BAND SPOTLIGHT | The Romantics

Who among us have not heard the songs “Talking in Your Sleep” or “What I Like About You” by The Romantics? Not merely huge hits for this long-lived, much-maligned and now utterly enjoyed Detroit-based quartet, those songs were and are played by almost every cover band in every town in America as staples guaranteed to get the crowd up and dancing. The group, unlike many bands from long ago, still features three of the four original members. Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Wally Palmar, in the band since the beginning in 1977, joins Mike Skill and Rich Cole as former founders, now back in the fold with the leaving of nonfounding, but longtime member Coz Canler a few years ago. Several drummers have come and gone through the years, and they often return for special shows, including founder Jimmy Marinos, Dave Petratos and Clem Burke of Blondie fame. Now, central Illinois alum Brad Elvis (the Handcuffs, Elvis Brothers, Screams) handles the sticks for most of the current Romantics concerts.