Posted by There are certain songs—and certain bands—that instantly transport us back to a specific moment or remind us of someone we’ve loved. I’ve mentioned before that many of the concerts I attend bring back memories of my sister, Michele, and I often wish we had the opportunity to see just one more show together.
One band that always makes me think of her is The Romantics. For reasons I never quite understood, Michele was convinced that lead singer Wally Palmar had a lisp. To this day, I’ve never heard it myself, but that never stopped her from playfully singing, “I thee the thecrets that you keep, when you withper in your thleep!” Every time I hear “Talking in Your Sleep,” I can’t help but smile, thinking of her. It’s one of those memories that reminds me how music has a remarkable way of keeping the people we miss close to our hearts.
Beyond the nostalgia, I hold the utmost respect for The Romantics. They are among the most professional bands I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.
Years ago, they performed at the grand reopening of the Bear’s Den at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Unfortunately, due to what was clearly a breakdown in communication and promotion, hardly anyone knew the show was happening. When the lights went down, only 16 patrons were seated in a beautifully renovated 476-seat showroom featuring a brand-new sound system, stage monitors, and front-of-house and monitor consoles.
For many performers, that kind of turnout would have been discouraging. Not The Romantics.
They took the stage and delivered a performance as though they were playing before 1,600 enthusiastic fans. There was no hint of disappointment, no dialing it in because the room wasn’t full—just pure professionalism, boundless energy, and genuine appreciation for the audience that had come. Nearly two decades later, it remains one of the most heartfelt performances I’ve ever witnessed, and it cemented my admiration for the band.
Today’s lineup features founder and frontman Wally Palmar, alongside Coz Canler on lead guitar and backing vocals, Bruce Witkin on bass, Joey Malone on guitar, and Mike Rizzi on drums. Together, they continue to deliver the high-energy rock ‘n’ roll that made them one of the defining bands of the early MTV era.
Opening for legendary acts like Christopher Cross and Toto is no easy assignment, but The Romantics have always embraced that challenge. Their set is packed with driving guitar riffs, infectious harmonies, and the unmistakable harmonica that has become part of their signature sound. While time has naturally added a little grit to the vocals, their enthusiasm and stage presence remain every bit as engaging as ever.
The audience quickly gets on its feet during favorites like “Rock You Up,” but it’s the closing stretch that truly ignites the crowd. “Talking in Your Sleep” evokes a wave of nostalgia before seamlessly giving way to the song everyone has been waiting for—“What I Like About You.” As the opening chords ring out, the audience enthusiastically joins in, transforming the amphitheater into one giant sing-along.
For me, however, it’s more than just another hit song. It’s another reminder of my sister, another smile, and another reason why live music continues to be so deeply meaningful. Here are a few highlights from their performance at Northwell Theater at Jones Beach. Please visit http://www.robarmstrongphotos.com for full, hi res gallery
SETLIST: Rock You Up, Do Me Any Way You Wanna, When I Look in Your Eyes, Got Me Where You Want Me, Bop, She’s Got Everything, Stone Pony, One In A Million, Talkin’ in Your Sleep, What I Like About You.
Long Island Sounds 