21st Century Schizoid Man

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride as The Zoo Crew spins 21st Century Schizoid Man by April Wine from their 1979 album Harder...Faster! This track is a blazing cover of King Crimson’s 1969 prog-rock classic, and April Wine cranks it up with their hard rock edge. One juicy bit of trivia: some fans, like a Reddit user back in 2023, admitted to hearing April Wine’s version before even knowing King Crimson’s original, with one saying it “does justice” to the iconic track. That’s right, Zoo Freaks—this cover was a gateway for some to discover prog rock’s roots! The song’s chaotic energy, with lyrics like “Cat’s foot, iron claw / Neurosurgeons scream for more,” fits perfectly with April Wine’s raw, gritty vibe on this gold-certified album, which hung out on Billboard’s 200 Album charts for a solid 40 weeks.

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s recording at Le Studio in Morin-Heights, Quebec, where the band laid down tracks alongside other rock legends. April Wine’s take on 21st Century Schizoid Man was a bold move, blending their straight-up rock style with the complex, almost apocalyptic feel of the original, written by King Crimson’s Robert Fripp, Greg Lake, and others. Fans on platforms like Prog Archives have noted how this cover stands out as a unique moment in April Wine’s discography, bridging their hard rock sound with prog’s experimental edge. It’s the kind of track that makes you crank the volume and lose yourself in the madness, perfect for The Zoo Crew’s eclectic spin sessions!

Now, let’s rewind to how April Wine got their start. Formed in 1969 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the band—led by the late singer-guitarist-songwriter Myles Goodwyn—started as a group of young musicians chasing rock ‘n’ roll dreams. They moved to Montreal early on to dive into the music scene, signing with Aquarius Records. Their 1971 self-titled debut didn’t set the world on fire, but their second album, On Record (1972), broke through with hits like a cover of Elton John’s Bad Side of the Moon and Hot Chocolate’s You Could Have Been a Lady, which hit number 2 in Canada. These early successes built their rep as Canada’s rock workhorses, known for relentless touring and a knack for catchy, hard-hitting tunes.

Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, April Wine became a Canadian institution, racking up multi-platinum albums and sharing stages with bands like Styx, Rush, and Blue Öyster Cult. Their 1979 album Harder...Faster, featuring 21st Century Schizoid Man, marked a peak, blending their signature sound with bolder experiments. Even after lineup changes and the loss of Goodwyn in 2023, April Wine’s legacy endures, with a catalog full of anthems that still rock The Zoo’s airwaves. Zoo Freaks can keep up with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

For those craving more April Wine action, fan communities are alive and well. Check out the April Wine Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories, share rare pics, and geek out over the band’s history. Another spot is aprilwine.ws, a fan-made site packed with discographies, tour info, and love for the band. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their sound through The Zoo Crew, April Wine’s music—especially tracks like 21st Century Schizoid Man—is a testament to their enduring power to rock the airwaves.