Honeymoon Suite Celebrates 50 Years of Vinyl Passion

The Canadian rock band returns to their roots for Record Store Day 2026 with a special vinyl release.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shiny, reflective vinyl record surface, capturing the luxurious, high-contrast textures and glittering reflections of the record in dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the enduring appeal of physical music formats.The vibrant, tactile allure of vinyl records continues to captivate music fans, as exemplified by Honeymoon Suite's special 50th anniversary release.Niagara Falls Today

Honeymoon Suite, the Canadian rock band known for hits like "New Girl Now" and "Feel It Again", is celebrating their 50th anniversary in the music industry. To mark the occasion, the band has been named the official Ambassadors for Record Store Day Canada 2026, and they are releasing a special translucent red vinyl compilation titled "The Singles". Frontman Johnnie Dee reflects on the band's long history, the enduring appeal of vinyl, and how their sound has evolved over the decades.

Why it matters

Honeymoon Suite's longevity and continued relevance in the music industry highlights the resilience of classic rock acts and the ongoing vinyl revival. As physical music formats make a comeback, the band's ambassador role for Record Store Day underscores the importance of independent music retailers in supporting legacy artists and connecting them with passionate fans.

The details

Formed in the early 1980s in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Honeymoon Suite quickly rose to prominence with their melodic, radio-friendly sound. Their self-titled debut album and the breakout hit "New Girl Now" established them as one of Canada's top rock exports during a competitive decade for arena-ready guitar bands. The band's 1982 album "The Big Prize" cemented their status, with producers Bruce Fairbairn and Bob Rock helping to sharpen their sound. Over the decades, Honeymoon Suite has continued to release new music, including albums like "Monsters Under the Bed" and "Alive", while maintaining a loyal following through constant touring.

  • Honeymoon Suite formed in the early 1980s.
  • The band's self-titled debut album was released in the early 1980s.
  • The Big Prize, the band's landmark album, was released in 1982.
  • Honeymoon Suite's song "Lethal Weapon" was featured in the 1987 film of the same name.
  • Honeymoon Suite is celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Honeymoon Suite

A Canadian rock band formed in the early 1980s, known for hits like "New Girl Now" and "Feel It Again". The band is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Johnnie Dee

The frontman and co-founder of Honeymoon Suite, whose melodic vocals and emotional delivery have been central to the band's sound for five decades.

Bruce Fairbairn

The producer who worked with Honeymoon Suite on their landmark album "The Big Prize", helping to sharpen the band's sound.

Bob Rock

The producer who collaborated with Honeymoon Suite on "The Big Prize", alongside Bruce Fairbairn, and went on to produce Bon Jovi's multi-platinum album "Slippery When Wet".

Noble Musa

The Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Microforum, a key player in the vinyl manufacturing industry and a central partner for Record Store Day Canada.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm excited to get anything. I didn't even know this really existed at first. I had to ask, what is this?”

— Johnnie Dee, Frontman, Honeymoon Suite

“It's exciting. It's an honor. We've been doing this for so long it's a beautiful thing.”

— Johnnie Dee, Frontman, Honeymoon Suite

“I'm very proud of that record. We had great songs, and working with Bruce Fairbairn and Bob Rock, those guys were incredible.”

— Johnnie Dee, Frontman, Honeymoon Suite

“It is always special when you are working on records people already have a deep connection to. You feel that excitement around the release.”

— Noble Musa, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Microforum

“We're not making a record up there. We're playing for the people. Everything is real.”

— Johnnie Dee, Frontman, Honeymoon Suite

What’s next

Honeymoon Suite is already working on new material, continuing to build toward their next album release.

The takeaway

Honeymoon Suite's enduring success and continued relevance in the music industry, even as the landscape has shifted from radio-driven rock to streaming, underscores the power of classic songwriting and the lasting appeal of physical formats like vinyl. The band's ambassador role for Record Store Day Canada 2026 celebrates their legacy and the resilience of independent music retailers in supporting legacy artists and connecting them with passionate fans.