From ROCKSTARS to PIZZA CRUMBS: How Two Managers STOLE The Romantics MONEY!

The story of The Romantics song 'What I Like About You' and how they got screwed over by their management when it came to their publishing and royalties.

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The Rise of The Romantics: A Detroit Rock Story
The Romantics emerged from Detroit's vibrant rock scene in the late 1970s, formed by Mike Skill, Jimmy Marinos, Wally Palmar, and Rich Cole. Inspired by local legends like MC5, Alice Cooper, and Bob Seger, the band created a unique power pop sound that blended British Invasion influences with Detroit's raw rock energy.

Early Days and Distinctive Style
The band's origins trace back to 1969 when Skill and Marinos met in high school. They developed a distinctive image, adopting matching leather suits inspired by Motown groups like the Temptations. Their name was deliberately chosen as an alternative to the punk scene, representing idealism and adventure.

The Birth of "What I Like About You"
Their breakthrough came with their self-titled debut album in 1980. The song "What I Like About You" was uniquely crafted, with drummer Jimmy Marinos singing lead vocals. Despite the band's excitement, the song initially struggled, only reaching #49 on the Hot 100 chart. Interestingly, it performed best in Australia, reaching #2.

Unexpected Journey to Fame
The song's true success came years later. A Bud Light commercial in the late 1980s gave the track new life. Subsequently, the song was licensed extensively in movies like Shrek 2, TV shows like The Office, and even became the theme for a WB sitcom. Covers by artists like 5 Seconds of Summer and Poison further expanded its reach.

The Royalty Controversy
Here's where the story takes a dramatic turn. Despite the song generating approximately 30,000 plays annually and hundreds of thousands in royalties, the band never saw a penny. A complex legal battle in the late 80s and early 90s revealed that their management had been pocketing their royalties.
The band even fought a legal battle with Activision over a Guitar Hero game featuring a soundalike version of their song, ultimately losing the case in 2007.

Legacy and Impact
Two decades after its release, "What I Like About You" had become more than just a hit song - it was a cultural touchstone. The track appeared in numerous films, TV shows, commercials, and video games, proving the band's enduring appeal.

The Romantics exemplify a classic rock narrative: a talented band creating a timeless song that ultimately became bigger than their original success. Their story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of musical fame, where longevity can sometimes matter more than immediate chart success.
Despite the financial challenges, the band's influence on power pop and rock remains significant, with their music continuing to resonate with new generations of listeners.