I Like To Rock (Live 1980)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins "I Like To Rock (Live 1980)" by April Wine, recorded at the legendary Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington. This high-energy performance captures the band’s raw power, but it wasn’t their finest hour according to some. Critics noted that April Wine struggled to connect with the heavy metal crowd, with their set lacking the punch needed to win over the beer-fueled audience. Frontman Myles Goodwyn tried to rally the crowd by getting them to chant “I like to rock,” but when he teased playing the song only to move on, it fell flat, leaving some fans embarrassed for the band. Despite this, their live rendition of "I Like To Rock", clocking in at 3:58 on the "Castle Donnington: Monsters of Rock" vinyl, remains a compelling snapshot of their effort to hold their own among heavier acts like Rainbow and Judas Priest. The track, remixed by Myles Goodwyn and Mike Stone, showcases their attempt to channel the festival’s electric atmosphere, even if their melodic rock style didn’t fully mesh with the day’s vibe.

Another tidbit from that 1980 Donington show reveals April Wine’s bold choice to cover King Crimson’s "21st Century Schizoid Man." This rip-roaring rendition stood out as a highlight, earning praise for its intensity amidst an otherwise lackluster set. The band’s performance was part of a diverse lineup, which one reviewer called “compelling” yet mismatched for the NWOBHM-dominated crowd. While the "Castle Donington" album, featuring tracks from all the festival’s acts, is now a collector’s item, some fans on Amazon have pointed out its steep price, with one recalling snagging it for just $4.98 back in 1981. The "I Like To Rock" live cut, though, still resonates with diehards for its gritty charm, even if the band didn’t quite steal the show that day.

April Wine kicked off their journey in 1969 in Waverley, Nova Scotia, when brothers David and Ritchie Henman, along with their cousin Jim Henman and Myles Goodwyn, decided to form a band. Originally based in Halifax, they relocated to Montreal after signing with Aquarius Records in 1970. Their self-titled debut album dropped in 1971, but it was their second record, "On Record," that put them on the map with the hit single "You Could Have Been a Lady," peaking at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band’s early years were marked by lineup changes, with Jim Henman leaving in 1971 and the addition of members like Gary Moffet and Steve Lang over time. By the late 1970s, albums like "The Whole World’s Goin’ Crazy" and "Harder… Faster" (which included "I Like To Rock") solidified their reputation for blending hard rock with melodic hooks. Myles Goodwyn, the band’s creative force, led them through decades of touring and recording, earning them a spot in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

Despite their peak in the ‘70s and ‘80s, April Wine remains active, with their latest album, "Une Nuit à la Belle Époque," released in 2023. Myles Goodwyn’s passing in 2023 was a blow, but the band continues under new leadership. Fans can stay connected through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on tours and new music. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the April Wine Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where fans swap stories, photos, and memories. Websites like aprilwine.ws also offer a treasure trove of discographies, photos, and band history, keeping the legacy alive for longtime supporters and new listeners alike.