All Over Town

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious hard rock track All Over Town by April Wine, the lead-off song from their 1981 album The Nature of the Beast, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This high-energy rocker, with its punchy guitar riffs and sing-along chorus, was a staple on album-oriented rock radio, climbing to #29 on Billboard’s Top Tracks chart. According to a review on Sleaze Roxx, the song is described as a “funky rock tale of love gone bad,” setting the tone for the album with its boogie-driven groove. In a 2018 post on X by user @mitchlafon, the release of The Nature of the Beast was celebrated for its iconic status, noting how tracks like All Over Town helped the album peak at #26 on the Billboard 200. The song’s raw energy also made it a highlight of April Wine’s live performances, as evidenced by its inclusion in the setlist for their 1981 Live in London concert, filmed at the Hammersmith Odeon during the Nature of the Beast tour.

Another piece of trivia comes from fan discussions on Rate Your Music, where All Over Town is praised as one of the strongest tracks on the album’s first side, with some fans arguing it deserved to be a major single alongside the album’s bigger hits like Just Between You and Me. The song’s lyrical theme, centered on gossip and a relationship gone awry, resonates with its driving rhythm, making it a perfect opener for an album that Amazon reviews call a “joyau” (jewel) of hard pop. The track’s enduring appeal is further highlighted by its use in fan-made content, such as a BABYMETAL-inspired cover art for the album shared on Reddit, showing how April Wine’s music continues to inspire creative tributes across genres.

April Wine formed in 1969 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, when founder Myles Goodwyn, along with brothers David and Ritchie Henman and cousin Jim Henman, decided to start a band. According to their bio on Last.fm, the band chose the name “April Wine” simply because the two words sounded good together, reflecting their laid-back yet ambitious approach. They began as a hard rock outfit, playing local gigs in Nova Scotia before relocating to Montreal to pursue a recording contract. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1971, laid the groundwork for their sound, but it was their 1978 album First Glance, featuring the hit Roller, that marked their first major commercial success outside Canada, earning a gold record in the U.S. By the time The Nature of the Beast dropped in 1981, April Wine had honed a three-guitar attack, with Goodwyn, Brian Greenway, and Gary Moffet delivering the powerful riffs that defined tracks like All Over Town. Their relentless touring, including a standout performance at the 1980 Monsters of Rock festival, solidified their reputation as one of Canada’s premier rock acts.

Fans can stay connected with April Wine through their official Facebook page, where they share updates on tours and releases, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos and throwbacks to their classic era. On X, the band engages with fans, often retweeting posts about their music’s enduring impact. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the fan-run April Wine Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where enthusiasts share memorabilia, concert stories, and rare photos. Another great resource is Citizen Freak, a fan site offering detailed discography info and collectible vinyl details, perfect for those wanting to explore the band’s legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, April Wine’s music and community keep the rock spirit alive.