed his hometown of Detroit in 1967. Michael Skill, who has played both bass and guitar for the power-pop rock 'n' roll band The Romantics, was a budding teenager in 1967 when five days of racially charged riots tore apart Detroit in July. When it was over, 43 people lay dead, 1,189 had been injured, more than 7,200 had been arrested and more than 2,000 buildings had been destroyed.

Skill lived on Detroit's East Side and says that although the violence took place several miles from his home, he nonetheless saw its effects up close. “I remember the National Guard right down the street from my house,” he says. “People watching the riots on TV were afraid that rioters would come into our neighborhood. People were freaked out.” The riots changed his beloved Motor City forever. “A lot of my friends' families took off for the suburbs after that,” he says, noting his family chose to stay in the city.

The riot's effects – and the fact that many of the issues they raised, from police brutality to economic decay – stayed with Skill, culminating in his desire to write “67 Riot.” Loud, powerful and evocative of tough tunes by such rockers as Link Wray, Jimi Hendrix and Skill's fellow Detroit rockers, The MC 5, “67 Riot” is both a haunting look at the past as well as a timely allusion to the present, in a world where racial and social tension still threaten to rend our nation in two.

“I wrote the song from a sense of frustration that people never came together after the riots to really address what happened, to look each other in the eye and say, 'How can we repair this? How can we move forward?'” The song's lyrics are written from this point of view. “4 AM/Down the street/Cops roll in/With all the heat/Blind pig roaring/Kickin' their heels/Soldiers home/Just gettin' real,” the song opens. “Rooftop sniper/Set the sight/Burning cocktails/Flash in flight/Broken city/Broken dreams/Things aren't always what they seem/67 Riot!”

Recorded in Skill's own studio, the song features him on guitar, bass and vocals, and also features drummer Russell Ayers, who engineered the tune. The co-producers sought to create an aural equivalent of what it was like to live through this violent time, Skill says, but he adds that he wanted the song to end on a note of hope because Detroit has rebounded in recent years.

“Try to warm your heart/Dream your dreams/Break the chain/Let's start clean,” he adds in his song, noting it’s time to break the chain of racism that has shackled generations before, during and after “67 Riot.”

Watch the “'67 Riot” video: 

“'67 Riot” first single solo release from upcoming Debut LP.

The Romantics are still touring, still recording and currently feature 3 original band members on the front line up, Rich Cole, Wally Palmar and co-founder Michael Skill. Drummer Brad Elvis joined The Romantics in 2004 and has been the longest seated drummer with the band. Rich Cole rejoined the band in 2010, reviving the band's 3-part harmony allowing The Romantics to perform songs from their first two albums live for the first time since his departure.

To purchase Michael Skill's “'67 Riot” single:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/67-riot-single/id1253879847
https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Michael_Skill_67_Riot?id=B3a7rg4gdourwt5xm2kvt26twte&hl=en
http://cdbaby.com/cd/michaelskill

Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/mike.skill
https://twitter.com/MikeSkill2  @mikeskill2
https://www.instagram.com/mjskill/ @mjskill
https://www.facebook.com/67Riots/
https://www.facebook.com/romanticsdetroit/

Interviews:
http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7597106/the-weeknd-secrets-the-romantics-mike-skill-talking-in-your-sleep
https://musicfrenzyradionetwork.podbean.com/e/classics-in-30-the-romantics/#.WQkLeV6m0oE.facebook
https://www.mixcloud.com/gilmartindeirdre/mike-skill-of-the-romantics-interview-on-the-independent-stage-01142016/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

The Romantics Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter Michael Skill To Release New Solo Single "67 Riot"

New song evokes time when Detroit burned during “Summer of Love”

Detroit - From the man who crafted such hit singles as “What I Like About You,” “Talking in Your Sleep,” and “One In A Million,” comes a new gritty blues-rock single about the riots that forever changed his hometown of Detroit in 1967. Michael Skill, who has played both bass and guitar for the power-pop rock 'n' roll band The Romantics, was a budding teenager in 1967 when five days of racially charged riots tore apart Detroit in July. When it was over, 43 people lay dead, 1,189 had been injured, more than 7,200 had been arrested and more than 2,000 buildings had been destroyed.

Skill lived on Detroit's East Side and says that although the violence took place several miles from his home, he nonetheless saw its effects up close. “I remember the National Guard right down the street from my house,” he says. “People watching the riots on TV were afraid that rioters would come into our neighborhood. People were freaked out.” The riots changed his beloved Motor City forever. “A lot of my friends' families took off for the suburbs after that,” he says, noting his family chose to stay in the city.

The riot's effects – and the fact that many of the issues they raised, from police brutality to economic decay – stayed with Skill, culminating in his desire to write “67 Riot.” Loud, powerful and evocative of tough tunes by such rockers as Link Wray, Jimi Hendrix and Skill's fellow Detroit rockers, The MC 5, “67 Riot” is both a haunting look at the past as well as a timely allusion to the present, in a world where racial and social tension still threaten to rend our nation in two.

“I wrote the song from a sense of frustration that people never came together after the riots to really address what happened, to look each other in the eye and say, 'How can we repair this? How can we move forward?'” The song's lyrics are written from this point of view. “4 AM/Down the street/Cops roll in/With all the heat/Blind pig roaring/Kickin' their heels/Soldiers home/Just gettin' real,” the song opens. “Rooftop sniper/Set the sight/Burning cocktails/Flash in flight/Broken city/Broken dreams/Things aren't always what they seem/67 Riot!”

Recorded in Skill's own studio, the song features him on guitar, bass and vocals, and also features drummer Russell Ayers, who engineered the tune. The co-producers sought to create an aural equivalent of what it was like to live through this violent time, Skill says, but he adds that he wanted the song to end on a note of hope because Detroit has rebounded in recent years.

“Try to warm your heart/Dream your dreams/Break the chain/Let's start clean,” he adds in his song, noting it’s time to break the chain of racism that has shackled generations before, during and after “67 Riot.”

Watch the “'67 Riot” video: 

“'67 Riot” first single solo release from upcoming Debut LP.

The Romantics are still touring, still recording and currently feature 3 original band members on the front line up, Rich Cole, Wally Palmar and co-founder Michael Skill. Drummer Brad Elvis joined The Romantics in 2004 and has been the longest seated drummer with the band. Rich Cole rejoined the band in 2010, reviving the band's 3-part harmony allowing The Romantics to perform songs from their first two albums live for the first time since his departure.

To purchase Michael Skill's “'67 Riot” single:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/67-riot-single/id1253879847
https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Michael_Skill_67_Riot?id=B3a7rg4gdourwt5xm2kvt26twte&hl=en
http://cdbaby.com/cd/michaelskill

Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/mike.skill
https://twitter.com/MikeSkill2  @mikeskill2
https://www.instagram.com/mjskill/ @mjskill
https://www.facebook.com/67Riots/
https://www.facebook.com/romanticsdetroit/

Interviews:
http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7597106/the-weeknd-secrets-the-romantics-mike-skill-talking-in-your-sleep
https://musicfrenzyradionetwork.podbean.com/e/classics-in-30-the-romantics/#.WQkLeV6m0oE.facebook
https://www.mixcloud.com/gilmartindeirdre/mike-skill-of-the-romantics-interview-on-the-independent-stage-01142016/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

1980's Hit Makers The Romantics Tour The US In Support of Forthcoming Album!

“That's What I Like About You”!!!

Detroit - 1980's music legends The Romantics, Wally Palmar, Mike Skill, Rich Cole and Brad Elvis, best known for their mega hit single “What I Like About You,” are touring the US in support of their forthcoming album to be released on K-Tel Records titled “Up From The Rubble”!

The Romantics tour dates:

July 02 - Kettering, OH - Fraze Pavillion for the Performing Arts (w/Rick Springfield, Night Ranger)
July 03 - Elgin, IL - Grand Victoria Casino (w/Rick Springfield, Loverboy)
July 04 - Kansas City, MO - Jackson County's Fourth of July
July 08 - Phoenix, AZ - Comerica Theatre (w/Rick Springfield, The Fixx)
July 09 - Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino (w/Rick Springfield)
July 12 - Saratoga, CA - Montalvo Arts Center (w/Rick Springfield)
July 15 - Lincoln, CA - Thunder Valley Resort Casino (w/Rick Springfield, 38 Special)
July 16 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre (w/Rick Springfield, Loverboy)
July 17 - Harrah's Resort SoCal - Valley Center, CA - The Events (w/Rick Springfield, Loverboy)
July 22 - Handen, CT - Town Center Park (w/The Smithereens) – free concert
July 29 - Bethlehem, PA - Musikfest Cafe
July 30 - Solomons, MD - Calvert Marine Museum (w/Rick Springfield, Night Ranger)
Aug 11 - Detroit, MI - Freedom Hill (w/Rick Springfield, Night Ranger)
Aug 12 – Molin,IL - IWireless Center (w/Rick Springfield, The Fixx)
Aug 13 - Council Bluffs, IA - Harrah's Casino Stir Cove (w/Rick Springfield, The Fixx)
Aug 18 - Brooklyn, NY - Coney Island Amphitheater (w/Rick Springfield, Night Ranger)
Aug 20 - Gruitroderkiezel, Belgium - Vostertfeesten Festival
Aug 23 - Asheville, NC - Biltmore Estate (w/Rick Springfield, Night Ranger)
Aug 25 - Raleigh, NC - The Red Hat Amphitheatre (w/Rick Springfield, Night Ranger)
Aug 26 - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Metro Credit Union (w/Rick Springfield, Night Ranger)
Aug 27 - Myrtle Beach, SC - Myrtle Beach Speedway (w/Rick Springfield, Night Ranger) Tickets Free With Admission to Speedway
Aug 28 - Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park Amphitheater
Oct 07 - Petsokey, MI - Odawa Casino Resort
Nov 05 - Coachella, CA - Spotlight 29 Casino (w/ The Motels, The Smithereens)
2017
Feb 14-18 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - The 80's Cruise - Celebrity Summit ( www.the80scruise)
*more dates TBA

The Romantics:
While it's true that the Romantics took much of their simple thunder from the British Invasion, their primary influence was the Frenzied excitement of the late 60's Detroit rock scene. They cut their teeth on that High Energy sound characterized by the MC5, the Psychedelic Stooges, Bob Seger and the Last Heard, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Scott Morgan's Rationals, SRC, and Garage icons the Underdogs, infusing it with sincerity, irony, spontaneity, and of course, Volume. The Romantics took the essence of this scene and translated it to suit their own modern experience. They favored short brash songs, “punk short” hair and popularized red leather suits.

After releasing their own independent single in 1977, consisting of the first two songs they had written - “Little White Lies” and “I Can't Tell You Anything” - The Romantics traveled east to establish an audience. Soon after Bomp Records' Greg Shaw sees them in Toronto and funds a single, which included “Tell It To Carrie,” “First In Line,” something of a stylistic matrix for The Romantics' music to come. The Romantics considered themselves well removed from the Sex Pistols' negativity. They didn't want Rock & Roll to go away rather they want, as Skill tells a reporter in 1979: “to still have fun with three chords.” The late 70's U.K. punk movement was then diluted and still misunderstood in America.

Through constant touring over three years and meetings with CBS Brass, Natt Weiss, & Nemperor A&R reps, they signed with Nemperor Records in 1979.

The 80's:
The original Romantics, Palmar, Skill, Cole and Marinos released their debut LP. Anchored by “What I Like About You,” “When I Look In Your Eyes” and a cover of The Kinks, Ray Davies' “She's Got Everything.” The album is an exemplary pop-rock period piece. The Romantics evoke a youthful portrait, haunting in its innocence, a direct contrast to the tough world they know in Detroit. Now nearly 30 plus years later they are still known for having created some of the most influential and beloved rock and roll of all time.

The 2nd record, “National Breakout” in late 1980, featuring standouts “Night Like This” and “Forever Yours” produced tours of Europe and Australia. The 3rd record “Strictly Personal” was released in1981. In 1983-84 they raised the bar with “In Heat” the platinum album bearing 2 top 10 singles, “Talking In Your Sleep” and “One In A Million” followed with a tour of Japan.

In late 1990, the Romantics added current Blondie drummer Clem Burke to the lineup, and in 1994 they released a 5 song EP titled “Made In Detroit” for Westbound Records, containing fellow Detroiter George Clintons' Funkadelic songs, “You & Your Folks.” And “I Wanna Know,” along with three originals. Later that year, The Romantics received an award for Outstanding Pop/Rock Recording Artists from the Motor City Music Awards in 1992.

1995 saw The Romantics settle their 7 year old lawsuit against their former management. The Romantics were presented with the Distinguished Achievement Award at the Detroit Music Awards in 1999. “61/49” was released in the fall of 2003 and named for the storied crossroads near Clarksdale, Mississippi where bluesman Robert Johnson made his pact with the devil. “61/49” is intended as a tip of the hat to the roots of rock 'n' roll and forms the nucleus of The Romantics' fervent pop.

21st Century Romantics:
Due to touring commitments with Blondie, Clem Burke recommended the addition of Brad Elvis. Regaled by both critics and fellow drummers for his precision beat-keeping and showmanship, Elvis is best known as a member of the Elvis Brothers, Screams and The Handcuffs. In addition to being a staple on classic and contemporary rock radio, television commercials and movies; Sirius/XM Satellite radio has also embraced The Romantics. Their songs can be heard on a number of stations including Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

2011 brought the re-emergence of original bass player, vocalist, Rich Cole and Mike Skill back on guitar. The band is now able to expand their set list and include more songs from their first two albums, and include new and unreleased material. This now allows them to focus on more harmonies and get back to their original rock sound that established The Romantics from the very beginning.

Once again much to the excitement of their fans worldwide, The Romantics Palmar, Skill, Elvis, and Cole are touring the US and Europe in support of their recently released singles from their highly anticipated new album release “Up From The Rubble” for summer 2016!

Also the New Rock Band 4 has announced 3 new songs one of them “What I Like About You”:
http://www.harmonixmusic.com/blog/dlc-week-of-425-lamb-of-god-the-romantics-and-weezer/
http://www.idigitaltimes.com/rock-band-4-announces-online-multiplayer-and-upcoming-dlc-pax-east-529135

Lastly, the new CocaCola Summer campaign is using “What I Like About You” title on the cans/bottles and song advertising their products...on TV and stores:
http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/share-a-coke-and-a-song-summer-campaign-to-feature-music-lyrics-on-packaging/

For more information: 
The Romantics Official Website:
http://www.romanticsdetroit.com/

The Romantics Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/romanticsdetroit

Twitter: The Romantics
https://twitter.com/romanticsrock

Bandsintown.com: The Romantics:
http://bandsintown.com/TheRomantics?came_from=234

Reverbnation: The Romantics:  https://www.reverbnation.com/theromanticswhatilikeaboutyou

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com