Loverboy has released a cathartic new single titled “Release”, an ode to rock fans everywhere whose video celebrates the band’s past and present.

You can listen to the song and watch the video below.

Co-founding guitarist Paul Dean originally wrote “Release” for an unnamed metal band who asked him to work with them as a songwriter and producer. When those plans fell through, “Release” became a Loverboy song.

“It started as a frustrated call to action, after months of lockdown, and blossomed into a metal anthem about the loyalty and commitment of this audience,” Dean said in a statement. The lyrics of the song were inspired by Sam Dunn’s 2005 documentary Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey.

“The community aspect of heavy rock is almost like a religion,” Dean added. “I’ve always been a huge metal fan; my son and I have seen many of these bands in concert.

The “Release” video features the modern-day Loverboy live, intercut with vintage black-and-white footage from the band’s heyday in the ’80s when they stormed the charts with hits like “Turn Me Loose”, “Working for the Weekend” and “Love Every Minute”.

“Release” marks Loverboy’s first single since 2020’s “Gimme Back My Life.” The band will commemorate the release by embarking on a North American tour next week, performing for the first time since before the coronavirus pandemic. You can see the dates below. “Looks like we’re finally getting that ‘Release’ in January, when we’ll be playing together live for the first time in almost two years!” says Dean.

The trek begins January 23 in Ridgefield, Washington and ends May 9 in Los Cabos, Mexico. Three weeks later, Loverboy will hit the road with Styx and REO Speedwagon for the Live & UnZoomed 2022 Tour.

2022 Loverboy Tour
January 23 – Ridgefield, WA @ Ilani Casino & Resort
March 3 – Windsor, ON @ Caesars Windsor
March 4 – Sarnia, ON @ Imperial Theater Sarnia
March 9 – Greensburg, PA @ Palace Theater
March 11 – Roanoke, VA @ Berglund Performing Arts Theater
March 19 – Cottonwood, AL @ Spring Music Festival (Big Creek Amphitheater)
March 26 – Davenport, IA @ Rhythm City Casino
April 5 – Charlotte, NC @ Harris Teeter Corporate Concert (Private)
April 8 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Casino
April 15 – St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theater
April 22 – Harris, MI @ Island Resort & Casino
April 23 – Harris, MI @ Island Resort & Casino
April 27 – St. Catharines, ON @ Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games (Meridian Centre)
May 9 – Los Cabos, MX @ Roxfest